Porpoise
The Translation Mystery
Few biblical terms have generated as much translation debate as the Hebrew word tachash. Depending on which English Bible you read, this word has been rendered as "badger skins" (KJV), "sealskins" (some revisions), "porpoise skins" (in marginal notes), or even "fine leather" (modern translations). The uncertainty stems from the fact that the exact animal referenced has been lost to history, though strong evidence points to the dugong, a large marine mammal native to the Red Sea region.
Role in the Tabernacle
The tachash skins played a critical role in the construction of the tabernacle, Israel's portable sanctuary in the wilderness. God instructed Moses to collect these skins as part of the freewill offering from the people (Exodus 25:5). They served as the outermost covering of the tabernacle structure, placed over layers of goat hair and ram skins dyed red (Exodus 26:14). This outer layer needed to be exceptionally durable and weather-resistant to protect the sacred space beneath from the harsh desert elements.
Beyond the main tent covering, tachash skins were used to wrap and protect the most sacred objects whenever the Israelites broke camp and traveled. The Ark of the Covenant, the table of showbread, the golden lampstand, the golden altar, and other holy vessels were each wrapped in these skins during transport (Numbers 4:6-14). This highlights how valuable and protective these hides were considered.
An Unexpected Use
In a striking metaphorical passage, the prophet Ezekiel describes God's tender care for Jerusalem using the image of fine sandals made from tachash skin (Ezekiel 16:10). Here, God recounts how He clothed the young nation in luxurious garments, including shoes of this prized leather. This suggests that tachash hide was considered a luxury material, not merely functional but genuinely valuable.
Identifying the Animal
The Arabic cognate tukhas closely matches the Hebrew tachash and refers to the dugong (Dugong dugon), a gentle herbivorous marine mammal that inhabits the shallow coastal waters of the Red Sea. Dugongs can grow up to ten feet long and have thick, tough hides that would have been ideal for weatherproofing. Given that the Israelites spent time near the Red Sea coast during the Exodus, access to dugong hides is historically plausible.
Theological Significance
While the exact animal remains debated, the theological point is clear: God specified particular materials for His dwelling place among His people. The layered construction of the tabernacle, from the fine linen interior depicting cherubim to the rugged outer covering of tachash skins, illustrates a principle found throughout Scripture. God's holiness is both beautiful on the inside and practically protected on the outside. The finest treasures of worship were sheltered beneath an unassuming exterior, much as the glory of God's presence was contained within a tent in the wilderness.
Biblical Context
The tachash skins appear primarily in Exodus and Numbers in connection with the tabernacle. They are listed among the materials God commanded Moses to collect (Exodus 25:5; 35:7, 23), used as the outermost tabernacle covering (Exodus 26:14; 36:19), and employed to wrap sacred objects during transport (Numbers 4:6, 8, 10-12, 14, 25). Ezekiel 16:10 uses the same term metaphorically to describe luxury footwear God provided for Jerusalem.
Theological Significance
The use of tachash skins in the tabernacle underscores God's meticulous care for His dwelling place among His people. Every detail of the tabernacle was divinely specified, reflecting the holiness and intentionality of God. The protective outer covering symbolizes how God shields what is sacred, and the people's willingness to donate these rare materials demonstrates sacrificial worship and devotion.
Historical Background
The dugong (Dugong dugon) inhabits the Red Sea and was hunted by ancient peoples for its meat and hide. Its tough, weather-resistant skin makes it an ideal candidate for the tachash of Scripture. Ancient Egyptian and Arabian communities along the Red Sea coast were familiar with the dugong, and Israelites traveling through the Sinai region would have had access to these hides through trade or direct acquisition. Archaeological evidence confirms that marine animal skins were used for leather goods in the ancient Near East.