Numbers 4 13

Numbers 4:13 kjv

And they shall take away the ashes from the altar, and spread a purple cloth thereon:

Numbers 4:13 nkjv

Also they shall take away the ashes from the altar, and spread a purple cloth over it.

Numbers 4:13 niv

"They are to remove the ashes from the bronze altar and spread a purple cloth over it.

Numbers 4:13 esv

And they shall take away the ashes from the altar and spread a purple cloth over it.

Numbers 4:13 nlt

"They must remove the ashes from the altar for sacrifices and cover the altar with a purple cloth.

Numbers 4 verses

Numbers 4 13 Meaning

Numbers 4:13 describes a specific ritual duty of the priests (Aaron's sons) in preparing the altar of burnt offering for transport during Israel's wilderness journeys. First, they were to remove the ashes, signifying the completion of sacrificial rituals and ensuring the altar's purity. Second, they were to cover the altar with a purple cloth, a deliberate action highlighting its royal and sacred status, thereby protecting it from desecration and unauthorized viewing or touching as it was moved from place to place. This instruction underlines the extreme holiness of God's sanctuary objects and the precise order required in His service.

Numbers 4 13 Context

Numbers 4:13 is part of a larger section (Num 4:1-33) detailing the specific responsibilities of the three major Levite families—Kohath, Gershon, and Merari—in caring for and transporting the Tabernacle components during Israel's journey through the wilderness. This verse focuses on the Kohathites' unique responsibility for the holiest objects. Before the Kohathites could even touch these sacred items, Aaron and his priestly sons were required to meticulously cover each piece to preserve its sanctity and to prevent anyone from seeing or touching them directly, which would result in death (Num 4:15, 20). Verse 13 specifically addresses the preparation of the massive altar of burnt offering, highlighting its continuous sacred status whether in use for sacrifice or being moved. These intricate instructions underscore the divine reverence required when engaging with God's presence and holy things, ensuring absolute order and preventing profane interaction.

Numbers 4 13 Word analysis

• And they shall clear: (Hebrew: וְדִשְּׁנוּ, wədiššənū) Derived from the root דָּשַׁן (dashan), which means "to remove fat/ashes" or "to cleanse." In this context, it refers specifically to the vital action of clearing away the accumulated ashes—the physical residue from burnt sacrifices on the altar. This act of "clearing" implies both a practical necessity for maintenance and a ritual cleansing, highlighting the meticulousness required for God's sacred space, even in its byproducts.

• the altar: (Hebrew: הַמִּזְבֵּחַ, hammizbēaḥ) This term refers to the bronze altar of burnt offering, prominently situated in the outer courtyard of the Tabernacle. It was the central point for atonement through animal sacrifice (Ex 27:1-8). Its sanctity was paramount, being the designated place for the community's reconciliation with a holy God. Special care for this altar underscored its crucial role in the covenant relationship.

• of its ashes: (Hebrew: אֶת־הַדֶּשֶׁן, ʾet-haddāšen) These are the physical remains of the sacrificial animals consumed by fire. While appearing as waste, these ashes were ritually significant, representing the completion and acceptance of the sacrifice. Their careful removal and disposal (Lev 6:10-11) were part of the sacred service, demonstrating the holiness even in the byproducts of atonement and signifying a 'finished work'.

• and spread: (Hebrew: וּפָרְשׂוּ, ūfārəsû) From the verb פָּרַשׂ (paras), meaning "to spread out" or "to unfold." This word emphasizes the deliberate and intentional action of unfurling and laying the designated covering over the altar. It's a purposeful act of concealment, protection, and distinction, signifying that the covered object is now under sacred guard, withdrawn from common view.

• a purple cloth: (Hebrew: בֶּגֶד אַרְגָּמָן, beged ʾargāmān) Beged means "cloth" or "garment." Argāmān denotes a costly, deep reddish-purple dye, historically derived from rare sea snails (Tyrian purple). This color symbolized royalty, wealth, nobility, and particularly, divinity (Ex 25:4, Ex 28:5-8). Covering the altar with a purple cloth during transport declared its regal sacredness, aligning it visually with God's majestic presence and exclusive ownership, setting it apart as exceptionally holy.

• over it: (Hebrew: עָלָיו, ʿālāyw) A preposition meaning "upon it" or "over it," clearly specifying the precise location where the purple cloth was to be placed—directly over the cleared altar. This highlights the immediacy and totality of the covering for the protection and preservation of holiness.

• Words-group Analysis:

  • "And they shall clear the altar of its ashes": This phrase encapsulates both the practical maintenance and the ritual cleanliness demanded for God's sanctuary. The removal of ashes marks the conclusion of previous sacrificial services, preparing the altar for its dormant, yet still holy, phase during travel. It underscores the concept of a "finished work" in terms of atonement.
  • "and spread a purple cloth over it": This action immediately elevates the altar's status for transit. The purple cloth is not merely protective but deeply symbolic; it designates the altar as a sacred object belonging to the divine King. This signifies that even when the altar is not in active sacrificial use, it retains its profound holiness and connection to God's majestic sovereignty, necessitating careful handling and segregation from common things.

Numbers 4 13 Bonus section

The meticulous detail provided for covering each sacred item in Numbers 4 reflects a deep theological understanding that holiness is contagious and can be deadly if approached improperly. While the explicit reason for the covering is to prevent the Levites, specifically the Kohathites, from seeing or touching the sacred items directly (Num 4:15), it also implicitly communicates the ineffable glory of God that could not be looked upon by sinful humanity. The sequence of coverings for each item, including the altar of burnt offering, forms a barrier that both protects the sacred objects from defilement and, more importantly, protects the people from the consuming holiness of God. This divine concern for order and separation anticipates the later Temple service and, ultimately, the New Covenant, where the veil (symbolized by these coverings) is torn in Christ, granting access to God's presence through His perfect sacrifice. The high cost and symbolism of purple dye also connect the practical command to God's intrinsic worth and majesty, reflecting the splendor of the God whom Israel served.

Numbers 4 13 Commentary

Numbers 4:13 vividly illustrates the profound reverence and order required in God's worship, particularly in the handling of the most sacred Tabernacle objects. The dual actions prescribed for the altar of burnt offering are significant: clearing its ashes denotes a cycle of completed sacrifice and ritual purity, ensuring no uncleanliness remains from past atonements. This demonstrates God's demand for thoroughness and ongoing consecration in all matters concerning His presence. Following this, the altar is meticulously covered with a highly prized purple cloth. This is more than mere covering; it is an act of veneration. The color purple, denoting royalty and divinity, symbolically wraps the altar in majesty, signaling its connection to the King of Kings. This ensures that even during transit through the mundane wilderness, the altar's inherent holiness, and its divine ownership, are visually and ritually affirmed. Such detailed procedures underscore God's absolute holiness, His unapproachable majesty without proper mediation, and the critical importance of disciplined, obedient service to prevent defilement or death among His people.