King James Version:
(The Lord speaking is red text)
And they shall take all the instruments of ministry, wherewith they minister in the sanctuary, and put [them] in a cloth of blue, and cover them with a covering of badgers' skins, and shall put [them] on a bar:
Complete Jewish Bible:
They are to take all the utensils they use when serving in the sanctuary and put them in a blue cloth, cover them with fine leather and place them on a carrying-frame.
Berean Standard Bible:
They are to take all the utensils for serving in the sanctuary, place them in a blue cloth, cover them with fine leather, and put them on the carrying frame.
American Standard Version:
and they shall take all the vessels of ministry, wherewith they minister in the sanctuary, and put them in a cloth of blue, and cover them with a covering of sealskin, and shall put them on the frame.
KJV with Strong’s Numbers:
And they shall take{H3947} all the instruments{H3627} of ministry{H8335}, wherewith they minister{H8334} in the sanctuary{H6944}, and put{H5414} them in a cloth{H899} of blue{H8504}, and cover{H3680} them with a covering{H4372} of badgers{H8476}' skins{H5785}, and shall put{H5414} them on a bar{H4132}:
Cross-References (KJV):
1 Chronicles 9:29
- [Some] of them also [were] appointed to oversee the vessels, and all the instruments of the sanctuary, and the fine flour, and the wine, and the oil, and the frankincense, and the spices.
2 Kings 25:14
- And the pots, and the shovels, and the snuffers, and the spoons, and all the vessels of brass wherewith they ministered, took they away.
2 Kings 25:15
- And the firepans, and the bowls, [and] such things as [were] of gold, [in] gold, and of silver, [in] silver, the captain of the guard took away.
Exodus 31:10
- And the cloths of service, and the holy garments for Aaron the priest, and the garments of his sons, to minister in the priest's office,
2 Chronicles 4:19
- And Solomon made all the vessels that [were for] the house of God, the golden altar also, and the tables whereon the shewbread [was set];
Exodus 25:9
- According to all that I shew thee, [after] the pattern of the tabernacle, and the pattern of all the instruments thereof, even so shall ye make [it].
Numbers 4:7
- 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:
Explore This Verse Across Other Resources:
Commentary for Numbers 4:12
1. Themes:
- Purity and protection of sacred items: The verse emphasizes the careful handling and preservation of the sanctuary's instruments, which are holy and used for divine service. The materials mentioned (blue cloth and badger skins) may symbolize the sanctity and importance of the items.
- Order and organization: The detailed instructions for packing the sanctuary instruments reflect the importance of structure and protocol in the religious practices of the Israelites.
- Preparation for movement: The context suggests that the Israelites are preparing to transport the Tabernacle and its contents during their journey in the wilderness, highlighting the portability of their worship center.
2. Historical Context:
- The book of Numbers is set during the Israelites' journey from Mount Sinai to the Promised Land, which took approximately 40 years.
- Numbers 4 is part of a larger section (Numbers 1-10) that deals with the organization of the Israelite camp and the duties of the Levites, who were responsible for the transport and care of the Tabernacle, the dwelling place of God among the Israelites.
- The specific instructions given in Numbers 4:12 are directed to the Kohathites, a division of the Levite tribe tasked with carrying the sacred objects of the sanctuary. These instructions ensure that the holy items are handled with utmost respect and care during the travels.
- The "cloth of blue" and "covering of badgers' skins" were likely prescribed materials for protecting the sanctuary instruments, with blue being a color associated with divinity and the badger skins providing durability and protection from the elements. The blue cloth might also be a reference to the heavenly realm, connecting the earthly sanctuary to the divine.
In summary, Numbers 4:12 reflects the meticulous care taken by the Israelites in handling the sacred objects of the Tabernacle, underscoring the importance of ritual purity and order as they prepared to transport the sanctuary during their wilderness journey.
*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model
Strong's Numbers and Definitions:
Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)
- Strong's Number: H3947
There are 909 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: לָקַח
Transliteration: lâqach
Pronunciation: law-kakh'
Description: a primitive root; to take (in the widest variety of applications); accept, bring, buy, carry away, drawn, fetch, get, infold, [idiom] many, mingle, place, receive(-ing), reserve, seize, send for, take (away, -ing, up), use, win. - Strong's Number: H3627
There are 276 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: כְּלִי
Transliteration: kᵉlîy
Pronunciation: kel-ee'
Description: from כָּלָה; something prepared, i.e. any apparatus (as an implement, utensil, dress, vessel or weapon); armour(-bearer), artillery, bag, carriage, [phrase] furnish, furniture, instrument, jewel, that is made of, [idiom] one from another, that which pertaineth, pot, [phrase] psaltery, sack, stuff, thing, tool, vessel, ware, weapon, [phrase] whatsoever. - Strong's Number: H8335
There are 2 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: שָׁרֵת
Transliteration: shârêth
Pronunciation: shaw-rayth'
Description: infinitive of שָׁרַת; service (in the Temple); minister(-ry). - Strong's Number: H8334
There are 92 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: שָׁרַת
Transliteration: shârath
Pronunciation: shaw-rath'
Description: a primitive root; to attend as a menial or worshipper; figuratively, to contribute to; minister (unto), (do) serve(-ant, -ice, -itor), wait on. - Strong's Number: H6944
There are 382 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: קֹדֶשׁ
Transliteration: qôdesh
Pronunciation: ko'-desh
Description: from קָדַשׁ; a sacred place or thing; rarely abstract, sanctity; consecrated (thing), dedicated (thing), hallowed (thing), holiness, ([idiom] most) holy ([idiom] day, portion, thing), saint, sanctuary. - Strong's Number: H5414
There are 1816 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: נָתַן
Transliteration: nâthan
Pronunciation: naw-than'
Description: a primitive root; to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.); add, apply, appoint, ascribe, assign, [idiom] avenge, [idiom] be (healed), bestow, bring (forth, hither), cast, cause, charge, come, commit, consider, count, [phrase] cry, deliver (up), direct, distribute, do, [idiom] doubtless, [idiom] without fail, fasten, frame, [idiom] get, give (forth, over, up), grant, hang (up), [idiom] have, [idiom] indeed, lay (unto charge, up), (give) leave, lend, let (out), [phrase] lie, lift up, make, [phrase] O that, occupy, offer, ordain, pay, perform, place, pour, print, [idiom] pull, put (forth), recompense, render, requite, restore, send (out), set (forth), shew, shoot forth (up), [phrase] sing, [phrase] slander, strike, (sub-) mit, suffer, [idiom] surely, [idiom] take, thrust, trade, turn, utter, [phrase] weep, [phrase] willingly, [phrase] withdraw, [phrase] would (to) God, yield. - Strong's Number: H899
There are 190 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: בֶּגֶד
Transliteration: beged
Pronunciation: behg'-ed
Description: from בָּגַד; a covering, i.e. clothing; also treachery or pillage; apparel, cloth(-es, ing), garment, lap, rag, raiment, robe, [idiom] very (treacherously), vesture, wardrobe. - Strong's Number: H8504
There are 49 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: תְּכֵלֶת
Transliteration: tᵉkêleth
Pronunciation: tek-ay'-leth
Description: probably for שְׁחֶלֶת; the cerulean mussel, i.e. the color (violet) obtained therefrom or stuff dyed therewith; blue. - Strong's Number: H3680
There are 149 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: כָּסָה
Transliteration: kâçâh
Pronunciation: kaw-saw'
Description: a primitive root; properly, to plump, i.e. fill up hollows; by implication, to cover (for clothing or secrecy); clad self, close, clothe, conceal, cover (self), (flee to) hide, overwhelm. Compare כָּשָׂה. - Strong's Number: H4372
There are 12 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: מִכְסֶה
Transliteration: mikçeh
Pronunciation: mik-seh'
Description: from כָּסָה; a covering, i.e. weatherboarding; covering. - Strong's Number: H8476
There are 14 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: תַּחַשׁ
Transliteration: tachash
Pronunciation: takh'-ash
Description: probably of foreign derivation; a (clean) animal with fur, probably a species of antelope; badger. - Strong's Number: H5785
There are 82 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: עוֹר
Transliteration: ʻôwr
Pronunciation: ore
Description: from עוּר; skin (as naked); by implication, hide, leather; hide, leather, skin. - Strong's Number: H4132
There are 6 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: מוֹט
Transliteration: môwṭ
Pronunciation: mote
Description: from מוֹט; a wavering, i.e. fall; by implication, a pole (as shaking); hence, a yoke (as essentially a bent pole); bar, be moved, staff, yoke.