Numbers 4:11

KJV

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:

KJV (with Strong's)

And upon the golden {H2091} altar {H4196} they shall spread {H6566} a cloth {H899} of blue {H8504}, and cover {H3680} it with a covering {H4372} of badgers {H8476}' skins {H5785}, and shall put {H7760} to the staves {H905} thereof:

Complete Jewish Bible

On the gold altar they are to spread a blue cloth, cover it with a covering of fine leather and insert its carrying-poles.

Berean Standard Bible

Over the gold altar they are to spread a blue cloth, cover it with fine leather, and insert the poles.

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:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Numbers 4:11 provides meticulous divine instructions for the proper handling and transport of the golden Altar of Incense, a sacred furnishing of the Tabernacle, as Israel journeyed through the wilderness. It details the specific layers of covering—a cloth of blue and an outer layer of durable badgers' skins—and the attachment of carrying staves, underscoring the profound reverence, sanctity, and divine order required for approaching and moving God's holy presence.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within Numbers chapter 4, which meticulously outlines the duties of the Kohathite, Gershonite, and Merarite families of Levi concerning the dismantling, transporting, and reassembling of the Tabernacle. Specifically, Numbers 4:1-15 details the Kohathites' responsibilities for the most holy objects, including the Ark of the Covenant, the Table of Showbread, the Lampstand, and the Altars. Verse 11 follows instructions for covering the Table of Showbread and the Lampstand, demonstrating a consistent pattern of priestly preparation before the Levites could handle these sacred items. The precise order of coverings—first by the priests, then the Levites' duty to carry—emphasizes the strict separation between the holy and the common, ensuring the sanctity of God's dwelling place during transit.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The instructions in Numbers 4:11 are given during Israel's forty-year wilderness wandering, a period of nomadic existence where the Tabernacle served as the central point of God's presence among His people. In this mobile environment, the sacred furnishings needed both protection from the elements and a visual barrier from the common gaze, as direct sight of the holy objects could result in death (cf. [Numbers 4:20](/numbers/4-20 "Numbers 4:20 - Penalty for Viewing Holy Objects")). The use of specific materials and colors was not arbitrary but deeply symbolic, reflecting the divine nature and purpose of each item. The "badgers' skins" (Hebrew: *tachash*), often interpreted as a durable, weather-resistant leather, provided the necessary practical protection for the precious items within, while the inner blue cloth signified the heavenly and divine nature of the Altar of Incense, which symbolized the prayers of God's people ascending to Him (cf. [Psalm 141:2](/psalms/141-2 "Psalm 141:2 - Prayer as Incense")). This careful preparation was essential for maintaining the holiness and integrity of the Tabernacle throughout Israel's journey.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Golden Altar (Hebrew, _mizbeach hazahav'_):** This refers specifically to the Altar of Incense, located in the Holy Place of the Tabernacle, directly before the veil to the Most Holy Place. It was made of acacia wood overlaid with pure gold (Exodus 30:1-3). Its primary function was the daily burning of incense, symbolizing the prayers of God's people ascending to Him (cf. [Revelation 8:3-4](/revelation/8-3 "Revelation 8:3-4 - Prayers as Incense in Heaven")). The "golden" aspect highlights its preciousness and its connection to the divine presence.
* **Cloth of blue (Hebrew, _beged tekelet'_):** The color blue (*tekelet*) in the Tabernacle context consistently signifies heavenly origin, divinity, and royalty. It was used extensively in the Tabernacle's inner coverings, the High Priest's garments (cf. [Exodus 28:31](/exodus/28-31 "Exodus 28:31 - Blue in High Priest's Robe")), and the tassels on Israelite garments (Numbers 15:38). Its application here as the first layer of covering for the Altar of Incense emphasizes the sacred, divine nature of the altar and the holy function it performed, connecting the earthly act of prayer to the heavenly realm.
* **Badgers' skins (Hebrew, _tachash'_):** This term has been a subject of much scholarly debate. While traditionally translated as "badger," many modern scholars suggest it refers to a durable, fine leather, possibly from a marine animal like a dugong or porpoise, or simply a specially prepared and dyed leather. Regardless of the exact animal, its key characteristic was its durability and weather-resistance. As the outermost covering, it provided practical protection for the sacred objects from the elements and the wear and tear of travel, symbolizing how the mundane or unadorned exterior often shielded the glorious and sacred realities within.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And upon the golden altar":** This clause precisely identifies the specific sacred object being prepared for transport—the Altar of Incense, a central element of daily worship and intercession in the Tabernacle.
* **"they shall spread a cloth of blue":** This specifies the first layer of covering. The priests were to lay a blue cloth directly over the golden altar. This action immediately signifies the altar's sacredness and its connection to the divine, as blue represents heaven and holiness.
* **"and cover it with a covering of badgers' skins":** This describes the second, outer layer of covering. After the blue cloth, a durable, protective layer of *tachash* skins was placed over the altar. This practical covering shielded the sacred object from physical damage and the elements during the arduous journey through the wilderness.
* **"and shall put to the staves thereof":** This final instruction ensures the altar is ready for transport. The staves (carrying poles), which were permanently attached to many Tabernacle furnishings (cf. [Exodus 30:4-5](/exodus/30-4 "Exodus 30:4-5 - Staves for Altar of Incense")), were to be inserted or made ready for the Kohathites to carry the altar, signifying that God's presence was mobile and accompanied Israel throughout their wanderings.

#### Literary Devices
Numbers 4:11 is rich in **Symbolism**. The "golden altar" itself symbolizes prayer and intercession, a continuous ascent of communion between God and His people. The "cloth of blue" is a powerful symbol of the divine, the heavenly, and the sacred, indicating that the altar's function was divinely ordained and connected to God's transcendent nature. The "badgers' skins" (or *tachash* leather) symbolize protection, durability, and the often unglamorous exterior that safeguards profound spiritual realities. This layering of coverings suggests a progression from the sacred inner core (gold, blue) to the protective outer shell (skins), mirroring how God's glory was both present and protected from common view. The meticulous detail in the instructions also functions as a form of **Emphasis**, highlighting the extreme importance of reverence, order, and obedience in handling God's holy things. The use of **Metonymy** is also present, where "golden altar" stands for the entire spiritual activity of offering incense and prayer.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Numbers 4:11 powerfully underscores the themes of divine holiness, the necessity of reverence, and God's active, accompanying presence among His people. The detailed instructions for covering the Altar of Incense highlight that access to God, even in a mediated form, required strict adherence to His commands, emphasizing His absolute purity and the danger of treating holy things casually. The layers of covering—blue signifying heavenly glory, and durable skins providing earthly protection—illustrate the balance between the transcendent beauty of God's presence and the practical measures required to maintain its sanctity in a fallen world. This passage teaches that God's presence is both glorious and vulnerable to human irreverence, demanding careful stewardship and a posture of awe.

* [Exodus 30:1-10](/exodus/30-1 "Exodus 30:1-10 - Instructions for the Altar of Incense")
* [Psalm 141:2](/psalms/141-2 "Psalm 141:2 - Prayer as Incense")
* [Revelation 8:3-4](/revelation/8-3 "Revelation 8:3-4 - Prayers of the Saints as Incense")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The ancient rituals described in Numbers 4:11, though no longer practiced literally, offer profound spiritual lessons for believers today. The meticulous care prescribed for the Altar of Incense serves as a timeless reminder of the profound reverence due to God and His holy presence. Just as the altar symbolized the prayers of God's people, our own prayer lives are a sacred space of communion with God, deserving of intentionality, purity, and devotion. The layers of covering—the inner beauty of blue and the outer protection of the skins—can prompt us to consider the nature of our own spiritual lives: the inner glory of God's Spirit within us, and the practical disciplines and protections we employ to safeguard that precious presence in a challenging world. Furthermore, the portability of the Tabernacle and its furnishings reminds us that God desires to be with His people in every circumstance, accompanying us on our life's journey, and our prayers are a constant connection to Him, regardless of our physical location or circumstances.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the meticulous care for the Tabernacle furnishings inform our approach to worship and spiritual disciplines today?**
* **What does the symbolism of the blue cloth and badgers' skins teach us about the nature of God's presence in our lives and how we should steward it?**
* **In what ways do we "carry" God's presence in our daily lives, and how can we do so with greater reverence and intentionality?**

### FAQ
**What was the primary purpose of the Altar of Incense in the Tabernacle?**

Answer: The Altar of Incense, also known as the golden altar, was primarily used for the daily burning of fragrant incense, morning and evening (cf. [Exodus 30:7-8](/exodus/30-7 "Exodus 30:7-8 - Daily Incense Offering")). This act symbolized the prayers of God's people ascending to Him, serving as a constant expression of worship, intercession, and communion. On the Day of Atonement, blood was also applied to its horns, signifying atonement and purification (cf. [Exodus 30:10](/exodus/30-10 "Exodus 30:10 - Atonement on the Altar of Incense")). It stood in the Holy Place, directly before the veil separating it from the Most Holy Place, emphasizing its role as a bridge between the people and God's immediate presence.

**Why are "badgers' skins" mentioned, and what does the Hebrew term _tachash_ likely refer to?**

Answer: The King James Version's translation "badgers' skins" for the Hebrew word _tachash_ (תַּחַשׁ) is a traditional rendering, but modern scholarship suggests it likely refers to a more durable and water-resistant material. Many scholars believe _tachash_ could refer to the hide of a marine mammal, such as a dugong or porpoise, which were common in the Red Sea region and known for their tough, protective skins. Other interpretations suggest it might be a specific type of fine, dyed leather, perhaps even a color like "dolphin-colored" or "violet." Regardless of the exact animal or color, the key characteristic of _tachash_ skins was their practicality: they provided a robust, weather-resistant outer covering for the sacred Tabernacle furnishings, protecting them from the harsh wilderness environment during transport. This practical function contrasts with the inner, symbolic coverings like the blue cloth, highlighting both the sacredness and the necessary physical protection of God's holy objects.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Numbers 4:11, with its meticulous instructions for covering and transporting the Altar of Incense, finds profound Christ-centered fulfillment. The Altar of Incense, symbolizing the ascending prayers and intercessions of God's people, ultimately points to Jesus Christ, our great High Priest, who "always lives to intercede for them" (cf. [Hebrews 7:25](/hebrews/7-25 "Hebrews 7:25 - Christ's Eternal Intercession")). His perfect, continuous intercession is the true incense, eternally pleasing to God. The "cloth of blue," signifying heavenly origin and divinity, foreshadows Christ's divine nature, the Son of God who descended from heaven. The "badgers' skins," serving as a durable, unadorned outer covering, can be seen as a type of Christ's humble human form, which veiled His inherent divine glory (cf. [John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")). Just as the Tabernacle was portable, accompanying Israel, Christ embodies God's presence that is no longer confined to a physical structure but indwells believers through the Holy Spirit, making us temples of the living God (cf. [1 Corinthians 6:19](/1_corinthians/6-19 "1 Corinthians 6:19 - Believers as Temples of the Holy Spirit")). Through Christ, the ultimate covering and sacrifice, we now have direct access to the Father, no longer needing veils or physical coverings to approach His holy presence (cf. [Ephesians 2:18](/ephesians/2-18 "Ephesians 2:18 - Access to the Father Through Christ")).

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

Exodus 40:5

And thou shalt set the altar of gold for the incense before the ark of the testimony, and put the hanging of the door to the tabernacle.

Exodus 39:38

And the golden altar, and the anointing oil, and the sweet incense, and the hanging for the tabernacle door,

Exodus 37:25

¶ And he made the incense altar [of] shittim wood: the length of it [was] a cubit, and the breadth of it a cubit; [it was] foursquare; and two cubits [was] the height of it; the horns thereof were of the same.

Exodus 37:28

And he made the staves [of] shittim wood, and overlaid them with gold.

Exodus 40:26

And he put the golden altar in the tent of the congregation before the vail:

Exodus 40:27

And he burnt sweet incense thereon; as the LORD commanded Moses.

Exodus 30:1

¶ And thou shalt make an altar to burn incense upon: [of] shittim wood shalt thou make it.