And you shall make for the tent a covering of tanned rams’ skins and a covering of goatskins on top.
English Standard Version (ESV)
While we might think of this as just another layer for weather protection, notice that this layer, made of tanned rams' skins dyed red, was placed beneath the final covering of goatskins. This suggests that the "beauty" or "costliness" often associated with red and fine materials was intentionally hidden, pointing to an inner reality that was veiled from outward view.
And you shall make for the tent a covering of tanned rams’ skins and a covering of goatskins on top.
English Standard Version (ESV)
After detailing the beautiful inner curtains and the sturdy frame of the Tabernacle, Moses is instructed to add layers of protection for the dwelling. This verse describes the third and fourth outer coverings: one made of dyed rams' skins, and an outermost layer of goatskins. These materials were likely tougher and more durable, intended to shield the precious structure from the elements like sun, sand, and any potential rain in the desert.
Imagine the harsh desert sun beating down, or sudden, fierce rains. The Tabernacle needed serious protection. What materials were used, and why?
The Tabernacle wasn't just pretty on the inside; its outer coverings were built for resilience.
While the rams' and goatskins protected from sun and rain, the Tabernacle's design pointed to deeper truths. What else did these layers signify?
The Tabernacle’s coverings were more than just physical barriers. They symbolized God's presence and provision for His people.
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Understand the original words
or · Hebrew Noun
Material made from the skin of an animal, used here as a protective covering for the tabernacle. It symbolizes the substitutionary protection provided for the sanctuary against external harsh environments.
This passage describes God adorning the nation of Israel, using imagery that echoes the precious materials and fine craftsmanship of the Tabernacle, suggesting that the coverings protect and beautify God's dwelling place, just as His presence protects and beautifies His people.
Isaiah 4:5This prophecy speaks of God's protective presence over His people, describing a 'cloud by day and a flaming fire by night' as a covering, similar to how the layers of skins protected the Tabernacle from the elements, symbolizing God's constant shelter.
John 1:14The Word became flesh and 'dwelt among us'—Jesus is the ultimate Tabernacle. The layers of coverings protecting the earthly Tabernacle can be seen as foreshadowing the divine nature veiled by human flesh in Christ.
Hebrews 9:11-12This passage explains Jesus as the high priest of the 'greater and more perfect tent,' which is not of this creation. The elaborate coverings of the earthly Tabernacle served as a shadow pointing to the greater reality of Christ's atoning work and His heavenly sanctuary.
1 Corinthians 3:16The Apostle Paul calls believers the 'temple of God' and states that God's Spirit dwells within them. This extends the concept of God's dwelling from a physical tent to His spiritual dwelling in His people, who are protected and consecrated by His presence.
clarkeExodus 26:14: "And thou shalt make a covering for the tent of rams' skins dyed red, and a covering above of badgers' skins."
Rams' skins dyed red - See Clarke's note on Exodus 25:5 . This was the third covering; and what is called the badgers' skins was the fourth. See Clarke's note on Exodus 25:5 . Why there should have been four coverings does not appear. They might have been designed partly for respect; and partly to keep off dust and dirt, and the extremely fine sand which in that desert ri…
calvinExodus 26:1-37: "Moreover thou shalt make the tabernacle with ten curtains of fine twined linen, and blue, and purple, and scarlet: with cherubims of cunning work shalt thou make them."
And thou shalt make loops of blue upon the edge of the one curtain from the selvedge in the coupling; and likewise shalt thou make in the uttermost edge of another curtain, in the coupling of the second.
Facies quoque, laqueolos hya cinthinos in ora cortinae unius in extremo in conjunetione: et sic facies…
While we might think of this as just another layer for weather protection, notice that this layer, made of tanned rams' skins dyed red, was placed beneath the final covering of goatskins. This suggests that the "beauty" or "costliness" often associated with red and fine materials was intentionally hidden, pointing to an inner reality that was veiled from outward view.
After detailing the beautiful inner curtains and the sturdy frame of the Tabernacle, Moses is instructed to add layers of protection for the dwelling. This verse describes the third and fourth outer coverings: one made of dyed rams' skins, and an outermost layer of goatskins. These materials were likely tougher and more durable, intended to shield the precious structure from the elements like sun, sand, and any potential rain in the desert.
After detailing the beautiful inner curtains and the sturdy frame of the Tabernacle, Moses is instructed to add layers of protection for the dwelling. This verse describes the third and fourth outer coverings: one made of dyed rams' skins, and an outermost layer of goatskins. These materials were likely tougher and more durable, intended to shield the precious structure from the elements like sun, sand, and any potential rain in the desert.
"And you shall make for the tent a covering of tanned rams’ skins and a covering of goatskins on top." — While we might think of this as just another layer for weather protection, notice that this layer, made of tanned rams' skins dyed red, was placed beneath the final covering of goatskins. This sugg…
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Last reviewed October 2026