Exodus 35:7

Exodus 35:7 is part of Moses' detailed instructions to the Israelite community regarding the voluntary offerings required for the construction of the Tabernacle, the portable sanctuary where God's presence would dwell among His people. This verse specifically lists three crucial raw materials: "rams' skins dyed red, and badgers' skins, and shittim wood."

Context

Following God's explicit commands given to Moses on Mount Sinai (as detailed from Exodus 25 onwards), Moses reiterates the call for freewill offerings from the people. Exodus 35:5 sets the stage, inviting all "of a willing heart" to bring their contributions. Verse 7, along with other verses in this chapter (Exodus 35:6-9), enumerates the specific high-quality materials needed for the Tabernacle's structure, coverings, furnishings, and priestly garments. This collective effort underscored the community's participation in establishing God's dwelling place among them, signifying their commitment and obedience.

Key Themes

• Divine Specificity and Holiness: Every material listed, down to the type of wood and animal skin, was divinely ordained. This highlights God's meticulous attention to detail for His holy dwelling, emphasizing that His presence demands purity and precision.
• Willing Contribution: The context of freewill offerings (Exodus 35:5) underscores the importance of generosity and a willing spirit in contributing to God's work. The Israelites were invited to give what they possessed for a sacred purpose.
• Durability and Protection: The materials mentioned, particularly the skins and wood, were chosen for their resilience, crucial for a desert sanctuary that would endure travel and harsh conditions. They symbolize the enduring nature of God's covenant and His protective presence.

Linguistic Insights

• Rams' skins dyed red: The Hebrew phrase for "rams' skins dyed red" (עֹרֹת אֵילִם מְאָדָּמִים, 'orot 'eilim m'addamim) clearly indicates skins that have undergone a dyeing process to achieve a reddish hue. These skins likely formed one of the inner coverings of the Tabernacle, adding both beauty and protection.
• Badgers' skins: The Hebrew word is תַּחַשׁ (tachash). The exact animal referred to is debated among scholars, with suggestions ranging from badgers, dugongs (sea cows), or even a specific type of durable, fine leather. Regardless of the precise animal, these skins were used for the outermost, most durable covering of the Tabernacle, providing essential waterproofing and protection from the elements, signifying strength and resilience.
• Shittim wood: The Hebrew word is שִׁטִּים (shittim), which refers to acacia wood. This wood was readily available in the Sinai desert and was highly valued for its hardness, durability, and resistance to decay and insects. It was the primary wood used for the Tabernacle's framework, the Ark of the Covenant (Exodus 25:10), the Table of Showbread, and the altars, forming the core structural elements of the holy sanctuary. Its enduring nature made it suitable for the symbol of God's eternal covenant.

Practical Application

Exodus 35:7 reminds us that God desires not just our service, but our willing contributions, both material and spiritual, for the advancement of His kingdom. The specific and durable nature of these materials can inspire us to offer our best to God—our talents, resources, and time—ensuring that our contributions are of lasting value and built on a strong foundation. Just as the Tabernacle was a physical representation of God's presence among His people (Exodus 25:8), believers today are called to be living temples of the Holy Spirit, offering ourselves as holy and acceptable sacrifices (Romans 12:1).