Exodus 25:5 - Printer Friendly

ESV: tanned rams ' skins, goatskins, acacia wood,

NIV: ram skins dyed red and another type of durable leather ; acacia wood;

NASB: rams’ skins dyed red, fine leather, acacia wood,

CSB: ram skins dyed red and fine leather; acacia wood;

NLT: tanned ram skins and fine goatskin leather; acacia wood;

KJV: And rams' skins dyed red, and badgers' skins, and shittim wood,

NKJV: ram skins dyed red, badger skins, and acacia wood;

The first sanctuary built for worship and sacrifice in Israel was the tabernacle. This was a portable temple. God asked the people to contribute the raw materials needed to make this structure (Exodus 25:1–2). The donations would become sacred objects of worship such as the ark of the covenant (Exodus 25:10–11) and the seven-branched lampstand (Exodus 25:31). Components would also be used to make the fabric walls of the tabernacle and its sacred spaces (Exodus 26). Prior verses mentioned precious metals (Exodus 25:3) and special fabrics (Exodus 25:4).

This verse calls for additional materials. Animal skins would be used as a soft covering. They would also include leather and thicker furs. The word tachash either means a special kind of leather or the animal that provides it. Translators differ on exactly what this is. Possibilities include various sea creatures, badgers, or simply "fine leather" in general. The ESV translates it as "goatskins."

The original Hebrew word for the trees mentioned here is shittim. The King James Version transliterates this word. Most other translations render it as "acacia." These are one of several species of hardwood trees common to the Middle East and northern Africa. The wood is durable, slightly water-resistant, and antibacterial. Even today, it is a popular choice in "exotic" woods. This is the only wood specified for the tabernacle's construction.

Exodus 25:1–9 establishes a collection for materials to make sacred objects. The Israelites are to offer precious gems, metals, cloth, building materials, and oils. Much of this probably came from Egyptians who begged their former slaves to leave (Exodus 3:21–22; 11:2–3; 12:33–36). Some may be spoils from the defeat of the Amalekites (Exodus 17:8, 13). The resources will be used to make a sanctuary for worship and sacrifice. This will be a "tabernacle:" a large tent. The design of each component is detailed and must be followed exactly.

Israelites are to contribute precious metals, cloth, oils, and other resources to create a sanctuary for worship and sacrifice. These will be used to form various sacred objects. Among these are the renowned ark of the covenant, a table for consecrated bread, and a lampstand with seven ornate lamps. These will be kept in the most sacred parts of the sanctuary. Upcoming chapters will focus on an elaborate tent which will serve as a portable temple (Exodus 26—28).

The Lord has given the foundations of His covenant to Israel (Exodus 20—23) and they have affirmed it (Exodus 24). Now God gives Moses detailed instructions for a system of worship. This begins with designs for a sacred container—the ark of the covenant—as well as a table and lampstand. These will be kept in the "tabernacle:" an ornate tent used as a portable temple for Israel (Exodus 26—28).

The book of Exodus establishes God's covenant relationship with the full-fledged nation of Israel. The descendants of Abraham prosper after settling in Egypt, only to be enslaved by a fearful, hateful Egyptian Pharaoh. God appoints Moses to lead the people out of this bondage. Moses serves as God's spokesman, as the Lord brings plagues and judgments on Egypt, leading to the release of Israel.