Read the Daily Bible Verse – Exodus 36:19 To Strengthen Your Spiritual Journey.
Exodus 36:19 is part of the detailed account of the construction of the Tabernacle, a sacred space that represented God‘s dwelling among His people during their journey through the wilderness. While the verse may initially seem like a minor detail in the broader narrative, it holds deep theological and spiritual insights. By examining its context, meaning, and application, we can glean lessons for our modern Christian life, as well as explore its connection with other biblical texts that further illuminate God’s will for His people.
In this article, we will explore the context of Exodus 36:19, its spiritual meaning, practical application in life, and compare it with other biblical texts. We will also discuss its modern-day relevance and provide a comprehensive commentary to enrich our understanding of this important verse. Through this examination, we will uncover deeper theological truths about God’s design for His people, His holiness, and the way He desires to dwell among us.
The Context of Exodus 36:19 KJV
Exodus 36 is part of the section in the book of Exodus where God’s commands to Moses regarding the construction of the Tabernacle are being implemented. After the Israelites were freed from slavery in Egypt, they were commanded by God to build the Tabernacle as a place where His presence could dwell among them. The Tabernacle was to be a portable and holy structure that would accompany the Israelites throughout their journey to the Promised Land.
In Exodus 36, the artisans and craftsmen appointed by Moses begin the work of creating the various parts of the Tabernacle according to the specifications given by God. These detailed instructions were meant to ensure that every part of the Tabernacle was constructed with care, precision, and reverence, as it was to house the very presence of God.
Exodus 36:19 reads:
“And he made a cover for the tent of rams’ skins dyed red, and a covering of badgers’ skins above that.”
At first glance, this verse may seem like a minor detail, describing the outer coverings of the Tabernacle. However, this seemingly mundane verse is rich with spiritual significance and provides us with a deeper understanding of God’s plan for His people and the sacredness of the Tabernacle.
The Tabernacle’s Structure and Function
Before diving into the specifics of Exodus 36:19, it is important to understand the structure and purpose of the Tabernacle. The Tabernacle was divided into three main sections: the outer court, the holy place, and the most holy place (or Holy of Holies). The outer covering, including the rams’ skins dyed red and the badgers’ skins, formed the external protection of the Tabernacle, ensuring that it was shielded from the elements and anything that might defile it.
The inner coverings were made of fine linen, blue, purple, and scarlet yarn, reflecting the beauty and holiness of God’s presence. These inner coverings, along with the Ark of the Covenant in the Most Holy Place, symbolized the direct presence of God among His people. The outer coverings, on the other hand, were designed for protection, reminding the Israelites that God’s presence, though holy and beautiful, was also to be approached with reverence and care.
The Exodus 36:19 Meaning
Exodus 36:19 speaks to the coverings that protected the Tabernacle, which symbolically represent God’s desire to shield and protect His people. The two types of coverings mentioned in the verse, rams’ skins dyed red and badgers’ skins, serve to illustrate different aspects of God’s relationship with His people and the holiness required to approach Him.
Rams’ Skins Dyed Red: Sacrifice and Redemption
The rams’ skins dyed red serve as a powerful symbol of sacrifice and redemption. In the Old Testament, the color red often represents blood, and blood was essential in the sacrificial system that God instituted to atone for the sins of His people. The red dye on the rams’ skins could point to the future sacrificial work of Jesus Christ, whose blood was shed for the redemption of humanity.
In Leviticus 16, the Day of Atonement involved the sacrifice of animals, and their blood was sprinkled to cleanse the people of Israel from sin. Similarly, the red-dyed rams’ skins can be understood as a reminder that the Tabernacle was a place where sacrifices would be offered to God, and through these sacrifices, the people could approach God in purity and holiness.
Badgers’ Skins: Protection and Holiness
The badgers’ skins, mentioned as the outermost covering, symbolize protection and the holiness required to approach God’s presence. The use of animal skins as a covering highlights the need for separation between the holy presence of God and the impurity of the world. Badgers were likely chosen because their skins were durable and waterproof, symbolizing God’s ability to protect His people from the outside world, sin, and danger.
The outer covering, made of badgers’ skins, is a metaphor for the way God protects His people from external threats while maintaining the sanctity of His holy dwelling place. Just as the Tabernacle was carefully constructed to prevent contamination from the outside, God’s people are called to live in holiness, separate from the world, and protected by His divine grace.
The Tabernacle as a Symbol of God’s Presence
The coverings, including the rams’ skins and badgers’ skins, reflect the broader theme of God’s presence among His people. The Tabernacle was the place where God’s glory dwelt in the midst of the Israelites, and the protective coverings served to remind the people that God’s holiness must be shielded from anything impure. The Tabernacle’s structure and materials point to the fact that God is both approachable and transcendent—He is near to His people, but also holy and separate from sin.
Exodus 36:19 Application in Life
Though Exodus 36:19 describes the physical coverings of the Tabernacle, there are many practical applications for modern Christians. The themes of sacrifice, protection, holiness, and reverence are just as relevant today as they were for the Israelites in the wilderness.
1. The Call to Holiness
Exodus 36:19 underscores the importance of holiness in the life of the believer. Just as the Tabernacle was constructed with great care and attention to detail to maintain its sanctity, Christians are called to live lives of holiness. The protective coverings of the Tabernacle point to the need for believers to separate themselves from the world and its impurities, embracing the holiness that God calls us to. In 1 Peter 1:16, we are reminded, “Be holy, for I am holy.”
The Christian life should be characterized by purity, dedication, and reverence for God’s presence. The Tabernacle serves as a model for how we, as the temple of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19), should care for our own lives and maintain a posture of holiness in all things.
2. Embracing the Work of Christ
The rams’ skins dyed red point forward to the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, whose blood was shed for the forgiveness of sins. Christians today are reminded to embrace the grace and redemption made available through Christ’s sacrifice. Just as the Tabernacle was a place of atonement through animal sacrifices, Jesus is our perfect sacrifice, offering atonement once and for all (Hebrews 10:10).
The red-dyed rams’ skins remind us of the depth of God’s love for His people. Christ’s sacrifice provides the means for believers to approach God’s presence with confidence, knowing that our sins are forgiven and our guilt is washed away by His blood.
3. Seeking God’s Protection
The badgers’ skins symbolize God’s protection over His people. In a world filled with spiritual and physical dangers, Christians can take comfort in the fact that God’s presence shields us from harm. The badgers’ skins serve as a metaphor for God’s care, protection, and provision in our lives. In Psalm 91:4, we read, “He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge.”
In times of trouble, Christians can trust that God is their refuge and fortress, offering protection from the storms of life. Just as the Tabernacle was shielded from the outside elements, God’s people are shielded by His love and grace.
Comparison with Other Biblical Texts
To gain a deeper understanding of Exodus 36:19, it is helpful to compare this verse with other biblical texts that discuss themes of sacrifice, holiness, and protection.
1 Peter 2:5 (KJV)
“Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ.”
This verse connects the idea of a physical house (the Tabernacle) with the spiritual house that is the Church. Just as the Tabernacle was a place of sacrifice and worship, the Church today is a spiritual house where sacrifices of praise and worship are offered to God. This reinforces the message of holiness and reverence found in Exodus 36:19.
Hebrews 9:11-12 (KJV)
“But Christ being come an high priest of good things to come, by a greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made with hands, that is to say, not of this building; Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood he entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us.”
The writer of Hebrews draws a parallel between the earthly Tabernacle and the heavenly reality in Christ. Just as the Tabernacle was a place for sacrifice, Christ entered into the heavenly Tabernacle and offered Himself as the ultimate sacrifice. This comparison highlights the importance of the blood shed in the sacrifice, which ties directly into the red-dyed rams’ skins in Exodus 36:19.
Modern-Day Relevance
In our modern context, Exodus 36:19 speaks to the need for reverence, holiness, and protection in the Christian life. The Tabernacle, as a symbol of God’s dwelling place, points to the fact that God desires to live among His people. This is especially relevant in the New Covenant, where God dwells not in a physical structure but in the hearts of believers.
In a world that often devalues holiness and disregards God’s commands, the Tabernacle’s coverings serve as a reminder that God’s presence is precious and must be treated with the utmost care and respect. The application of holiness, reverence, and sacrifice is more vital than ever in a society that is increasingly secular and indifferent to spiritual matters.
Conclusion
Exodus 36:19 may appear as a minor detail in the construction of the Tabernacle, but it holds profound theological and spiritual significance. Through the symbolism of the rams’ skins dyed red and the badgers’ skins, God is teaching us about sacrifice, holiness, and protection. These themes are as relevant today as they were for the Israelites in the wilderness.
As Christians, we are called to live lives of holiness, embracing the sacrifice of Christ and seeking God’s protection in all things. Just as the Tabernacle was a place where God’s presence dwelt among His people, so too are we the temple of the Holy Spirit, called to reflect His glory in the world. By understanding and applying the lessons of Exodus 36:19, we can live in a way that honors God and reflects His holiness to those around us.
Exodus 36:19 Commentary
Exodus 36:19, though brief, provides valuable insights into God’s character and His plan for His people. The red-dyed rams’ skins and badgers’ skins both serve as metaphors for the sacredness of God’s presence and the way His people should approach Him—through sacrifice, holiness, and protection. These coverings not only ensured the safety of the Tabernacle but also symbolized the larger themes of redemption, purity, and divine care.
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