Exodus 25:5

And rams' skins dyed red, and badgers' skins, and shittim wood,

And rams {H352}' skins {H5785} dyed red {H119}, and badgers {H8476}' skins {H5785}, and shittim {H7848} wood {H6086},

tanned ram skins and fine leather; acacia-wood;

ram skins dyed red and fine leather; acacia wood;

and rams’ skins dyed red, and sealskins, and acacia wood,

Commentary

Context

Exodus 25:5 is part of a detailed set of divine instructions given to Moses on Mount Sinai concerning the construction of the Tabernacle. Following God's command for the Israelites to bring freewill offerings (Exodus 25:2) for this sacred dwelling place, this verse lists three specific raw materials: rams' skins dyed red, badgers' skins, and shittim wood. These were essential components for the Tabernacle's structure and coverings, highlighting God's meticulous blueprint for His sanctuary where He would dwell among His people (Exodus 25:8).

Key Themes

  • Divine Specification: The precise enumeration of materials underscores God's exact requirements for worship and His dwelling. Every detail was divinely ordained, emphasizing the importance of obedience in sacred matters.
  • Sacrifice and Atonement: The inclusion of "rams' skins dyed red" subtly points to the themes of blood sacrifice and purification, which were central to Israelite worship and foreshadowed ultimate atonement.
  • Durability and Divine Presence: The choice of resilient materials like acacia wood and tough animal skins ensured the Tabernacle's longevity and ability to withstand the harsh desert environment, symbolizing the enduring nature of God's presence with His people.

Linguistic and Material Insights

  • Rams' Skins Dyed Red: These skins formed one of the outer coverings of the Tabernacle. The vibrant red color held significant symbolic weight in ancient Israel, often associated with blood, sacrifice, and the life principle, pointing to the cleansing power of atonement.
  • Badgers' Skins: The Hebrew word translated as "badgers' skins" is tachash (תַּחַשׁ). The exact animal is debated among scholars; it could refer to a type of durable, fine leather, possibly from dugongs, seals, or other sea creatures, or even a specific kind of dyed leather. These skins formed the outermost, protective layer of the Tabernacle, providing essential weatherproofing and durability against the elements of the desert.
  • Shittim Wood: This refers to acacia wood, which was readily available in the Sinai wilderness. Acacia wood is renowned for its exceptional hardness, resistance to decay, and immunity to insect infestation. It was the primary structural material for the Tabernacle's framework, including the Ark of the Covenant, the Table of Showbread, and the altars. Its inherent strength and resilience made it ideal for supporting the sacred components of the Tabernacle.

Practical Application

Exodus 25:5 reminds us that God values both the spiritual and the practical aspects of our service. Just as diverse materials were needed for the Tabernacle, each with its unique properties, so too are our individual gifts and resources valuable in God's plan. We are called to offer our "best" – our time, talents, and treasures – to build up His spiritual dwelling place, which is the Church (1 Peter 2:5). This verse encourages us to consider the quality and durability of our contributions, ensuring that our service is not only offered willingly but also with careful attention to God's purposes, built to last and honor His holy name.

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Cross-References

  • Exodus 26:26 (2 votes)

    And thou shalt make bars [of] shittim wood; five for the boards of the one side of the tabernacle,

  • Exodus 26:37 (2 votes)

    And thou shalt make for the hanging five pillars [of] shittim [wood], and overlay them with gold, [and] their hooks [shall be of] gold: and thou shalt cast five sockets of brass for them.

  • Exodus 27:1 (2 votes)

    ¶ And thou shalt make an altar [of] shittim wood, five cubits long, and five cubits broad; the altar shall be foursquare: and the height thereof [shall be] three cubits.

  • Exodus 26:14 (2 votes)

    And thou shalt make a covering for the tent [of] rams' skins dyed red, and a covering above [of] badgers' skins.

  • Exodus 26:15 (2 votes)

    ¶ And thou shalt make boards for the tabernacle [of] shittim wood standing up.

  • Exodus 36:20 (2 votes)

    And he made boards for the tabernacle [of] shittim wood, standing up.