Exodus 35:7

And rammes skinnes died red, & badgers skinnes, and Shittim wood, Exodus 35:7 (KJV)

The book of Exodus recounts the story of the Israelites’ liberation from slavery in Egypt, led by Moses under the guidance of God. After their deliverance, God called Moses up to Mount Sinai and gave him the Ten Commandments and various laws for the people. Among these laws were instructions for building the Tabernacle, a place of worship and the center of Israelite religious life during their wilderness sojourn. The Tabernacle was a sacred tent consisting of two main sections—the Holy Place and the Most Holy Place (also known as the Holy of Holies). It was to be constructed with specific materials and dimensions as specified by God.

In Exodus 35:7, the King James Version states: “And the rams’ skins dyed red, and the badgers’ skins, and the shittim wood.” The verse also records contributions such as drams and shittim wood for the work of the service in the sanctuary. In the King James Version, “dram” is a unit of weight (approximately 3.887 g). It is used in the biblical text to describe the weight of gold and other metals (e.g., Exodus 39:12). Shittim wood, also known as acacia wood, was a type of wood highly valued for its durability and resistance to decay. God instructed the Israelites to use shittim wood in various aspects of constructing the Tabernacle, including the framework, the Ark of the Covenant, the table, and the altars.

Symbolism: The Tabernacle and its construction held significant spiritual and symbolic meanings for the Israelites. The materials used, including the rams’ skins dyed red, badgers’ skins, and the gold measured in drams, highlighted the importance of offering the best to God and adorning His sanctuary with excellence.

Application: Giving our best to God—just as the Israelites were called to offer their finest materials and craftsmanship for the Tabernacle, we are reminded to give our best to God in all aspects of our lives—our time, talents, resources, and worship. The significance of God’s dwelling place—the Tabernacle was a physical representation of God dwelling among His people. In the New Testament, believers are described as the temple of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19); our bodies are now the dwelling place of God, and we should honor Him with our bodies and lives. Value in craftsmanship and skill—God gifted various people with craftsmanship and skill to contribute to the building of the Tabernacle. Similarly, we are each uniquely gifted by God, and we should use our talents to serve Him and others.

Overall, Exodus 35:7 and the surrounding context emphasize the importance of reverence, giving our best to God, and recognizing that He desires to dwell among His people. It serves as a reminder for us to devote our lives and offerings to God with a willing and obedient heart.