Exodus 35:7
ram skins dyed red and fine leather; acacia wood;
and ram skins dyed red
The phrase "ram skins dyed red" refers to a specific type of covering used in the construction of the Tabernacle. The Hebrew word for "ram" is "אַיִל" (ayil), which signifies strength and leadership, often associated with sacrifice. The dyeing of these skins red symbolizes the blood of sacrifice, pointing forward to the ultimate sacrifice of Christ. Historically, the use of ram skins would have been a costly and labor-intensive process, indicating the value and dedication required in worship. The red dye likely came from natural sources available in the region, such as the murex snail or certain plants, emphasizing the use of God's creation in His worship.

and fine leather
The term "fine leather" is translated from the Hebrew "תְּחָשִׁים" (tachashim), which has been a subject of debate among scholars. Some suggest it refers to a type of durable leather, possibly from a sea creature or a unique animal known to the Israelites. This material was used for the outermost covering of the Tabernacle, providing protection and durability. Theologically, it represents the protective covering of God's presence, shielding His people from the elements and symbolizing His care and provision.

and acacia wood
"Acacia wood" comes from the Hebrew "שִׁטִּים" (shittim), a type of wood known for its durability and resistance to decay, making it ideal for the construction of the Tabernacle's framework and furnishings. Acacia trees were common in the Sinai region, and their use signifies the practical and resourceful nature of God's instructions. Spiritually, acacia wood represents incorruptibility and endurance, qualities that reflect the eternal nature of God's covenant with His people. The use of this wood in sacred objects points to the enduring and unchanging nature of God's promises and His presence among His people.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Moses
The leader of the Israelites, who is conveying God's instructions for the construction of the Tabernacle.

2. Israelites
The people of God, recently freed from Egyptian bondage, who are called to contribute materials for the Tabernacle.

3. Tabernacle
The portable sanctuary that God commanded the Israelites to build, serving as a place of worship and God's dwelling among His people.

4. Ram Skins Dyed Red
A specific material required for the Tabernacle, symbolizing sacrifice and atonement.

5. Acacia Wood
A durable and resistant wood used in the construction of the Tabernacle, symbolizing strength and endurance.
Teaching Points
Obedience to God's Instructions
The detailed requirements for the Tabernacle remind us of the importance of following God's commands precisely.

Symbolism of Materials
Each material used in the Tabernacle has symbolic meaning, pointing to deeper spiritual truths and foreshadowing Christ's work.

Community Contribution
The Israelites' collective effort in providing materials teaches the value of community involvement in God's work.

God's Presence
The construction of the Tabernacle emphasizes God's desire to dwell among His people, a truth that continues through the Holy Spirit today.

Sacrificial Living
The use of ram skins dyed red can remind us of the call to live sacrificially, following Christ's example.
Bible Study Questions
1. What does the specific mention of materials like "ram skins dyed red" and "acacia wood" teach us about the nature of worship and sacrifice?

2. How can the Israelites' willingness to contribute to the Tabernacle inspire us in our giving and service to the church today?

3. In what ways does the construction of the Tabernacle foreshadow the coming of Christ and His work of redemption?

4. How does understanding the symbolism of the Tabernacle materials enhance our appreciation of God's detailed plan for salvation?

5. Reflecting on 1 Corinthians 3:16, how can we ensure that our lives are a fitting dwelling place for God's Spirit, similar to the Tabernacle's purpose?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Exodus 25:5
This verse also lists materials for the Tabernacle, showing consistency in God's instructions and the importance of obedience.

Hebrews 9:11-12
Connects the Tabernacle to Christ's ultimate sacrifice, highlighting the foreshadowing of the Old Testament sacrificial system.

1 Corinthians 3:16
Relates to the concept of God dwelling among His people, now through the Holy Spirit in believers, paralleling the Tabernacle's purpose.
The New StartJ. Orr
People
Aaron, Ahisamach, Aholiab, Bezaleel, Dan, Hur, Israelites, Moses, Shoham, Uri
Places
Sinai
Topics
Acacia, Acacia-wood, Badgers, Coloured, Cow, Cows, Dyed, Goatskins, Hides, Leather, Porpoise, Rams, Red, Sealskins, Sheepskins, Shittim, Skins, Tanned, Wood
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Exodus 35:7

     4681   ram
     5301   dyeing

Exodus 35:4-7

     4552   wood

Exodus 35:4-9

     4312   bronze

Exodus 35:5-9

     5399   luxury

Library
An Old Subscription List
'And they came, every one whose heart stirred him up, and every one whom his spirit made willing, and they brought the Lord's offering to the work....' --EXODUS xxxv. 21. This is the beginning of the catalogue of contributions towards the erection of the Tabernacle in the wilderness. It emphasises the purely spontaneous and voluntary character of the gifts. There was plenty of compulsory work, of statutory contribution, in the Old Testament system of worship. Sacrifices and tithes and other things
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

Appendix xvii. The Ordinances and Law of the Sabbath as Laid Down in the Mishnah and the Jerusalem Talmud.
The terribly exaggerated views of the Rabbis, and their endless, burdensome rules about the Sabbath may best be learned from a brief analysis of the Mishnah, as further explained and enlarged in the Jerusalem Talmud. [6476] For this purpose a brief analysis of what is, confessedly, one of the most difficult tractates may here be given. The Mishnic tractate Sabbath stands at the head of twelve tractates which together from the second of the six sections into which the Mishnah is divided, and which
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah

Gifts and Talents.
"And the Spirit of the Lord came upon him."--Judges iii. 10. We now consider the Holy Spirit's work in bestowing gifts, talents, and abilities upon artisans and professional men. Scripture declares that the special animation and qualification of persons for work assigned to them by God proceed from the Holy Spirit. The construction of the tabernacle required capable workmen, skilful carpenters, goldsmiths, and silversmiths, and masters in the arts of weaving and embroidering. Who will furnish Moses
Abraham Kuyper—The Work of the Holy Spirit

Early Battles
Six months of joyous service amongst the Welsh miners was cut short by a telegram announcing to the sisters the serious illness of Mrs. Lee. Taking the news to their Divisional Commander, they were instructed to Headquarters. It was found that the illness was due to shock. The income from investments of the little estate left by Mr. Lee had dwindled; it now had disappeared altogether. Captain Lucy faced the matter with her usual practical decision. 'Mother, darling, there are two ways out. Either
Minnie L. Carpenter—The Angel Adjutant of "Twice Born Men"

Exodus
The book of Exodus--so named in the Greek version from the march of Israel out of Egypt--opens upon a scene of oppression very different from the prosperity and triumph in which Genesis had closed. Israel is being cruelly crushed by the new dynasty which has arisen in Egypt (i.) and the story of the book is the story of her redemption. Ultimately it is Israel's God that is her redeemer, but He operates largely by human means; and the first step is the preparation of a deliverer, Moses, whose parentage,
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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