And he made a covering for the tent of rams' skins dyed red, and a covering of badgers' skins above that.

EXODUS 36:19KJV
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Exodus 36:19 (KJV)

What does Exodus 36:19 mean?

Exodus 36:19 describes how a special covering was made for the tent (the Tabernacle) using rams’ skins dyed red, with another covering made from badgers’ skins placed on top. This verse explains the outermost protective layers of the Tabernacle, showing the care and detail in its construction.

In this passage, skilled workers are building the Tabernacle as God instructed Moses. The verse highlights two distinct coverings: one of rams’ skins dyed red and another of badgers’ skins, which likely refers to a tough, weather-resistant animal hide. These coverings served both practical and symbolic purposes, protecting the sacred space inside.

The Hebrew behind Exodus 36:19

  • "Covering" (מִכְסֶה, mikseh): This word means a protective outer layer. Its use here emphasizes that these skins were not just decorative but served as a shield for the Tabernacle.
  • "Badgers’" (תַּחַשׁ, tachash): The exact animal meant by "tachash" is uncertain; it could refer to a sea cow, dolphin, or another durable animal. The point is that it was a strong, protective hide, suitable for the outermost layer.
  • "Above" (מִלְמָעְלָה, milma‘lah): This word means “over” or “on top,” clarifying that the badgers’ skins formed the very top layer, providing extra protection from the elements.

Why Exodus 36:19 matters

  • This verse clarifies that the Tabernacle was carefully protected from weather and wear, showing the value placed on preserving the holy space.
  • The mention of two distinct coverings highlights the attention to detail and obedience to God’s specific instructions in building the Tabernacle.
  • Understanding the materials used helps readers appreciate the practical and symbolic aspects of the Tabernacle’s design, connecting this verse to the broader theme of God’s dwelling among His people.

Where else these words appear

“red” Hebrew H119 · used in 10 verses

  • Exodus 25:5 And rams' skins dyed red, and badgers' skins, and shittim wood,
  • Exodus 35:23 And every man, with whom was found blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine linen, and goats' hair, and red skins of rams, and badgers' skins, brought them.
  • Isaiah 1:18 Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.

“covering” Hebrew H4372 · used in 12 verses

  • Genesis 8:13 And it came to pass in the six hundredth and first year, in the first month, the first day of the month, the waters were dried up from off the earth: and Noah removed the covering of the ark, and looked, and, behold, the face of the ground was dry.
  • Exodus 39:34 And the covering of rams' skins dyed red, and the covering of badgers' skins, and the vail of the covering,
  • Numbers 4:10 And they shall put it and all the vessels thereof within a covering of badgers' skins, and shall put it upon a bar.

“badgers'” Hebrew H8476 · used in 14 verses

  • Exodus 25:5 And rams' skins dyed red, and badgers' skins, and shittim wood,
  • Exodus 39:34 And the covering of rams' skins dyed red, and the covering of badgers' skins, and the vail of the covering,
  • Numbers 4:11 And upon the golden altar they shall spread a cloth of blue, and cover it with a covering of badgers' skins, and shall put to the staves thereof:

“skins” Hebrew H5785 · used in 82 verses

  • Genesis 3:21 Unto Adam also and to his wife did the LORD God make coats of skins, and clothed them.
  • Leviticus 13:18 The flesh also, in which, even in the skin thereof, was a boil, and is healed,
  • Leviticus 15:17 And every garment, and every skin, whereon is the seed of copulation, shall be washed with water, and be unclean until the even.