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Numbers 4:11

And upon the golden altar they shall spread a cloth of blue, and cover it with a covering of badgers' skins, and shall put to the staves thereof:

Numbers 4:11 · King James Version

Meaning

This verse from the book of Exodus describes the instructions given by God to the Israelites for the construction and use of the Tabernacle, a sacred portable sanctuary where they could worship. The golden altar mentioned in the verse was used for burning incense as a symbol of the prayers of the people rising up to God. The cloth of blue and covering of badgers' skins were to be used as protective coverings for the altar, ensuring that it remained clean and undamaged during transportation. The staves mentioned were poles used for carrying the altar, which was an important feature in the portable design of the Tabernacle. This verse highlights the meticulous attention to detail and reverence for sacred objects in the worship practices of the Israelites. As part of the larger context of the construction of the Tabernacle, this verse emphasizes the importance of honoring God through the use of sacred objects and rituals.

Theological Overview

In this verse from the book of Exodus, we see a detailed description of the instructions given by God to the Israelites for the construction of the Tabernacle. The golden altar mentioned in this verse was a key component of the Tabernacle where incense was burned as an offering to God. The choice of using a cloth of blue and covering it with badgers' skins symbolizes the purity and holiness of the altar. Blue in the Bible often represents heavenly or spiritual truths, and badgers' skins were known for their durability and protection. This combination of materials suggests the importance of offering worship and prayers to God with reverence and purity of heart.

Furthermore, the mentioning of the staves in the verse highlights the portable nature of the Tabernacle. These staves were used to carry the altar from place to place as the Israelites journeyed through the wilderness. This demonstrates that worship was not confined to a specific location but could be carried wherever the people went, emphasizing the importance of continually seeking God and offering prayers and worship to Him.

Numbers 4:11 in other translations

American Standard Version

And upon the golden altar they shall spread a cloth of blue, and cover it with a covering of sealskin, and shall put in the staves thereof:

World English Bible

β€œOn the golden altar they shall spread a blue cloth, and cover it with a covering of sealskin, and shall put in its poles.

Douay-Rheims

And they shall wrap up the golden altar also in a cloth of violet, and shall spread over it a cover of violet skins, and put in the bars.

Geneva Bible (1599)

Also vpon the golden altar they shall spread a cloth of blewe silke, and couer it with a couering of badgers skinnes, and put to the barres thereof.