Numbers 4 8

Numbers 4:8 kjv

And they shall spread upon them a cloth of scarlet, and cover the same with a covering of badgers' skins, and shall put in the staves thereof.

Numbers 4:8 nkjv

They shall spread over them a scarlet cloth, and cover the same with a covering of badger skins; and they shall insert its poles.

Numbers 4:8 niv

They are to spread a scarlet cloth over them, cover that with the durable leather and put the poles in place.

Numbers 4:8 esv

Then they shall spread over them a cloth of scarlet and cover the same with a covering of goatskin, and shall put in its poles.

Numbers 4:8 nlt

They must spread a scarlet cloth over all of this, and finally a covering of fine goatskin leather on top of the scarlet cloth. Then they must insert the carrying poles into the table.

Numbers 4 verses

Numbers 4 8 Meaning

Numbers 4:8 describes part of the elaborate process for preparing and transporting the holy furnishings of the Tabernacle during Israel's wilderness journeys. Specifically, it details the protective coverings required for the Table of Showbread, a sacred item carried by the Kohathites. The instruction is to first cover the table with a scarlet cloth, then with a protective covering made of tachash skins, and finally, to insert its carrying staves. This meticulous procedure underscores the holiness of God's presence, the need for reverence and protection for sacred items, and the divine order established for His worship.

Numbers 4 8 Context

Numbers chapter 4 details the specific duties of the three Levitical clans—Kohath, Gershon, and Merari—concerning the disassembling, transporting, and reassembling of the Tabernacle and its furnishings. This verse falls within the instructions for the Kohathites, who were uniquely responsible for carrying the most sacred items of the Tabernacle: the Ark of the Covenant, the Table of Showbread, the Lampstand, the Altars, and the vessels of the sanctuary. These items were not to be seen or touched directly by the Kohathites or others during transport; hence, meticulous covering procedures were commanded. The immediate context of verse 8 outlines the layers of coverings for the Table of Showbread before it is ready for transport. This attention to detail highlights the extreme holiness attributed to these objects and, by extension, to God's presence dwelling among His people. Historically, this ensured the sacred artifacts remained pure and protected from both common view and damage during their numerous movements through the wilderness.

Numbers 4 8 Word analysis

• And they shall spread over them (וּפָרְשׂוּ עֲלֵיהֶם – upharśū ‘alehem): This phrase emphasizes the active role of Aaron and his sons (the priests, Levites in the priestly line) in handling these holy objects. It indicates a precise and commanded action, not a casual one. The verb 'spread' implies careful unfolding and covering, ensuring full concealment.
• a scarlet cloth (בֶּגֶד תּוֹלַעַת שָׁנִי – beḡed tôla‘at shānî):
  • `בֶּגֶד` (beḡed): A general term for cloth or garment.
  • `תּוֹלַעַת שָׁנִי` (tôla‘at shānî): Literally "worm of scarlet" or "crimson." This refers to a deep, rich red dye obtained from the female kermes insect (`Kermes vermilio`) which feeds on certain oak trees. Scarlet, in biblical contexts, often symbolizes life, vitality, royalty, or, particularly in the sacrificial system, blood and atonement (e.g., used with cedar wood and hyssop for cleansing leprosy in Lev 14). Here, on the Table of Showbread, it signifies its profound sacredness and connection to divine provision, perhaps echoing the covenant blood, though more subtly than in sacrifice.
• and cover the same with a covering of badgers' skins (וְכִסּוּ אֹתוֹ בְּמִכְסֵה עוֹר תַּחַשׁ – vekhissû ’ôṯô bemikseh ‘ôr taḥaš):
  • `כִסּוּ` (khissu): "To cover, conceal." This implies a full, opaque covering for protection and separation.
  • `בְּמִכְסֵה` (bemikseh): "With a covering," specifying a particular type of outer layer.
  • `עוֹר תַּחַשׁ` (‘ôr taḥaš): "Skin of tachash." The precise identification of `תַּחַשׁ` (tachash) is debated among scholars. While traditionally translated "badger" (KJV), many modern translations (ESV, NIV) opt for "goatskin," "dugong," "dolphin," "porpoise," or even "fine leather." The key characteristics are durability, water resistance, and often a dark or plain appearance, providing a protective, functional outer layer against the elements (sun, rain, dust) in the wilderness, rather than a decorative one. Its primary function is robust protection of the sacred item beneath.
• and shall put in the staves thereof (וְשָׂמוּ אֶת־בַּדָּיו – vesāmû ’et-baddāv):
  • `שָׂמוּ` (śāmû): "To place, put."
  • `בַּדָּיו` (baddāv): "Its staves." These are the long poles specified in Exodus 25:28, designed to be permanently in the rings of the Table (and other items like the Ark), not to be removed. This permanent insertion signifies that the objects were always ready for movement, reinforcing Israel's nomadic state and God's mobile presence. It also prevented direct contact with the sacred furniture, maintaining holiness during transport.
• a scarlet cloth... a covering of badgers' skins: This sequence of layers is crucial. The inner, often symbolic and richly colored cloth, covered by a robust, practical outer skin, speaks to the divine order – the beauty and holiness within are preserved and protected from the harshness of the outer world. The innermost layer is significant, while the outermost is practical protection. This multi-layered approach safeguards the sacred, keeping it hidden from profane gaze and physical damage during travel.