Exodus 39:34 – “The covering of ram skins dyed red and the covering of another durable leather and the shielding curtain.”

Extended Explanation

Exodus 39:34 details specific components of the Tabernacle’s construction, particularly focusing on the coverings and the shielding curtain. These coverings were vital for the Tabernacle’s structure, offering protection and maintaining the sacredness of the space where God would meet with His people.

The verse mentions two types of coverings: one made of ram skins dyed red and another of a more durable leather. The red-dyed ram skins would have been visually striking, symbolizing sacrifice and atonement, central themes in the worship of God as the Israelites understood it. The durable leather, often thought to be sourced from a type of sea animal, provided additional protection, signifying the need to safeguard the holiness of God’s dwelling place.

The shielding curtain, also mentioned in the verse, was an important element within the Tabernacle. This curtain separated the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place, where the Ark of the Covenant was kept. It represented the barrier between God and humanity, a reminder of the holiness of God and the separation that sin had caused.

Historical Context

The Israelites were in the wilderness after their exodus from Egypt when God gave Moses detailed instructions for building the Tabernacle. The Tabernacle was a portable sanctuary that traveled with the Israelites as they moved toward the Promised Land. The construction of the Tabernacle was a community effort, with various materials and skilled laborers coming together to create a space where God’s presence could dwell among His people.

The coverings mentioned in Exodus 39:34 were crucial for protecting the Tabernacle’s interior from the elements and for maintaining the sanctity of the sacred space. The use of specific materials, such as ram skins dyed red and durable leather, reflects the care and intentionality in following God’s instructions. The shielding curtain, which separated the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place, was a critical component in maintaining the reverence and sanctity required in the worship of God.

Theological Implications

Theologically, Exodus 39:34 highlights the importance of protection and separation in the worship of God. The coverings and the shielding curtain symbolize the need to safeguard the holiness of God’s dwelling place. The red-dyed ram skins, in particular, point to the theme of sacrifice and atonement, reminding the Israelites that approaching God required a covering for their sins.

The shielding curtain also represents the separation between God and humanity due to sin. This barrier was a constant reminder of the holiness of God and the need for purity in approaching Him. Theologically, it foreshadows the ultimate removal of this barrier through the sacrificial death of Jesus Christ, who tore the curtain and made a way for all people to enter into God’s presence.

Literary Analysis

Exodus 39:34 is part of a detailed narrative that describes the construction of the Tabernacle. The verse lists specific materials and components, emphasizing the practical and symbolic importance of each. The mention of the coverings and the shielding curtain underscores the themes of protection, separation, and sanctity that are central to the Tabernacle’s design.

The verse is structured to highlight the completeness of the Tabernacle’s construction, with each part playing a vital role in the overall purpose of creating a sacred space for God’s presence. The choice of materials, such as the red-dyed ram skins and durable leather, adds a visual and symbolic richness to the text, reflecting the care with which the Tabernacle was constructed.

Relevant Biblical Cross-References

• Exodus 26:14: “Make for the tent a covering of ram skins dyed red, and over that a covering of the other durable leather.” This verse gives the original command for the coverings, emphasizing their importance in the construction of the Tabernacle.
• Hebrews 9:3: “Behind the second curtain was a room called the Most Holy Place.” This New Testament reference highlights the significance of the shielding curtain in separating the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place.
• Matthew 27:51: “At that moment the curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. The earth shook, the rocks split.” This verse describes the tearing of the temple curtain at Jesus’ death, symbolizing the removal of the barrier between God and humanity.

What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian

For today’s Christian, Exodus 39:34 serves as a reminder of the importance of reverence and protection in our approach to God. Just as the coverings protected the Tabernacle and the shielding curtain maintained the separation between the Holy and Most Holy places, we are called to approach God with respect and a deep awareness of His holiness.

This verse also challenges us to consider how we protect and honor the sacred spaces in our lives, whether that’s in our physical places of worship or in our spiritual lives. The use of specific coverings and the shielding curtain in the Tabernacle reminds us that approaching God requires intentionality, preparation, and a recognition of the sacredness of His presence.

How This Verse Relates to a Loving God

This verse reflects God’s love in His desire to dwell among His people while also protecting them from the full weight of His holiness. By instructing the Israelites to use specific materials for the coverings and to include a shielding curtain, God was making a way for His people to approach Him safely. These elements of the Tabernacle served as protective barriers, ensuring that the Israelites could experience God’s presence without being overwhelmed by His holiness.

God’s love is also evident in the way He provides for our spiritual protection. The coverings and the curtain remind us that God cares deeply about the sanctity of our relationship with Him and has provided ways to protect and sustain that relationship.

How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ

The coverings and the shielding curtain in the Tabernacle point forward to Jesus Christ, who is the ultimate fulfillment of these protective and separating elements. Just as the coverings protected the Tabernacle and the curtain separated the Most Holy Place, Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross provided the ultimate covering for our sins and removed the barrier between God and humanity.

The tearing of the temple curtain at the moment of Jesus’ death (Matthew 27:51) symbolizes the end of the separation between God and humanity. Through Jesus, we have direct access to God, no longer needing a physical barrier to protect us from His holiness. This verse, therefore, points to the profound impact of Jesus’ sacrifice and the new relationship we can have with God because of it.

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

1. How does the use of specific coverings and the shielding curtain in the Tabernacle inspire you to approach God with reverence and respect?
2. In what ways can you protect the sacred spaces in your life, both physically and spiritually, to honor God’s presence?
3. How does recognizing Jesus as the ultimate fulfillment of the Tabernacle’s coverings and curtain deepen your appreciation for His sacrifice on the cross?
4. What steps can you take to ensure that your approach to God is marked by intentionality, preparation, and a recognition of His holiness?
5. How can you incorporate the themes of protection and reverence in your daily walk with God, ensuring that your relationship with Him is safeguarded and honored?

This exploration of Exodus 39:34 encourages believers to reflect on the importance of reverence, protection, and the sacredness of their relationship with God, all of which are exemplified and fulfilled in Jesus Christ, our ultimate covering and High Priest.