Topical Bible: Tabernacle: The Outer Covering

◄ Tabernacle: The Outer Covering ►

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The Tabernacle, as described in the Old Testament, served as the portable earthly dwelling place of God among the Israelites during their journey through the wilderness. The construction and design of the Tabernacle were divinely revealed to Moses on Mount Sinai, as recorded in the Book of Exodus. The outer covering of the Tabernacle was a crucial component, providing protection and signifying the sacredness of the structure.

Materials and Design

The outer covering of the Tabernacle consisted of multiple layers, each with specific materials and purposes. The innermost layer was made of fine linen, embroidered with cherubim in blue, purple, and scarlet yarn (Exodus 26:1). This layer symbolized the heavenly realm and the presence of God, as cherubim are often associated with divine protection and holiness.

The second layer was made of goat hair, forming a tent over the Tabernacle (Exodus 26:7). This layer was practical, providing insulation and protection from the elements. Goat hair was a common material in the ancient Near East for making tents, known for its durability and weather resistance.

The third layer was crafted from ram skins dyed red (Exodus 26:14). The red dye likely symbolized sacrifice and atonement, pointing to the sacrificial system that would be central to Israelite worship. The use of ram skins also added an additional layer of protection and durability.

The outermost layer was made of durable leather, often translated as "sea cow hides" or "badger skins" (Exodus 26:14). This final covering provided the Tabernacle with a waterproof and weather-resistant exterior, ensuring the sacred space remained protected from rain and harsh environmental conditions.

Symbolism and Significance

The outer covering of the Tabernacle was not merely functional but also rich in symbolism. Each layer represented different aspects of God's relationship with His people. The fine linen with cherubim pointed to the holiness and heavenly nature of God's presence. The goat hair and ram skins highlighted themes of sacrifice, atonement, and the covenant relationship between God and Israel.

The progression from the innermost to the outermost layers can be seen as a movement from the divine to the earthly, illustrating how God's presence was made accessible to His people while still maintaining a separation due to His holiness. The outer covering served as a reminder of the need for purity and reverence when approaching God.

Biblical References

The detailed instructions for the construction of the Tabernacle, including its outer covering, are found primarily in the Book of Exodus, chapters 25 through 40. Key passages include:

· Exodus 26:1 : "You are to construct the Tabernacle itself with ten curtains of finely spun linen, with blue, purple, and scarlet yarn, with cherubim skillfully worked into them."
· Exodus 26:7 : "You are to make curtains of goat hair for the tent over the Tabernacle—eleven curtains in all."
· Exodus 26:14 : "Also make for the tent a covering of ram skins dyed red, and over that a covering of fine leather."

These passages highlight the meticulous care and divine instruction involved in the creation of the Tabernacle's outer covering, underscoring its importance in the worship and spiritual life of the Israelites.

Nave's Topical Index

Exodus 25:5
And rams' skins dyed red, and badgers' skins, and shittim wood,
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Exodus 26:7-14
And you shall make curtains of goats' hair to be a covering on the tabernacle: eleven curtains shall you make.
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Exodus 36:14-19
And he made curtains of goats' hair for the tent over the tabernacle: eleven curtains he made them.
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Library

Whether Sufficient Reason Can be Assigned for the Ceremonies ...
... ark, by the rod, and, in the outer tabernacle, by the ... tabernacle; and the roof of
the tabernacle was covered ... and over this there was another covering of rams ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether sufficient reason can be.htm

Scriptural Types.
... The inner or proper covering of the tabernacle, as also ... twined linen, and blue, and
purple, and scarlet, with cherubim of cunning work." The outer vail, at ...
/.../barrows/companion to the bible/chapter xxxvii scriptural types.htm

The Rent Veil
... human hands could have torn that sacred covering; and it ... its sacred shrine, and left
its bodily tabernacle as a ... stood within the veil; and on the outer side of ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 34 1888/the rent veil.htm

Travel. A Personal Experience.
... dome is 225 feet high, the outer, from the ... street to the north is the tabernacle
of Whitefield ... and the present imposing structure was built, covering eight acres ...
/.../ix travel a personal experience.htm

The Death of the Blessed virgin Mary at Ephesus
... served as pillow, and there was a covering of brownish ... at the ribbon or strap which
turned the tabernacle in the ... she was living in one of the outer buildings. ...
/.../emmerich/the life of the blessed virgin mary/xviii the death of the.htm

Sharing Christ's Life
... over all blessed for ever, descending to tabernacle among men ... That is only covering
them up fairly with a ... his own person cast into the "outer darkness." Because ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 60 1914/sharing christs life.htm

The Doctrine of Jesus Christ.
... The mercy-seat covering the ark of the covenant was called ... law, the laws of clean
and unclean, the tabernacle and the temple with its outer court, its holy ...
/.../evans/the great doctrines of the bible/the doctrine of jesus christ.htm

The Preacher as a Man of God.
... of his own call; that of Ezekiel covering nearly three ... career; from the chamber of
the tabernacle, with its ... It is this: that the outer must be preceded by the ...
/.../stalker/the preacher and his models/lecture ii the preacher as.htm

The Destruction of Jerusalem.
... dwelling-place: "In Salem also is His tabernacle, and His ... not take time to return
for the outer garment laid ... their belts and sandals and the covering of their ...
/.../1 the destruction of jerusalem.htm

The Destruction of Jerusalem
... dwelling place: "In Salem also is His tabernacle, and His ... not take time to return
for the outer garment laid ... their belts and sandals and the covering of their ...
/.../white/the great controversy/chapter 1 the destruction of.htm