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Exodus 36:19 - Divine protection through sacred coverings

Exodus 36:19 - שמות 36:19

Hebrew Text

וַיַּעַשׂ מִכְסֶה לָאֹהֶל עֹרֹת אֵלִים מְאָדָּמִים וּמִכְסֵה עֹרֹת תְּחָשִׁים מִלְמָעְלָה׃

English Translation

And he made a covering for the tent of rams’ skins dyed red, and a covering of taĥash skins above that.

Transliteration

Vaya'as mikseh la'ohel orot elim me'adamim umichseh orot techashim milma'ala.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיַּ֤עַשׂ מִכְסֶה֙ לָאֹ֔הֶל עֹרֹ֥ת אֵילִ֖ם מְאׇדָּמִ֑ים וּמִכְסֵ֛ה עֹרֹ֥ת תְּחָשִׁ֖ים מִלְמָֽעְלָה׃ <span class="mam-spi-samekh">{ס}</span>        
וַיַּ֤עַשׂ מִכְסֶה֙ לָאֹ֔הֶל עֹרֹ֥ת אֵילִ֖ם מְאׇדָּמִ֑ים וּמִכְסֵ֛ה עֹרֹ֥ת תְּחָשִׁ֖ים מִלְמָֽעְלָה׃ {ס}        

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Parasha Commentary

The Coverings of the Mishkan

The verse (Shemot 36:19) describes two coverings for the Mishkan: the lower covering made of dyed ram skins and the upper covering made of tachash skins. These materials served both practical and symbolic purposes in the construction of the Tabernacle.

The Lower Covering: Ram Skins Dyed Red

Rashi explains that the ram skins were dyed red to beautify the Mishkan, as the red color enhanced their appearance. The Ramban adds that these skins came from the rams sacrificed during the consecration of the Kohanim (Shemot 29), symbolizing atonement and dedication to divine service. The red dye may also allude to the concept of mesirut nefesh (self-sacrifice), as red is associated with blood and life.

The Upper Covering: Tachash Skins

The identity of the tachash is debated among commentators. According to the Talmud (Shabbat 28a), it was a rare, multicolored animal that appeared specifically for the Mishkan’s construction and then vanished. The Midrash (Bamidbar Rabbah 12:4) describes its skin as radiant, symbolizing the divine presence that rested upon the Mishkan. The Rambam (Hilchot Kelei HaMikdash 8:11) notes that its uniqueness emphasized the sanctity of the Mishkan.

Symbolic Layers of Protection

  • Physical Protection: The two layers shielded the Mishkan from the elements, with the durable tachash skins providing an outer barrier.
  • Spiritual Symbolism: The ram skins (atonement) beneath the tachash (divine glory) reflect the idea that spiritual elevation is built upon repentance and sacrifice.
  • Beauty and Holiness: The vibrant colors and rare materials demonstrated that the Mishkan was a place of both physical splendor and transcendent holiness.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Shabbat 28a
The verse is referenced in a discussion about the materials used for the Tabernacle's covering, particularly the nature of the 'taĥash' skins.
📖 Yoma 72a
The verse is cited in a discussion about the different coverings of the Tabernacle and their symbolic significance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the significance of the coverings made from rams' skins and tachash skins for the Mishkan (Tabernacle)?
A: The coverings served as protection for the Mishkan. The outer covering of tachash skins (a rare, colorful animal) symbolized beauty and distinction, while the inner covering of dyed rams' skins represented atonement, as rams were often used in sacrifices (Rashi, Exodus 26:14; Midrash Tanchuma, Terumah 6).
Q: Why were the rams' skins dyed red?
A: The red dye symbolized both the blood of sacrifices (representing atonement) and the importance of giving with a full heart, as red is a vibrant, passionate color (Ramban, Exodus 25:5).
Q: What was the tachash animal, and why was its skin used?
A: The tachash was a rare, colorful animal that appeared specifically for the Mishkan's construction and then vanished (Talmud, Shabbat 28b). Its unique skin symbolized the temporary, miraculous nature of the Mishkan's construction (Rashi, Exodus 25:5).
Q: How do these coverings relate to us today?
A: Just as the Mishkan had layers of protection and beauty, we learn to surround our spiritual lives with both strength (like the durable skins) and beauty (like the vibrant colors), ensuring our devotion is both meaningful and protected (based on teachings from the Kli Yakar, Exodus 26:14).
Q: Why were there two layers of coverings for the Mishkan?
A: The two layers provided physical protection and spiritual symbolism: the rams' skins (atonement) were covered by the tachash skins (uniqueness and beauty), teaching that holiness requires both inner sincerity and outer distinction (Sforno, Exodus 26:14).