Numbers 4 11

Numbers 4:11 kjv

And upon the golden altar they shall spread a cloth of blue, and cover it with a covering of badgers' skins, and shall put to the staves thereof:

Numbers 4:11 nkjv

"Over the golden altar they shall spread a blue cloth, and cover it with a covering of badger skins; and they shall insert its poles.

Numbers 4:11 niv

"Over the gold altar they are to spread a blue cloth and cover that with the durable leather and put the poles in place.

Numbers 4:11 esv

And over the golden altar they shall spread a cloth of blue and cover it with a covering of goatskin, and shall put in its poles.

Numbers 4:11 nlt

"Next they must spread a blue cloth over the gold incense altar and cover this cloth with fine goatskin leather. Then they must attach the carrying poles to the altar.

Numbers 4 verses

Numbers 4 11 Meaning

Numbers 4:11 describes the precise instructions given by God to Moses for the handling and covering of the golden altar (Altar of Incense) by the Kohathite Levites during the Israelites' wilderness journey. After the priests (Aaron and his sons) had prepared it, a specific layered covering was to be applied: first, a blue cloth, then a durable goatskin covering, and finally, another blue garment on top. The altar's carrying poles were then to be inserted, ensuring it was ready for transport in a reverent and protected manner. This meticulously ordered procedure emphasized the holiness of the altar and God's meticulous demands for the sacred items of the Tabernacle.

Numbers 4 11 Context

Numbers chapter 4 details the specific duties assigned to the three clans of the Levites—the Kohathites, Gershonites, and Merarites—for the dismantling, transport, and reassembly of the Tabernacle and its sacred furnishings during the wilderness journeys. The precise instructions for covering each holy item before it was handed over to the Kohathites underscore the immense reverence required for God's dwelling place. Verse 11 focuses on the golden altar (the Altar of Incense), which stood within the Holy Place, before the veil that separated it from the Most Holy Place. Its careful covering ensured its sanctity was maintained and prevented unauthorized or accidental contact with its holy essence during movement, reflecting God's absolute demand for order, holiness, and separation of the sacred. The historical context is that of a nomadic people constantly on the move, yet required to maintain a divine, orderly camp focused around God's manifest presence.

Numbers 4 11 Word analysis

• And over the golden altar (מִזְבַּח הַזָּהָב - mizbeach hazzahav):

  • Word: "golden altar" specifically refers to the Altar of Incense (Ex 30:1-10), located in the Holy Place, not the larger bronze Altar of Burnt Offering outside.
  • Significance: It was completely overlaid with gold, symbolizing purity, divinity, and preciousness. Its function was to burn incense, a symbol of the prayers of God's people ascending to Him. It was essential for daily priestly duties and linked closely to communion with God.

• they shall spread (פָּרְשׂוּ - paresu):

  • Word: From the verb "paras," meaning to spread out, stretch forth, unfurl. Implies a careful, deliberate act of laying a covering over something.
  • Significance: Indicates precision and attention to detail in handling the sacred object. Not merely throwing something on, but meticulously unfolding and placing it.

• a covering of blue material (בֶּגֶד תְּכֵלֶת - beged tchelet):

  • Word: "Beged" is a garment or cloth. "Tchelet" is a specific shade of blue (often associated with turquoise or royal blue, derived from a dye).
  • Significance: Blue symbolizes heavenly things, divine glory, God's holiness, and the sky. It was extensively used in the Tabernacle (curtains, priestly garments) to signify sacredness and proximity to the divine presence. Placing blue directly over the golden altar signifies its sacred identity even during transport.

• and cover it with a covering of goatskin (מִכְסֵה עוֹר תָּחַשׁ - mikhseh or takhash):

  • Word: "Mikhseh" is a covering. "Or takhash" refers to a durable skin. While the exact animal for "takhash" is debated (dugong, sea cow, badger, fine leather), its function was protective.
  • Significance: This layer served as robust, weatherproof protection for the holy object and its blue covering beneath it. It highlights practicality and protection, shielding the sacred from external elements during journeys, suggesting the need to protect divine truth from the world's harshness.

• and spread over it a garment of blue (וּפָרְשׂוּ עָלָיו בֶּגֶד כָּלִיל תְּכֵלֶת - u'faresu alav beged kalil tchelet):

  • Word: "Kalil" means complete, perfect, or whole. "Beged kalil tchelet" implies a whole, comprehensive garment of blue.
  • Significance: This outermost blue layer reiterates the holiness and heavenly connection of the altar. Despite the practical goatskin, the altar's final external appearance would still convey its sacred character, emphasizing its distinction and consecrated identity to those carrying it and viewing it. The layered approach indicates different aspects of protection and reverence.

• and shall put in its poles (וְנָתְנוּ בַּדָּיו - v'natnu baddav):

  • Word: "Baddim" are poles or staves.
  • Significance: These permanent poles, according to Exodus 30:5, were designed to prevent direct human contact with the sacred altar during transport. They allowed the Kohathites to carry the altar without touching it, reinforcing the absolute holiness of the item and the severe prohibition against profane contact.

Numbers 4 11 Bonus section

• The layered coverings for the Tabernacle furnishings highlight the dual nature of God's interaction with humanity: His holy, divine essence (symbolized by blue and gold) covered by a protective, rugged exterior (goatskin), hinting at the need for separation and reverence, while also suggesting that divine realities may not always be outwardly splendid but internally precious.
• The prohibition against direct contact with holy objects (only by carrying poles, or by specified priests for specific tasks like covering) under penalty of death (Num 4:15, Num 18:3) underscores the formidable nature of God's holiness and the absolute necessity of approaching Him only on His terms and through His ordained mediators.
• The meticulous instructions foreshadow the detailed blueprint of spiritual realities later revealed in the New Covenant, where the way of approach to God (through Christ) is just as critical as the purpose of approach. The golden altar also holds prophetic significance for the intercessory work of Christ and the ongoing prayers of the saints (Heb 7:25, Rev 8:3-4).

Numbers 4 11 Commentary

Numbers 4:11 is a meticulous divine command demonstrating God's extreme holiness and His expectation of absolute reverence for all things connected to His presence. The golden altar, representing the fragrant prayers ascending to God, received multiple layers of covering. The inner blue layer indicated its sacred, heavenly nature; the goatskin offered practical, durable protection against external elements; and the outer blue garment visually reinforced its holy identity to all who handled it. The use of poles ensured ritual purity by preventing direct contact, emphasizing the critical separation between the sacred and the common. This detailed ritual instilled in the Israelites a profound respect for God's divine order and the consequences of disregarding His instructions, ensuring His dwelling place and its furnishings were treated with the utmost care during their journey.