Numbers 4 6

Numbers 4:6 kjv

And shall put thereon the covering of badgers' skins, and shall spread over it a cloth wholly of blue, and shall put in the staves thereof.

Numbers 4:6 nkjv

Then they shall put on it a covering of badger skins, and spread over that a cloth entirely of blue; and they shall insert its poles.

Numbers 4:6 niv

Then they are to cover the curtain with a durable leather, spread a cloth of solid blue over that and put the poles in place.

Numbers 4:6 esv

Then they shall put on it a covering of goatskin and spread on top of that a cloth all of blue, and shall put in its poles.

Numbers 4:6 nlt

Then they must cover the inner curtain with fine goatskin leather and spread over that a single piece of blue cloth. Finally, they must put the carrying poles of the Ark in place.

Numbers 4 verses

Numbers 4 6 Meaning

This verse specifies two of the protective and symbolic coverings applied by the priests to the Ark of the Covenant before it was to be carried during the wilderness journey: an outer, durable "badger skin" (or tahash hide) and, notably, a pure "wholly blue" cloth spread over it. It also directs that the Ark's permanent poles, which were always inserted, be readied for transport. This precise sequence emphasized the Ark's sacredness, its protection, and its heavenly association during movement, underscoring the extreme reverence required for God's dwelling place.

Numbers 4 6 Context

Numbers chapter 4 focuses on the meticulous instructions for the three Levitical clans—Kohathites, Gershonites, and Merarites—regarding their duties in disassembling, transporting, and reassembling the Tabernacle and its furnishings during Israel's journey through the wilderness. This detailed organizational structure ensured proper order and reverence for God's dwelling among His people.

Specifically, Numbers 4:1-20 addresses the Kohathites, who were uniquely responsible for carrying the holiest articles: the Ark of the Covenant, the Table of Showbread, the Lampstand, and the Altars. This verse, Numbers 4:6, describes one critical step in preparing the Ark. These preparations, including specific coverings and methods of handling, were not arbitrary; they served to protect the sacred items from damage, prevent their unauthorized viewing by the Kohathites or the general populace (which could lead to death, as per Num 4:15, 20), and underscore the supreme holiness of God's presence, demanding utmost reverence and strict adherence to divine commands. The "wholly blue" cloth signified a celestial connection, while the tahash skin offered robust protection, essential for wilderness travel.

Numbers 4 6 Word analysis

• Then they shall cover it: The Hebrew v'natnu alav (וְנָתְנוּ עָלָיו) indicates placing or putting something upon it. The "they" refers exclusively to Aaron and his sons, the priests (Num 4:5), emphasizing their unique role in preparing the most holy articles due to the severe consequences of unauthorized access. This highlights priestly mediation.
• with a covering: The word mikhseh (מִכְסֵה), from kasah ("to cover, conceal"), denotes an item designed for concealment or protection. It suggests a layer specifically meant to enclose or shield.
• of badger skin: 'or tahash (עוֹר תַּחַשׁ). 'Or means "skin" or "hide." Tahash is a debated term, traditionally rendered "badger" or "seal," but more widely understood today as a durable, fine-grained leather, likely from an aquatic mammal like a dugong or manatee due to its water-resistant properties. This material was crucial for the practical protection of the sacred Ark against the elements in the harsh desert environment, signifying resilience and divine provision.
• and spread over it: u'parsuni (וּפָרְשׂוּ), from parash, meaning "to spread out," suggests careful and intentional spreading, implying an expansive covering laid flat.
• a cloth: beged (בֶּגֶד) simply means a "garment" or "piece of cloth," differentiating it from the animal hide.
• wholly of blue: kelil tekhelet (כְּלִיל תְּכֵלֶת).
  • Kelil: "wholly," "entirely," or "perfect," indicating a pure and unmixed blue, emphasizing integrity and exclusivity of color.
  • Tekhelet: A highly valued indigo or violet-blue dye, traditionally extracted from a murex snail. This color is prevalent throughout the Tabernacle and priestly garments, signifying heavenly association, divine truth, revelation, purity, and the high-priestly calling. Its position as the outermost, most visible layer of the Ark for transport prominently declared the Ark's celestial origin and connection to God's presence.
• and shall insert its poles: v'samu baddayv (וְשָׁמוּ בַדָּיו).
  • Samu: From sum, "to put" or "place," implying the careful setting of the poles into position.
  • Baddayv: "its poles" or "staves." These were gold-overlaid acacia wood poles that, according to Exod 25:15, were never to be removed from the Ark's rings. This command likely means ensuring they are properly secured for carrying, reinforcing that the Ark must be borne only by these designated poles, preventing any direct, unauthorized contact, which was strictly forbidden.

• "covering of badger skin" and "cloth wholly of blue": These dual coverings illustrate the principle of layers of sacredness and protection. The inner covering (from Num 4:5, the curtain of the screen) denoted God's veiled holiness. The tahash skin provided practical, robust protection for travel. The visible blue cloth represented the Ark's identity as a heavenly artifact, underscoring its divine purity and association with the celestial realm, signaling to the people the transcendent nature of the God who accompanied them.
• "wholly of blue": The emphasis on "wholly" signifies the purity and singular focus on God's divine and heavenly attributes. The pervasive use of blue in the Tabernacle (Exod 26:1, 31, 36; 28:6, 8, 15) pointed to the Lord's heavenly dwelling, wisdom, and majesty, teaching Israel about the holy and transcendent nature of their God.
• "shall insert its poles": This instruction reiterates God's explicit command that the Ark was always to be carried, and only by means of these poles. This strict method protected both the Ark's holiness from human presumption and the lives of those carrying it from touching sacred items (2 Sam 6:6-7). It embodies God's sovereign authority over how He is approached and served.

Numbers 4 6 Bonus section

• The meticulous instructions for the coverings of the Ark and other Tabernacle articles in Numbers 4 illustrate God's divine concern for both the sanctity and practical preservation of His holy presence and objects. Each piece of furniture received a specific layering protocol reflecting its inherent sacredness and practical needs.
• The use of tekhelet (blue) for the outermost covering of the Ark, specifically and entirely, served to visibly identify the most holy object. This was significant in a nomadic camp setting, reminding all Israelites, even those afar, of God's proximity and His dwelling "between the cherubim" (Num 7:89), a source of divine truth and guidance (Ps 43:3).
• The requirement for the priests to cover the Ark before the Kohathites could even approach it emphasizes the exclusive privilege and responsibility of the Aaronic priesthood in mediating God's holiness to the people, ensuring proper spiritual separation and avoiding fatal trespasses. This highlights the concept of ordered authority within the service of God.
• The emphasis on "wholly of blue" reflects a broader biblical principle of singularity and completeness when related to divine attributes or holy dedications, pointing to unmixed devotion and the pure nature of God.

Numbers 4 6 Commentary

Numbers 4:6 provides crucial details regarding the reverent and meticulously ordained procedures for transporting the Ark of the Covenant, God's earthly throne. After the primary covering with the separating veil (from Num 4:5), the priests were to add a durable layer of tahash skin, providing vital protection against the wilderness elements. Crucially, a distinct cloth, entirely blue, was then spread over these coverings, making the Ark strikingly identifiable during transit. This blue color was not arbitrary; it signified the Ark's heavenly origin and association, reminding Israel of God's transcendent and divine presence accompanying them. The final step of ensuring the poles were secured underscored God's consistent requirement for the Ark to be borne strictly on the shoulders of the Kohathites, via the unremovable poles, safeguarding against direct touch and emphasizing that divine holiness must be approached and handled precisely according to God's precise commands. This instruction set a high standard for reverence, purity, and obedience in engaging with the sacred.

• Example for practical usage: Just as the Ark was covered in a distinguishing blue, signifying its heavenly identity, believers today are called to live distinct, holy lives (1 Pet 2:9) that outwardly reflect their heavenly citizenship and God's indwelling Spirit.
• Example for practical usage: The precise handling of the Ark warns against a casual or presumptuous approach to spiritual things (Heb 12:28-29), reminding us that God's Word, prayer, and worship should be handled with intentional reverence and obedience.