THE COVERINGS.
Exo_25:1-5; Exo_26:1-14.
The coverings of the Tabernacle were four in number, each one different from the other, and may represent four different views or aspects of the character and work of Him whose name is Wonderful, just as we have in the Gospels four independent records of the one Person, Christ. Each Gospel, like each curtain, is complete in itself, but all are needed to give us a full-toned testimony of Himself. In the "badger’s skin" covering we see in Matthew’s Gospel Christ as a King in disguise; in the covering of "rams’ skins" dyed red we have in Mark’s Gospel Christ as the suffering Servant. In the third covering of "goats’ hair" (white) we may see in the Gospel of Luke Christ as the Son of Man, pure and holy, obedient and pleasing to God. In the innermost covering of "fine-twined linen" we recognise in the Gospel of John Christ the Son of God, and the image of the Invisible One. Let us look at these separately, and as we look may the Holy Spirit take the things which are Christ’s, and show them to us.
I. The Covering of Fine-twined Linen. This gorgeous covering of blue, scarlet, and purple, with its cherubim interwoven, was in ten pieces, perhaps having reference to the ten commandments, and was laid over the golden boards and formed the roof of the house, or, as it is called, the "covering of the Tabernacle." Christ is here exhibited in all the perfection of His glorious character. Note the colours-
1. It was Blue. This points our eyes to the heavens. How calm and impressive is the deep blue of Heaven. Clouds may obscure it, but nothing can pollute it. It is high above all. No human eye can pierce it. It is illimitable, unchangeable, and eternal. How like the divine nature of the Son of Man, how like Him who was with the Father before the world was! In Christ we see this uncreated yet visible glory, the deep blue of unfathomable divinity.
2. It was Scarlet. This colour constrains us to look downward and think of the "red earth" from which man at first was made. If the blue tells of Christ’s divinity, then the scarlet proclaims Him human. The one points to Him as the Son of God, the other as the Son of Man. The hunger, weariness, and tears of our blessed Lord tell how truly human He was.
3. It was Purple. Where shall we look for this? This is a new colour formed by mixing together the blue and the scarlet. The union of these two colours forms a third and distinct one. How beautiful! Christ is divine, Christ is human, and Christ is both in one distinct Person! In the purple, then, we behold our Lord in His mediatorial glory, the Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus.
4. It was Inwrought with Cherubim. Perhaps this may signify that He is Lord also over the angels, or, as I am more inclined to think, they represent His own redeemed people, so closely united to Him that they become part of Himself, "bone of His bone" (Gen_2:23). The Church was interwoven with the character of Christ in the purpose of God before the world was, "He was the Lamb slain from before the foundation of the world" (Rev_13:8). Wonderful thought! Oh, the unsearchable riches of His grace, "Chosen in Him before the foundation of the world" (Eph_1:4).
II. The Covering of Goats’ Hair. This covering was pure white, and was laid over and rested on the first one of fine-twined linen.
May we not see here the spotless holiness of the Man Christ Jesus, one fit to come into contact with and even to rest on the awful holiness and righteousness of God. But this curtain may also suggest to us the character and privilege of the believer. Made white through the blood of the Lamb, and resting in fellowship with Him, who is both God and Man in one Person for ever, in heavenly places with Christ Jesus, even now beholding His glory. Purity only can have communion with divinity; the pure in heart shall see God. Who shall ascend into this holy hill of privilege? Who shall stand in this holy place? He that hath clean hands and a pure heart (Psa_24:3-4). The divinity of Christ is a holy, devouring fire. Who shall dwell with it? These are they which have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. Therefore are they before the throne of God (Rev_7:14-15).
III. The Covering of Rams’ Skins. Fine linen or goats’ hair does not imply suffering, but skins cannot be got without sacrifice. "Rams’ skins dyed red" suggest both death and transformation. Jesus is before us here as the "Man of Sorrows," with dyed garments, as the Lamb of God which taketh away the sin of the world. Let us put the shoes off our feet as we enter Gethsemane, and see there the skin of the Sacrifice being dyed red with the blood of agony. In this covering we have Christ on the Cross; in the "goats’ hair," Christ in the Resurrection; in the "fine linen," Christ in the Glory.
But these "rams’ skins dyed red" speak to us as Christians. We are indebted to the transforming power of the atoning blood for our fitness to dwell in His holy presence. The white curtain was under the red one. Purity in the sight of God can only be enjoyed "under the blood." We must be crucified with Christ before we can enter into resurrection life. Are we willing to die to self that we might be made alive unto God? As the white covering was kept clean by the crimson covering, so may we be kept clean by a constant trust in the ever-cleansing blood.
IV. The Covering of Badger Skins. Some think that for "badgers’ skins" we should read seal skins. It was evidently meant for a waterproof, not for beauty, but for protection.
This covering may typify Christ in His rejection, "When we shall see Him, there is no beauty that we should desire Him" (Isa_53:2) without comeliness. It had to bear the heat of the day, and was exposed to the storm and the tempest. Think of our loving, gracious Lord, how He was misunderstood while being made a curse for us. He was strong to bear. Thank God, He was proof against it all. He answered not a word. The Devil came, but found nothing in Him. If to the world there was no beauty in Him, to the Father He was all-glorious. "I delight to do Thy will, O My God" (Psa_40:8). "This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased" (Mat_3:17). Those who only saw the "badger skins" saw nothing of the hidden glory within. Christ may still be to the world "a root out of a dry ground" (Isa_53:2), but to the Christian who has access within the veil He is the altogether lovely. Oh, that our hearts may be like the heart of the Tabernacle, the habitation of God, or like the King’s daughter, "all glorious within." Although our faces may have the uncomely badger’s skin appearance, yet in heart we may have the beauty of the Lord our God upon us.
These four coverings may also represent the different divisions in connection with the Tabernacle.
1. The Holy of Holies, by the "fine-twined linen."
2. The Holy Place, by the pure goats’ hair.
3. The Court of Sacrifice, by the rams’ skins dyed red.
4. The wilderness without, by the "badgers’ skins."
They also teach us, as we may have already noticed, a fourfold experience the Christian has of Jesus Christ as Saviour and Lord.
1. In our natural state we could only see the blessed Redeemer as the "badger skin" covering-no beauty, no attractiveness, because we had no sense of our guilt or need.
2. In the "rams’ skins dyed red" we have been cleansed and changed by the power of His atoning blood through faith.
3. In the "goats’ hair" covering we experience what it is to be made clean, delivered from the power of sin, hid in God, and kept by His almighty, overshadowing power.
4. In the innermost curtain of "fine-twined linen" we are walking in the light, as He is in the light, beholding His glory, and filled with all the fulness of God. Is this our experience? Do you know what it is to live within the Holy of Holies, in sweet, unbroken fellowship with the Holy One? This is your privilege in Christ Jesus.
Autor: James Smith