Numbers 4:10

KJV

And they shall put it and all the vessels thereof within a covering of badgers' skins, and shall put [it] upon a bar.

KJV (with Strong's)

And they shall put {H5414} it and all the vessels {H3627} thereof within a covering {H4372} of badgers {H8476}' skins {H5785}, and shall put {H5414} it upon a bar {H4132}.

Complete Jewish Bible

They are to wrap it and all its accessories in fine leather and place them on a carrying-frame.

Berean Standard Bible

Then they shall wrap it and all its utensils inside a covering of fine leather and put it on the carrying frame.

American Standard Version

and they shall put it and all the vessels thereof within a covering of sealskin, and shall put it upon the frame.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Numbers 4:10 details a specific instruction for the Kohathite Levites concerning the transportation of the Table of Showbread and its associated vessels during Israel's wilderness wanderings. This verse specifies the final, outermost covering of durable "badgers' skins" (or a similar resilient material) for the sacred furniture, followed by its placement upon carrying poles, ensuring both its protection and its readiness for the ordered movement of the Tabernacle.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Numbers chapter 4 provides a meticulous, divinely ordained blueprint for the dismantling, transport, and reassembly of the Tabernacle, assigning distinct responsibilities to the three Levitical clans: the Kohathites, the Gershonites, and the Merarites. This verse falls within the instructions for the Kohathites, who were uniquely entrusted with the most holy objects of the sanctuary, including the Ark of the Covenant, the Lampstand, the Altars, and the Table of Showbread. Preceding Numbers 4:10, verses 7-9 detail the specific layering of coverings for the Table of Showbread: first a blue cloth, then a scarlet cloth, and finally the durable outer covering mentioned in this verse. This sequence underscores the extreme sacredness of these items and the necessity of their ritual purity and physical protection during transit, ensuring that no unauthorized person or element could defile or damage them. The subsequent verses continue to describe the preparation of other sacred objects, all emphasizing the precise order and reverence required for handling God's dwelling place.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The instructions in Numbers 4:10 are set against the backdrop of ancient Israel's nomadic existence in the wilderness, a period of profound dependence on God's direct guidance and provision. The Tabernacle served as the central point of Israelite life, symbolizing God's tangible presence among His people. Its portability, facilitated by items like the carrying poles mentioned here, was crucial for their journey from Sinai to the Promised Land, signifying that God's presence was not static but moved with them. In the ancient Near East, sacred objects were often covered and transported with great care, but the Israelite Tabernacle's detailed regulations surpassed typical practices, emphasizing the unique holiness of Yahweh and His dwelling. The use of "badgers' skins" (Hebrew: *tachash*) as an outer covering highlights the practical need for a material that was durable, weather-resistant, and readily available in their environment, providing robust protection against the harsh desert elements, dust, and potential damage during the arduous travels. This meticulous attention to detail reflects a culture where every aspect of worship and interaction with the divine was governed by precise, often symbolic, rituals designed to maintain purity and reverence, as seen in the broader laws outlined in [Leviticus](/leviticus/1 "Leviticus 1 - Offerings and Sacrifices") and [Exodus](/exodus/25 "Exodus 25 - Instructions for the Tabernacle").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Badgers' skins (Hebrew, _tachash'_):** The Hebrew word *tachash* (תַּחַשׁ) is a subject of considerable scholarly debate regarding its precise identification. While the King James Version translates it as "badger," many modern translations and scholars suggest other possibilities, including dugong (a sea mammal), dolphin, porpoise, or, more broadly, a fine, durable leather. The Septuagint (LXX) translates it as "hyacinthine" or "purple," suggesting a color or dye, though this is less likely in context. Regardless of the exact animal, the consensus is that *tachash* refers to a material known for its exceptional durability, toughness, and water-resistance. This quality made it an ideal outer covering for the most sacred objects of the Tabernacle, providing robust protection against the harsh elements of the wilderness, such as sun, dust, and rain, ensuring the preservation and ritual purity of the holy furnishings during their arduous journeys.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And they shall put it and all the vessels thereof":** This phrase refers to the Table of Showbread itself ("it") and its associated implements ("all the vessels thereof"). These vessels would have included the dishes, spoons, bowls, and flagons used in the presentation of the showbread, as described in [Exodus 25:29](/exodus/25-29 "Exodus 25:29 - Vessels for the Table of Showbread"). The instruction emphasizes that not only the main piece of furniture but every accompanying item, no matter how small, was to be treated with the same meticulous care and reverence, underscoring the holistic sacredness of the Tabernacle's contents.
* **"within a covering of badgers' skins":** This specifies the final, outermost layer of protection for the Table of Showbread and its vessels. As discussed, the *tachash* material was chosen for its superior durability and protective qualities. This outer covering served a dual purpose: physically safeguarding the precious items from environmental damage and ritually shielding them from unauthorized view or defilement. It was the last of several layers, indicating a progressive increase in protection and concealment as the objects were prepared for transport.
* **"and shall put [it] upon a bar":** The "bar" refers to the carrying poles (often plural in other contexts, but here singular referring to the concept of poles) that were to be inserted into rings on the Table of Showbread. This instruction highlights the practical means by which the heavy and sacred furniture was to be transported. The poles ensured that the Kohathites, who were to carry these objects on their shoulders, would not directly touch the holy items, maintaining ritual purity and demonstrating reverence. This method of transport also underscored the portability of God's dwelling place, designed to move with His people throughout their wilderness journey.

#### Literary Devices
Numbers 4:10, within its broader context, employs several literary devices that enhance its meaning and impact. **Symbolism** is prominent, with the "badgers' skins" acting as a symbol of divine protection and the necessity of safeguarding God's holiness. The layers of coverings—blue, scarlet, then *tachash*—symbolize increasing levels of sanctity and the meticulous care required to approach the divine. The very act of covering and carrying the sacred objects on poles is a powerful **metaphor** for God's portable presence among His people, emphasizing that He is not confined to a static temple but journeys with them. Furthermore, the detailed, repetitive instructions throughout Numbers 4, including this verse, exemplify **precision** and **order**, reinforcing the divine demand for discipline and reverence in worship and service. The entire section also serves as a **type** or **foreshadowing**, pointing to the ultimate portability of God's presence in the New Covenant through the Holy Spirit and the person of Christ.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Numbers 4:10, though seemingly a mundane logistical detail, profoundly illustrates several key theological principles. It underscores the absolute holiness of God and the meticulous care required in approaching His presence and sacred things. The protective coverings and specific handling procedures emphasize that God's glory is both awesome and dangerous to those who do not approach Him on His terms. This verse also highlights God's commitment to order and discipline within His covenant community, where every task, no matter how small, is part of a larger divine plan. Finally, the portability of the Tabernacle, facilitated by the carrying poles, powerfully symbolizes God's dynamic and accompanying presence with His people throughout their journey, providing protection and guidance.

* [Exodus 40:34-38](/exodus/40-34 "Exodus 40:34-38 - The Glory of the Lord Fills the Tabernacle")
* [1 Chronicles 15:1-15](/1_chronicles/15-1 "1 Chronicles 15:1-15 - David Organizes the Levites to Bring the Ark")
* [Hebrews 9:1-5](/hebrews/9-1 "Hebrews 9:1-5 - Description of the Earthly Tabernacle")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Numbers 4:10, while rooted in ancient ritual, offers enduring principles for contemporary believers. The meticulous care prescribed for the Tabernacle's furnishings reminds us of the profound reverence due to God and all that pertains to Him. In an age where casualness can sometimes permeate our approach to faith, this verse calls us to intentionality, discipline, and a deep appreciation for the sacred. While we no longer carry a physical Tabernacle, we are called to honor God's presence within us as His temple ([1 Corinthians 6:19](/1_corinthians/6-19 "1 Corinthians 6:19 - Your Body is a Temple of the Holy Spirit")) and within the corporate body of Christ. The protective coverings also speak to the need to safeguard the purity and truth of God's Word and the integrity of our worship. Furthermore, the portability of God's presence, symbolized by the carrying poles, assures us that God is not confined to a building or a specific time but accompanies us through all of life's journeys, offering His constant protection and guidance.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the meticulous care for the Tabernacle's furnishings challenge my own approach to sacred things, including God's Word, prayer, and corporate worship?**
* **In what ways can I better "cover" or protect the spiritual truths and values entrusted to me, ensuring their purity and integrity in my daily life?**
* **How does the concept of God's portable presence, moving with His people, encourage me in times of transition or uncertainty?**

### FAQ

**Why were "badgers' skins" (or _tachash_) chosen for the outer covering of the Tabernacle's holy objects?**

Answer: The material referred to as "badgers' skins" (Hebrew: *tachash*) was chosen primarily for its exceptional durability, toughness, and water-resistant qualities. In the harsh desert environment of the wilderness, the Tabernacle's sacred furnishings needed robust protection from the elements—sun, dust, and rain—as they were frequently dismantled, transported, and reassembled. While the exact animal or material is debated among scholars (some suggest dugong, dolphin, or a type of fine leather), the consensus is that it was a resilient and practical choice for an outer covering, ensuring the physical preservation and ritual purity of the holy objects during Israel's arduous journey. This practical choice underscores God's wisdom in providing for the physical needs of His dwelling place while also emphasizing the sacredness that required such meticulous protection.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Numbers 4:10, with its detailed instructions for covering and carrying the sacred Table of Showbread, finds profound Christ-centered fulfillment in several ways. The meticulous care and protective coverings for the holy objects foreshadow the ultimate protection and preservation of God's holiness in the person of Jesus Christ. He is the true bread of life ([John 6:35](/john/6-35 "John 6:35 - Jesus, the Bread of Life")), and unlike the showbread which needed constant replacement and elaborate coverings, Christ's sacrifice is eternal and perfectly sufficient. The portability of God's presence, symbolized by the Tabernacle moving with carrying poles, points directly to Christ, who is "God with us" ([Matthew 1:23](/matthew/1-23 "Matthew 1:23 - Immanuel, God With Us"))—not confined to a physical structure but moving among humanity, ultimately dwelling within believers through the Holy Spirit ([John 14:16-17](/john/14-16 "John 14:16-17 - The Promise of the Holy Spirit")). Just as the *tachash* skins provided a durable, protective layer for the Tabernacle's contents, Christ's humanity served as the perfect "covering" for His divine glory, allowing Him to dwell among us, experience our journey, and ultimately bear the burden of our sin on the cross, becoming the ultimate means by which God's presence is carried to the world ([Philippians 2:7-8](/philippians/2-7 "Philippians 2:7-8 - Christ's Humiliation and Obedience")). He is the one who bears the weight of God's glory and carries His people through their wilderness journey.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Numbers 4:6

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.

Numbers 4:12

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: