Numbers 4:14
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 · King James Version
Meaning
In this verse from Exodus 27:3, God instructs the Israelites on how to handle the vessels and tools used in the service of the altar. The censers, fleshhooks, shovels, and basins are all important instruments used in offering sacrifices and performing rituals at the altar. These vessels were essential in carrying out the worship practices that were prescribed by God for His people. The covering of badgers' skins was used to protect the altar and its instruments from damage or contamination. The staves were the poles that were attached to the altar, allowing it to be carried by the priests during their journeys in the wilderness. By providing detailed instructions on how to care for and transport the altar and its tools, God demonstrated the significance of proper reverence and respect for the sacred objects used in worship. This verse serves as a reminder of the importance of following God's commands and maintaining the sanctity of religious practices.
Theological Overview
In this verse, we see a detailed description of the various vessels used in the service of the altar in the tabernacle. The censers, fleshhooks, shovels, and basins were all essential tools for the priests as they ministered at the altar. These vessels were used in the various sacrificial offerings and ceremonies that took place in the tabernacle. Additionally, the mention of spreading a covering of badgers' skins over the altar indicates the significance of protecting and preserving these sacred objects. The use of badgers' skins, known for their durability and toughness, symbolizes the importance of safeguarding the sacred items used in worship. Furthermore, the mention of the staves highlights the portable nature of the altar, as it needed to be carried by the priests as they journeyed through the wilderness. Overall, this verse emphasizes the reverence and meticulous care that the Israelites were instructed to have in their worship practices.
Numbers 4:14 in other translations
American Standard Version
and they shall put upon it all the vessels thereof, wherewith they minister about it, the firepans, the flesh-hooks, and the shovels, and the basins, all the vessels of the altar; and they shall spread upon it a covering of sealskin, and put in the staves thereof.
World English Bible
They shall put on it all its vessels, with which they minister about it, the fire pans, the flesh hooks, the shovels, and the basins; all the vessels of the altar; and they shall spread on it a covering of sealskin, and put in its poles.
Douay-Rheims
And shall put it with all the vessels that they use in the ministry thereof, that is to say, firepans, fleshhooks and forks, pothooks and shovels. They shall cover all the vessels of the altar together with a covering of violet skins, and shall put in the bars.
Geneva Bible (1599)
And shall put vpon it all the instruments thereof, which they occupie about it: the censers, the fleshhookes and the besomes, and the basens, euen al the instruments of the altar and they shall spread vpon it a couering of badgers skinnes, and put to the barres of it.