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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Numbers 4:6 They are to place over this a covering of fine leather, spread a solid blue cloth over it, and insert its poles.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/numbers/4-6.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/7/04_Num_04_06.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Numbers 4:6 - The Duties of the Kohathites" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="They are to place over this a covering of fine leather, spread a solid blue cloth over it, and insert its poles." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/numbers/4-6.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/numbers/4-6.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/numbers/">Numbers</a> > <a href="/numbers/4.htm">Chapter 4</a> > Verse 6</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad6.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/numbers/4-5.htm" title="Numbers 4:5">◄</a> Numbers 4:6 <a href="/numbers/4-7.htm" title="Numbers 4:7">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/numbers/4.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/numbers/4.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/numbers/4.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/numbers/4.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/numbers/4.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />They are to place over this a covering of fine leather, spread a solid blue cloth over it, and insert its poles.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/numbers/4.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />And shall put thereon the covering of badgers' skins, and shall spread over <i>it</i> a cloth wholly of blue, and shall put in the staves thereof.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/numbers/4.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />Then they shall put on it a covering of badger skins, and spread over <i>that</i> a cloth entirely of blue; and they shall insert its poles.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/numbers/4.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />and they shall place a covering of fine leather on it, and spread over it a cloth of pure violet, and insert its carrying poles.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/numbers/4.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />and they shall lay a covering of porpoise skin on it, and shall spread over it a cloth of pure blue, and shall insert its poles.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/numbers/4.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />and they shall lay a covering of porpoise skin on it, and shall spread over <i>it</i> a cloth of pure blue, and shall insert its poles.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/numbers/4.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />and they shall put a covering of porpoise skin on it and shall spread over <i>it</i> a cloth of pure blue and shall insert its poles.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/numbers/4.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />and they shall put on it a covering of porpoise skin (fine leather), and shall spread over that a cloth of pure blue, and shall insert the carrying poles of the ark.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/numbers/4.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />They are to place over this a covering made of fine leather, spread a solid blue cloth on top, and insert its poles.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/numbers/4.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />They are to place over this a covering made of manatee skin, spread a solid blue cloth on top, and insert its poles.&#8221 <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/numbers/4.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />and shall put thereon a covering of sealskin, and shall spread over it a cloth all of blue, and shall put in the staves thereof.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/numbers/4.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />and then with a piece of fine leather, and cover it all with a solid blue cloth. After this they will put the carrying poles in place. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/numbers/4.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />and shall put thereon a covering of sealskin, and shall spread over it a cloth all of blue, and shall put in the staves thereof.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/numbers/4.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />Over this they will put a covering of fine leather. On top of that they will spread a cloth made entirely of violet material. Then they will put the poles in place. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/numbers/4.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />They shall put a fine leather cover over it, spread a cloth of solid blue on top, and then insert the carrying poles. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/numbers/4.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />They are to set a leather-dyed skin covering over it, cover it with a pure blue cloth, and then insert its poles.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/numbers/4.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />They are to place over this a covering of fine leather, spread a solid blue cloth over it, and insert its poles.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/numbers/4.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />Then they must put over it a covering of fine leather and spread over that a cloth entirely of blue, and then they must insert its poles. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/numbers/4.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />and shall put a covering of sealskin on it, and shall spread over it a cloth all of blue, and shall put in its poles.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/numbers/4.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />And shall put on it the covering of badgers' skins, and shall spread over it a cloth wholly of blue, and shall put in the staffs of it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/numbers/4.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />put a covering of sealskin on it, spread a blue cloth over it, and put in its poles. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/numbers/4.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />then they have put a covering of tachash skin on it, and have spread a garment completely of blue above, and have placed its poles.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/numbers/4.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> and have put on it a covering of badger skin, and have spread a garment completely of blue above, and have placed its staves.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/numbers/4.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And they gave upon it a covering of tahash skins, and they spread over a garment wholly cerulean purple from above, and they put up its bars.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/numbers/4.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />And shall cover it again with a cover of violet skins, and shall spread over it a cloth all of violet, and shall put in the bars. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/numbers/4.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />and they shall cover it further with a veil of violet skins, and they shall extend over it a cloth made entirely of hyacinth, and they shall draw in the bars.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/numbers/4.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />Over these they shall put a cover of yellow-orange skin, and on top of this spread an all-violet cloth and put the poles in place.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/numbers/4.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />then they shall put on it a covering of fine leather, and spread over that a cloth all of blue, and shall put its poles in place.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/numbers/4.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />And shall put on it the covering of badgers' skins, and shall spread over it a cloth all of blue, and shall put in the poles thereof.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/numbers/4.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />And they shall cover a membrane of leather of vermillionsky blue over it and they shall cover with a perfect robe of dark bluepurple from above and they shall set its poles.<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/numbers/4.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />and shall put thereon a covering of sealskin, and shall spread over it a cloth all of blue, and shall set the staves thereof.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/numbers/4.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />And they shall put on it a cover, even a blue skin, and put on it above a garment all of blue, and shall put the staves through <i>the rings</i>.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/numbers/4-6.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/yauBFvKLNNo?start=1085" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/numbers/4.htm">The Duties of the Kohathites</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">5</span>Whenever the camp sets out, Aaron and his sons are to go in, take down the veil of the curtain, and cover the ark of the Testimony with it. <span class="reftext">6</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/5414.htm" title="5414: wə·nā·ṯə·nū (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConjPerf-3cp) -- To give, put, set. A primitive root; to give, used with greatest latitude of application.">They are to place</a> <a href="/hebrew/5921.htm" title="5921: ‘ā·lāw (Prep:: 3ms) -- Properly, the same as al used as a preposition; above, over, upon, or against in a great variety of applications.">over</a> <a href="/hebrew/3681.htm" title="3681: kə·sui (N-msc) -- A covering. Passive participle of kacah; properly, covered, i.e. a covering.">this a covering</a> <a href="/hebrew/5785.htm" title="5785: ‘ō·wr (N-msc) -- A skin. From uwr; skin; by implication, hide, leather."></a> <a href="/hebrew/8476.htm" title="8476: ta·ḥaš (N-ms) -- Probably of foreign derivation; a animal with fur, probably a species of antelope.">of fine leather,</a> <a href="/hebrew/6566.htm" title="6566: ū·p̄ā·rə·śū (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConjPerf-3cp) -- To spread out, spread. A primitive root; to break apart, disperse, etc.">spread</a> <a href="/hebrew/3632.htm" title="3632: kə·lîl (Adj-msc) -- Entire, whole, a holocaust. From kalal; complete; as noun, the whole; as adverb, fully.">a solid</a> <a href="/hebrew/8504.htm" title="8504: tə·ḵê·leṯ (N-fs) -- Probably for shcheleth; the cerulean mussel, i.e. The color obtained therefrom or stuff dyed therewith.">blue</a> <a href="/hebrew/899.htm" title="899: ḇe·ḡeḏ- (N-msc) -- A covering, clothing, treachery, pillage. From bagad; a covering, i.e. Clothing; also treachery or pillage.">cloth</a> <a href="/hebrew/4605.htm" title="4605: mil·mā·‘ə·lāh (Prep-m, Prep-l:: Adv:: 3fs) -- From alah; properly, the upper part, used only adverbially with prefix upward, above, overhead, from the top, etc.">over it,</a> <a href="/hebrew/7760.htm" title="7760: wə·śā·mū (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConjPerf-3cp) -- To put, place, set. Or siym; a primitive root; to put.">and insert</a> <a href="/hebrew/905.htm" title="905: bad·dāw (N-mpc:: 3ms) -- Separation, a part. ">its poles.</a> </span><span class="reftext">7</span>Over the table of the Presence they are to spread a blue cloth and place the plates and cups on it, along with the bowls and pitchers for the drink offering. The regular bread offering is to remain on it.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/exodus/25-13.htm">Exodus 25:13-15</a></span><br />And make poles of acacia wood and overlay them with gold. / Insert the poles into the rings on the sides of the ark, in order to carry it. / The poles are to remain in the rings of the ark; they must not be removed.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/exodus/26-14.htm">Exodus 26:14</a></span><br />Also make a covering for the tent out of ram skins dyed red, and over that a covering of fine leather.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/exodus/40-3.htm">Exodus 40:3</a></span><br />Put the ark of the Testimony in it and screen off the ark with the veil.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_kings/8-6.htm">1 Kings 8:6-8</a></span><br />Then the priests brought the ark of the covenant of the LORD to its place in the inner sanctuary of the temple, the Most Holy Place, beneath the wings of the cherubim. / For the cherubim spread their wings over the place of the ark and overshadowed the ark and its poles. / The poles extended far enough that their ends were visible from the Holy Place in front of the inner sanctuary, but not from outside the Holy Place; and they are there to this day.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_chronicles/5-7.htm">2 Chronicles 5:7-9</a></span><br />Then the priests brought the ark of the covenant of the LORD to its place in the inner sanctuary of the temple, the Most Holy Place, beneath the wings of the cherubim. / For the cherubim spread their wings over the place of the ark and overshadowed the ark and its poles. / The poles of the ark extended far enough that their ends were visible from in front of the inner sanctuary, but not from outside the Holy Place; and they are there to this day.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/hebrews/9-4.htm">Hebrews 9:4</a></span><br />containing the golden altar of incense and the gold-covered ark of the covenant. Inside the ark were the gold jar of manna, Aaron’s staff that had budded, and the stone tablets of the covenant.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/exodus/25-10.htm">Exodus 25:10-11</a></span><br />And they are to construct an ark of acacia wood, two and a half cubits long, a cubit and a half wide, and a cubit and a half high. / Overlay it with pure gold both inside and out, and make a gold molding around it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/exodus/37-1.htm">Exodus 37:1-5</a></span><br />Bezalel went on to construct the ark of acacia wood, two and a half cubits long, a cubit and a half wide, and a cubit and a half high. / He overlaid it with pure gold, both inside and out, and made a gold molding around it. / And he cast four gold rings for its four feet, two rings on one side and two on the other. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/4-4.htm">1 Samuel 4:4</a></span><br />So the people sent men to Shiloh, and they brought back the ark of the covenant of the LORD of Hosts, who sits enthroned between the cherubim. And the two sons of Eli, Hophni and Phinehas, were there with the ark of the covenant of God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_samuel/6-2.htm">2 Samuel 6:2</a></span><br />And he and all his troops set out for Baale of Judah to bring up from there the ark of God, which is called by the Name—the name of the LORD of Hosts, who is enthroned between the cherubim that are on it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_chronicles/13-6.htm">1 Chronicles 13:6</a></span><br />David and all Israel went up to Baalah of Judah (that is, Kiriath-jearim) to bring up from there the ark of God the LORD, who is enthroned between the cherubim—the ark that is called by the Name.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_chronicles/15-15.htm">1 Chronicles 15:15</a></span><br />And the Levites carried the ark of God on their shoulders with the poles, as Moses had commanded in accordance with the word of the LORD.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_chronicles/16-1.htm">1 Chronicles 16:1</a></span><br />So they brought the ark of God and placed it inside the tent that David had pitched for it. And they presented burnt offerings and peace offerings before God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_chronicles/35-3.htm">2 Chronicles 35:3</a></span><br />To the Levites who taught all Israel and were holy to the LORD, Josiah said: “Put the holy ark in the temple built by Solomon son of David king of Israel. It is not to be carried around on your shoulders. Now serve the LORD your God and His people Israel.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/revelation/11-19.htm">Revelation 11:19</a></span><br />Then the temple of God in heaven was opened, and the ark of His covenant appeared in His temple. And there were flashes of lightning, rumblings, peals of thunder, an earthquake, and a great hailstorm.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">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.</p><p class="hdg">badgers' skins.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/numbers/4-7.htm">Numbers 4:7,8,11-13</a></b></br> And upon the table of shewbread they shall spread a cloth of blue, and put thereon the dishes, and the spoons, and the bowls, and covers to cover withal: and the continual bread shall be thereon: … </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/exodus/35-19.htm">Exodus 35:19</a></b></br> The cloths of service, to do service in the holy <i>place</i>, the holy garments for Aaron the priest, and the garments of his sons, to minister in the priest's office.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/exodus/39-1.htm">Exodus 39:1,41</a></b></br> And of the blue, and purple, and scarlet, they made cloths of service, to do service in the holy <i>place</i>, and made the holy garments for Aaron; as the LORD commanded Moses… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/exodus/25-13.htm">Exodus 25:13-15</a></b></br> And thou shalt make staves <i>of</i> shittim wood, and overlay them with gold… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_kings/8-7.htm">1 Kings 8:7,8</a></b></br> For the cherubims spread forth <i>their</i> two wings over the place of the ark, and the cherubims covered the ark and the staves thereof above… </p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/leviticus/11-5.htm">Badger</a> <a href="/exodus/39-34.htm">Badgers</a> <a href="/exodus/39-31.htm">Blue</a> <a href="/exodus/39-22.htm">Cloth</a> <a href="/leviticus/27-29.htm">Completely</a> <a href="/numbers/4-5.htm">Cover</a> <a href="/numbers/4-5.htm">Covering</a> <a href="/exodus/39-34.htm">Cows</a> <a href="/leviticus/19-19.htm">Garment</a> <a href="/numbers/4-25.htm">Goatskin</a> <a href="/exodus/39-34.htm">Hides</a> <a href="/exodus/25-14.htm">Insert</a> <a href="/leviticus/26-32.htm">Lay</a> <a href="/numbers/3-35.htm">Placed</a> <a href="/exodus/40-20.htm">Poles</a> <a href="/exodus/39-34.htm">Porpoise</a> <a href="/leviticus/24-7.htm">Pure</a> <a href="/leviticus/19-12.htm">Putting</a> <a href="/numbers/3-36.htm">Rods</a> <a href="/leviticus/11-16.htm">Sea</a> <a href="/ezekiel/16-10.htm">Sealskin</a> <a href="/leviticus/21-20.htm">Skin</a> <a href="/leviticus/16-27.htm">Skins</a> <a href="/leviticus/14-48.htm">Spread</a> <a href="/exodus/40-20.htm">Staffs</a> <a href="/exodus/40-20.htm">Staves</a> <a href="/numbers/3-36.htm">Thereof</a> <a href="/leviticus/11-38.htm">Thereon</a> <a href="/numbers/3-9.htm">Wholly</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/numbers/4-8.htm">Badger</a> <a href="/numbers/4-8.htm">Badgers</a> <a href="/numbers/4-7.htm">Blue</a> <a href="/numbers/4-7.htm">Cloth</a> <a href="/numbers/7-1.htm">Completely</a> <a href="/numbers/4-7.htm">Cover</a> <a href="/numbers/4-8.htm">Covering</a> <a href="/numbers/4-8.htm">Cows</a> <a href="/numbers/4-7.htm">Garment</a> <a href="/numbers/4-8.htm">Goatskin</a> <a href="/numbers/4-8.htm">Hides</a> <a href="/numbers/4-8.htm">Insert</a> <a href="/numbers/8-12.htm">Lay</a> <a href="/numbers/4-8.htm">Placed</a> <a href="/numbers/4-8.htm">Poles</a> <a href="/numbers/4-8.htm">Porpoise</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/32-14.htm">Pure</a> <a href="/numbers/4-8.htm">Putting</a> <a href="/numbers/4-8.htm">Rods</a> <a href="/numbers/4-8.htm">Sea</a> <a href="/numbers/4-8.htm">Sealskin</a> <a href="/numbers/4-8.htm">Skin</a> <a href="/numbers/4-8.htm">Skins</a> <a href="/numbers/4-7.htm">Spread</a> <a href="/numbers/4-8.htm">Staffs</a> <a href="/numbers/4-8.htm">Staves</a> <a href="/numbers/4-8.htm">Thereof</a> <a href="/numbers/4-7.htm">Thereon</a> <a href="/numbers/8-16.htm">Wholly</a><div class="vheading2">Numbers 4</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/numbers/4-1.htm">The age at which the Levites were to serve, and the duration of the service</a></span><br><span class="reftext">4. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/numbers/4-4.htm">The duty of the Kohathites</a></span><br><span class="reftext">16. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/numbers/4-16.htm">The charge of Eleazar</a></span><br><span class="reftext">17. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/numbers/4-17.htm">The office of the priests</a></span><br><span class="reftext">21. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/numbers/4-21.htm">The duty of the Gershonites</a></span><br><span class="reftext">29. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/numbers/4-29.htm">Of the Merarites</a></span><br><span class="reftext">34. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/numbers/4-34.htm">The number of the Kohathites</a></span><br><span class="reftext">38. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/numbers/4-38.htm">Of the Gershonites</a></span><br><span class="reftext">42. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/numbers/4-42.htm">And of the Merarites</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/numbers/4.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/numbers/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/numbers/4.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>They are to place over this a covering of fine leather</b><br>This phrase refers to the specific instructions given to the Kohathites, a Levitical family, for transporting the sacred items of the Tabernacle. The "covering of fine leather" likely refers to a durable material, possibly from sea cows or another source, used to protect the Ark of the Covenant from the elements and from being seen by unauthorized individuals. This reflects the holiness and sanctity of the Ark, emphasizing the need for reverence and care in handling sacred objects. The use of fine leather signifies the importance and value of the Ark, as it was the most sacred item in the Tabernacle, representing God's presence among His people.<p><b>spread a solid blue cloth over it</b><br>The blue cloth symbolizes the heavenly origin and divine nature of the Ark. Blue is often associated with the heavens and the divine in biblical symbolism, as seen in other parts of the Tabernacle's construction and priestly garments (<a href="/exodus/28-31.htm">Exodus 28:31</a>). This color choice underscores the Ark's role as the earthly throne of God, where His presence dwelt among the Israelites. The use of blue also connects to the broader biblical theme of God's sovereignty and the heavenly kingdom, pointing forward to the New Testament revelation of Jesus Christ as the King of Kings.<p><b>and insert its poles</b><br>The insertion of poles into the Ark's rings was a practical measure for transportation, ensuring that the Ark was never touched directly by human hands, which was forbidden (<a href="/exodus/25-14.htm">Exodus 25:14-15</a>). This method of carrying the Ark highlights the holiness of God and the need for separation between the divine and the profane. The poles also allowed the Ark to be moved without being dismantled, preserving its sanctity. This practice is a reminder of the reverence required in approaching God, a theme that runs throughout Scripture and is fulfilled in the New Testament through Jesus, who provides believers with access to God while maintaining His holiness.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/m/moses_and_aaron.htm">Moses and Aaron</a></b><br>Leaders of the Israelites, responsible for instructing the Levites on their duties.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_kohathites.htm">The Kohathites</a></b><br>A division of the Levites tasked with carrying the most sacred items of the Tabernacle.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_tabernacle.htm">The Tabernacle</a></b><br>The portable dwelling place for the presence of God among the Israelites during their journey in the wilderness.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_ark_of_the_covenant.htm">The Ark of the Covenant</a></b><br>The most sacred item in the Tabernacle, representing God's covenant with Israel.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_wilderness_journey.htm">The Wilderness Journey</a></b><br>The period when the Israelites traveled from Egypt to the Promised Land, during which the Tabernacle was used.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/r/reverence_for_the_holy.htm">Reverence for the Holy</a></b><br>The detailed instructions for covering and transporting the Ark remind us of the need to approach God with reverence and respect.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/o/obedience_to_god's_commands.htm">Obedience to God's Commands</a></b><br>The Kohathites' role underscores the importance of following God's specific instructions in our lives.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/s/symbolism_of_the_blue_cloth.htm">Symbolism of the Blue Cloth</a></b><br>The blue cloth represents the heavenly nature of God's presence, reminding us to keep our focus on spiritual matters.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/c/community_and_responsibility.htm">Community and Responsibility</a></b><br>The division of labor among the Levites teaches us about the importance of community and shared responsibility in serving God.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/g/god's_presence_in_our_journey.htm">God's Presence in Our Journey</a></b><br>Just as the Ark accompanied the Israelites, we are reminded that God's presence is with us throughout our life's journey.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_numbers_4.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Numbers 4</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/can_gershonites_handle_tent_weights.htm">Numbers 4:24-26 - How feasible is it that the Gershonites could manage the massive weights of curtains and tents in a desert setting?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/is_there_evidence_for_covering_the_ark.htm">Numbers 4:5-6 - Is there any archaeological evidence to support the precise handling of sacred objects, like covering the Ark before transport?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/exodus_26_14_-_proof_of_ram_sea_cow_skins.htm">Exodus 26:14 - What evidence exists that these exact layers of ram skins and sea cow hides (or 'porpoise skins') ever existed as described?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_did_1m_israelites_survive_40_years.htm">How could over a million Israelites survive in the desert for 40 years without leaving archaeological evidence?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/numbers/4.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(6) <span class= "bld">And shall put in the staves thereof.</span>--The staves had been removed whilst the Ark was being covered; otherwise they remained in their places (<a href="/exodus/25-15.htm" title="The staves shall be in the rings of the ark: they shall not be taken from it.">Exodus 25:15</a>). (Comp. <a href="/2_chronicles/5-9.htm" title="And they drew out the staves of the ark, that the ends of the staves were seen from the ark before the oracle; but they were not seen without. And there it is to this day.">2Chronicles 5:9</a>.)<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/numbers/4.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 6.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">The covering of badgers' skins.</span> Probably of sea-cow skins (<span class="accented">tachash</span>), but see <a href="/exodus/25-5.htm">Exodus 25:5</a>. The Targum of Palestine, and the Septuagint, both render it "a covering of hyacinthine skin." The later Jews would have no knowledge of the marine animals common on the shores of the Red Sea. <span class="cmt_word">A cloth wholly of blue.</span> This was the distinctive outer, and therefore Visible, covering of the <span class="accented">most</span> sacred thing, the ark. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/numbers/4-6.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">They are to place</span><br /><span class="heb">וְנָתְנ֣וּ</span> <span class="translit">(wə·nā·ṯə·nū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - third person common plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5414.htm">Strong's 5414: </a> </span><span class="str2">To give, put, set</span><br /><br /><span class="word">over</span><br /><span class="heb">עָלָ֗יו</span> <span class="translit">(‘ā·lāw)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition | third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5921.htm">Strong's 5921: </a> </span><span class="str2">Above, over, upon, against</span><br /><br /><span class="word">this a covering</span><br /><span class="heb">כְּסוּי֙</span> <span class="translit">(kə·sui)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3681.htm">Strong's 3681: </a> </span><span class="str2">Covered, a covering</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of fine leather,</span><br /><span class="heb">תַּ֔חַשׁ</span> <span class="translit">(ta·ḥaš)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8476.htm">Strong's 8476: </a> </span><span class="str2">Perhaps porpoise (a kind of leather or skin)</span><br /><br /><span class="word">spread</span><br /><span class="heb">וּפָרְשׂ֧וּ</span> <span class="translit">(ū·p̄ā·rə·śū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - third person common plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6566.htm">Strong's 6566: </a> </span><span class="str2">To break apart, disperse</span><br /><br /><span class="word">a solid</span><br /><span class="heb">כְּלִ֛יל</span> <span class="translit">(kə·lîl)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3632.htm">Strong's 3632: </a> </span><span class="str2">Complete, the whole, as, fully</span><br /><br /><span class="word">blue</span><br /><span class="heb">תְּכֵ֖לֶת</span> <span class="translit">(tə·ḵê·leṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8504.htm">Strong's 8504: </a> </span><span class="str2">The cerulean mussel, the color, obtained therefrom, stuff dyed therewith</span><br /><br /><span class="word">cloth</span><br /><span class="heb">בֶֽגֶד־</span> <span class="translit">(ḇe·ḡeḏ-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_899.htm">Strong's 899: </a> </span><span class="str2">A covering, clothing, treachery, pillage</span><br /><br /><span class="word">over it,</span><br /><span class="heb">מִלְמָ֑עְלָה</span> <span class="translit">(mil·mā·‘ə·lāh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-m, Preposition-l | Adverb | third person feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4605.htm">Strong's 4605: </a> </span><span class="str2">The upper part, with prefix upward, above, overhead, from the top</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and insert</span><br /><span class="heb">וְשָׂמ֖וּ</span> <span class="translit">(wə·śā·mū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - third person common plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7760.htm">Strong's 7760: </a> </span><span class="str2">Put -- to put, place, set</span><br /><br /><span class="word">its poles.</span><br /><span class="heb">בַּדָּֽיו׃</span> <span class="translit">(bad·dāw)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine plural construct | third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_905.htm">Strong's 905: </a> </span><span class="str2">Separation, a part of the body, branch of a, tree, bar for, carrying, chief of</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/numbers/4-6.htm">Numbers 4:6 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/numbers/4-6.htm">Numbers 4:6 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/numbers/4-6.htm">Numbers 4:6 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/numbers/4-6.htm">Numbers 4:6 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/numbers/4-6.htm">Numbers 4:6 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/numbers/4-6.htm">Numbers 4:6 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/numbers/4-6.htm">Numbers 4:6 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/numbers/4-6.htm">Numbers 4:6 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/numbers/4-6.htm">Numbers 4:6 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/numbers/4-6.htm">Numbers 4:6 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/numbers/4-6.htm">OT Law: Numbers 4:6 And shall put a covering of sealskin (Nu Num.) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/numbers/4-5.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Numbers 4:5"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Numbers 4:5" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/numbers/4-7.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Numbers 4:7"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Numbers 4:7" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>