The Tabernacle consisted of a framework of 48 wooden boards overlaid with gold. These 48 boards stood in 96 sockets of silver. Each of the boards measured 10 cubits (15 feet) in height, 1.5 cubits (27 inches) in width. They were made of acacia wood and overlaid with gold - portraying Jesus Christ the perfect God-man. On the outside of the framework, there were five bars of acacia wood overlaid with gold on each side. The boards had golden rings on them. As the bars were inserted into the rings, they would act as bracing that held the entire structure together firmly. "The whole body, being fitted and held together by whatever joint supplies, according to the proper working of each individual part, causes the growth of the body for the building up of itself in love" (Ephesians 4:16). The Order of the Coverings
Innermost layer - the Curtains of Fine Linen signifying redemption.
Second layer - the Curtains of Goats' Hair signifying sanctification.
Third layer - The Rams' Skin Dyed Red signifying consecration and submission.
Outer layer - the Seal Skin Covering signifying protection.
The Curtains of Fine Linen
The innermost covering over the Sanctuary was made of of fine linen, colored in blue, purple, red and white. Same material and colors as the door to the Outer Court, the Holy Place door, and the veil. It was also embroidered with cherubim just like the veil. They speak of Christ's godliness, His royalty, His sacrifice and righteousness. The covering was placed directly over the Framework and formed the actual Tabernacle. It was made from 10 individual curtains to begin with, each 28 cubits (44 feet) x 4 cubits (6 feet). Five curtains were joined together and so were the other five. These two sets of five curtains were then joined together by 50 golden clasps to make one big covering. The word "atone" literally means "cover". Therefore this covering symbolizes Christ's atonement for the church. The order of these four coverings has its significance...
The Curtains of Goats' Hair
The second layer of covering was made from 11 curtains of woven goats' hair. Each curtain measured 30 cubits (45 feet) x 4 cubits (6 feet). Five curtains were joined together as one set and six curtains as the other set. These two sets were then held together by 50 bronze clasps to form one single covering. This covering covers the entire Framework and overhung the front door. The goat was one of the animals used for sacrifice, primarily on the Day of Atonement, when two goats were taken. One was to be killed as a sin offering and one was to be sent to the wilderness as the "scapegoat". The blood of the slaughtered goat was used to sanctify the Most Holy Place and the Holy Place (Leviticus 16:15-16). This covering therefore signifies sanctification of the church through Christ (Ephesians 5:23-27).
The Rams' Skin Dyed Red
The next layer was made of rams' skins and was expressed as a "covering". These rams' skins were dyed red, this reminds us once more of the cleansing power of blood. In burnt offering the ram was skinned (Leviticus 1:6) and then the rest was burnt. Burnt offering signifies total surrender. It was also used in the consecration of the priests to minister (Leviticus 8:18-25). Therefore this covering speaks of the truth in Ephesians 5:24-27: "Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit to their husbands in everything. Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word, and to present her to himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless.
The Outer Covering
The outermost covering was made from either badger or seal skin. No doubt its function was to provide a thick, protective, weatherproof layer over the Tabernacle. From the outside, this covering made the Tabernacle look ordinary and unattractive. This is the same that is true of Christ: "He had no beauty or majesty to attract us to him, nothing in his appearance that we should desire him." (Isaiah 53:3). But once inside the Tabernacle (the church, body of Christ), we marveled at His beauty and glory. This protective covering reminds us of Jesus' prayer: "My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one." (John 17:15).
