Numbers 4 14

Numbers 4:14 kjv

And they shall put upon it all the vessels thereof, wherewith they minister about it, even the censers, the fleshhooks, and the shovels, and the basins, all the vessels of the altar; and they shall spread upon it a covering of badgers' skins, and put to the staves of it.

Numbers 4:14 nkjv

They shall put on it all its implements with which they minister there?the firepans, the forks, the shovels, the basins, and all the utensils of the altar?and they shall spread on it a covering of badger skins, and insert its poles.

Numbers 4:14 niv

Then they are to place on it all the utensils used for ministering at the altar, including the firepans, meat forks, shovels and sprinkling bowls. Over it they are to spread a covering of the durable leather and put the poles in place.

Numbers 4:14 esv

And they shall put on it all the utensils of the altar, which are used for the service there, the fire pans, the forks, the shovels, and the basins, all the utensils of the altar; and they shall spread on it a covering of goatskin, and shall put in its poles.

Numbers 4:14 nlt

All the altar utensils ? the firepans, meat forks, shovels, basins, and all the containers ? must be placed on the cloth, and a covering of fine goatskin leather must be spread over them. Finally, they must put the carrying poles in place.

Numbers 4 verses

Numbers 4 14 Meaning

Numbers 4:14 details the specific protocol for the Sons of Kohath regarding the Altar of Burnt Offering during the Tabernacle's dismantling and transport. It mandates that all the altar's dedicated utensils – the firepans, forks, shovels, and basins, essential for its sacrificial functions – must be gathered and placed upon it. Subsequently, a covering of durable badger (or dugong) skin is to be spread over these items and the altar itself, followed by the insertion of its carrying poles. This command ensures the orderly packing, protection, and reverent transport of a key component of Israel's worship, underscoring its holiness and the precise requirements for handling sacred objects in the wilderness.

Numbers 4 14 Context

Numbers chapter 4 meticulously details the specific duties of the three Levitical families—Kohathites, Gershonites, and Merarites—in disassembling, transporting, and reassembling the Tabernacle during Israel's wilderness wanderings. This particular chapter emphasizes the distinct roles and responsibilities to ensure that the holy objects were handled with extreme reverence and order, preventing desecration and preserving Israel's covenant relationship with God. Verses 4:1-15 specifically outline the Kohathites' primary duty to carry the holiest furniture: the ark, the table of showbread, the lampstand, and the altars. Verse 14 focuses precisely on the protocol for covering and preparing the Altar of Burnt Offering for travel, highlighting its critical role in atonement and its need for proper reverence and protection during movement. This systematic approach underscored the holiness of God and the strict requirements for drawing near to Him.

Numbers 4 14 Word analysis

• They shall also put: (וְנָתְנ֣וּ gam nat'nu - and they shall give/place). This passive voice instruction underscores the divine command and specific agents (Kohathites). The task is a duty, not an option.
• upon it: (עָלָיו 'alayv - upon it). Refers to the Altar of Burnt Offering, the specific focus of this verse and previous verses in this section.
• all its utensils: (כָּל־כְּלֵיהֶ֨ם kol-kleihem - all their implements/vessels). "All" emphasizes completeness; nothing associated with the altar was to be left behind or handled separately from this procedure. The "utensils" were integral to its function and holiness.
• with which they minister there: (אֲשֶׁר יְשָׁרְת֥וּ בָהּ 'asher yeshartu vah - which they minister with it). The verb יְשָׁרְת֥וּ (yeshartu) means "they serve" or "they minister," indicating a sacred service. These implements are not merely tools but instruments of divine worship. "There" points to the altar's function in its stationary use.
• the firepans: (מַחְתֹּ֣ת mach'tot). Pans used for carrying coals or collecting ashes from the altar, connecting the fire of the offering with divine presence.
• the forks: (הַמִּזְלָגֹ֗ת hammizlagot). Three-pronged implements used to manage the offerings on the altar, perhaps to turn or arrange the sacrifice.
• the shovels: (הַיָּעִים֙ hayya'im). Used to collect and remove the ashes from the altar, maintaining cleanliness and purity.
• and the basins: (וְהַמִּזְרָקֹת֙ v'hamizraqot). Bowls or basins used for collecting blood from sacrifices for sprinkling, essential for atonement rituals.
• all the utensils of the altar: (כָּל־כְּלֵ֣י הַמִּזְבֵּ֑חַ kol-kley hammizbeach). A repetition emphasizing that no utensil belonging to the altar was to be omitted from this covering process, reinforcing the divine precision required.
• and they shall spread: (וּפָרְשׂ֣וּ ufarshu - and they shall spread out). Implies careful arrangement and placement of the covering.
• a covering of badger skin: (בֶּֽגֶד־תַּ֙חַשׁ֙ beged-tachash - garment/covering of tachash). Tachash (תַּחַשׁ) is often translated "badger," "porpoise," or "dugong/manatee skin." It signifies a durable, weather-resistant material, crucial for protecting the holy objects during desert travel. It suggests practical utility combined with spiritual reverence.
• over it: (עָלָֽיו 'alayv). Again referring to the altar, now covered with its utensils.
• and put in its poles: (וְשָׂמ֥וּ אֶת־בַּדָּֽיו v'samu et-baddayv - and they shall put its poles). The poles (baddim) were essential for carrying the altar by hand, preventing direct human contact and signifying the portability of divine presence amidst Israel.

Numbers 4 14 Bonus section

The specific inclusion of "all its utensils" twice within this verse ("all its utensils...all the utensils of the altar") serves as a powerful reiteration and emphasis. This doubling reinforces the absolute necessity of accounting for every single piece associated with the altar, demonstrating the Lord's demand for complete order, integrity, and lack of oversight in sacred service. It underscores the concept of holiness permeating every aspect, no matter how small or seemingly insignificant, that contributed to the functioning of the Altar of Burnt Offering. This detailed inventory and protection not only preserved the items themselves but also guarded against the casual or unauthorized touch, which could result in severe consequences as seen later with Uzzah (2 Sam 6:6-7) or Nadab and Abihu (Lev 10:1-2), thereby preserving the community's holiness by proxy. The covering was a sacred "shroud" protecting the altar from defilement and public view during travel, akin to a funeral procession for the very lifeblood of their covenant.

Numbers 4 14 Commentary

Numbers 4:14 underscores the sanctity and mobility of Israel's worship, particularly focusing on the Altar of Burnt Offering. This verse highlights divine order, meticulous care, and the reverent handling required for instruments of atonement. The inclusion of specific implements – firepans, forks, shovels, basins – demonstrates that even the "tools" of sacred service were themselves consecrated and protected. The covering of tachash skin provided essential, practical protection from the harsh wilderness elements, but also signified a barrier, emphasizing the altar's holiness and forbidding unauthorized access or view. The poles indicate that the means of worship are to be carried by man, yet separated, emphasizing that human effort must align with divine instruction. The verse encapsulates a key theological truth: God demands specific, careful adherence to His commands concerning worship, symbolizing the necessary purity and separation for approaching a holy God. It serves as a shadow, pointing towards the ultimate provision and purity found in Christ's singular sacrifice, which no longer requires such earthly coverings or meticulous transport, as access to God is now direct through His shed blood.