Numbers 4:13

KJV

And they shall take away the ashes from the altar, and spread a purple cloth thereon:

KJV (with Strong's)

And they shall take away the ashes {H1878} from the altar {H4196}, and spread {H6566} a purple {H713} cloth {H899} thereon:

Complete Jewish Bible

After removing the greasy ashes from the altar, they are to spread a purple cloth over it

Berean Standard Bible

Then they shall remove the ashes from the bronze altar, spread a purple cloth over it,

American Standard Version

And they shall take away the ashes from the altar, and spread a purple cloth thereon:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Numbers 4:13 presents a precise divine instruction to the Kohathite Levites regarding the preparation of the bronze altar of burnt offering for transport during Israel's wilderness journeys. It mandates the careful removal of ashes from the altar, followed by its covering with a royal purple cloth. This directive is a critical component of the meticulous protocol for dismantling and moving the Tabernacle, underscoring the profound holiness of the altar and the exacting reverence required in the service of God, even when the sacred objects are not actively in use.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Numbers 4:13 is situated within a detailed section (Numbers 4:1-33) that meticulously outlines the specific duties of the three Levitical clans—the Kohathites, Gershonites, and Merarites—concerning the dismantling, transportation, and reassembly of the Tabernacle and its sacred furnishings. While earlier chapters (Numbers 1-3) established the tribal census and general Levitical roles, chapter 4 provides the granular, practical instructions for their service. The Kohathites, to whom this verse is addressed, were uniquely entrusted with the most sacred objects, including the Ark of the Covenant, the lampstand, the table of showbread, and the altars. Crucially, before the Kohathites could handle these holy objects, they first had to be prepared and covered by the priests (Aaron and his sons), as detailed in the preceding verses (Numbers 4:5-12). This specific instruction for the altar of burnt offering follows this pattern of priestly preparation, ensuring its ritual purity and protection before the Kohathites could carry it, emphasizing the strict hierarchy and order within the Tabernacle service.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The instructions in Numbers 4:13 were given to the Israelites during their wilderness wanderings, a period defined by constant movement and the central presence of the Tabernacle as the tangible dwelling place of God among His people. The meticulous regulations for handling the Tabernacle components were not merely logistical but were crucial for maintaining ritual purity and avoiding divine wrath, as any unauthorized or improper contact could result in death (cf. [Numbers 4:15](/numbers/4-15 "Numbers 4:15 - Penalty for Touching Holy Objects")). In ancient Near Eastern cultures, sacred objects and places were generally treated with extreme reverence, but the Israelite system, revealed by Yahweh, was unique in its pervasive and detailed emphasis on holiness, purity, and order. The removal of ashes from the altar was a daily priestly duty (cf. [Leviticus 6:10-11](/leviticus/6-10-11 "Leviticus 6:10-11 - Priest's Garments and Ash Removal")), but its specific mention here highlights the need to prepare the altar not just for ongoing sacrifice but for safe and holy transit. The use of a purple cloth was highly significant, as purple dye (often derived from murex snails) was exceedingly rare and expensive, reserved for royalty, nobility, and sacred religious items, signifying immense value, dignity, and divine authority (e.g., [Exodus 26:31](/exodus/26-31 "Exodus 26:31 - The Veil of the Tabernacle") for the Tabernacle's veil and [Exodus 28:6](/exodus/28-6 "Exodus 28:6 - The Ephod of the High Priest") for the high priest's ephod).
* **Key Themes:** Numbers 4:13 contributes significantly to several major theological and narrative themes within the book of Numbers and the Pentateuch. Foremost among these is the theme of **Divine Holiness**, emphasizing that God's presence is utterly sacred and demands meticulous reverence in all interactions, even with the physical objects associated with His worship. The detailed instructions underscore the theme of **Order and Structure**, illustrating God's demand for precise protocols in His service, where every action has a prescribed method and purpose. This verse also highlights the **Mediatorial Role of the Priesthood**, as only Aaron and his sons were permitted to prepare the altar, acting as indispensable intermediaries between God and the people. Furthermore, the instructions for the altar, the central place of **Atonement and Sacrifice**, reinforce its profound significance. Finally, the use of the costly purple cloth introduces the theme of **Divine Majesty and Royalty**, signifying that the God of Israel is the supreme King, and His dwelling place and instruments of worship reflect His regal splendor, even during transit through the wilderness (cf. [Numbers 9:15-23](/numbers/9-15-23 "Numbers 9:15-23 - The Cloud and Fire Guiding Israel")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Ashes (Hebrew, _dâshên'_):** From a primitive root meaning "to be fat" or "to fatten," this term specifically refers to the fatty ash remains from the burnt offerings on the altar. In this context, it signifies the residue of consumed sacrifices. The instruction to "take away the ashes" (from the root's broader meaning "to remove fat ashes") emphasizes the need for cleanliness and order even concerning the remnants of sacred acts, preparing the altar for its journey in a ritually pure state.
* **Spread (Hebrew, _pâras'_):** This primitive root means "to break apart, disperse, etc.," but in the context of a cloth, it specifically means "to spread (abroad, forth, selves, out), stretch (forth, out)." It implies a deliberate, expansive action of covering. Here, it signifies the careful and complete covering of the altar, ensuring its protection and concealment from common view during transport, reflecting the reverence due to holy objects.
* **Purple (Hebrew, _ʼargâmân'_):** This word, of foreign origin, denotes a specific deep red-purple dye or the dyed material itself. It was one of the most valuable and prestigious colors in the ancient world, derived from murex shellfish, and was universally associated with royalty, wealth, and divine majesty. Its use for the altar's covering elevates the altar's status, marking it as belonging to the King of kings and underscoring its supreme holiness and importance even when not actively in use for sacrifice.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And they shall take away the ashes from the altar":** This initial command specifies the first step in preparing the bronze altar for movement. The "ashes" (Hebrew: _dâshên_) are the residue of the burnt offerings, which would have accumulated on the altar. The act of "taking away" (a nuance derived from the broader meaning of the root _dâshên_ to remove fat ashes, implying careful handling) signifies the priests' duty to meticulously cleanse the altar. This action ensures ritual purity and prepares the altar for its sacred journey, emphasizing that even the remnants of worship must be handled with reverence and order.
* **"and spread a purple cloth thereon":** Following the removal of the ashes, the altar is to be covered with a "purple cloth" (Hebrew: _beged ʼargâmân_). This specific color is highly symbolic, representing royalty, dignity, and holiness due to its rarity and costliness in the ancient world. The act of "spreading" (Hebrew: _pâras_) implies a deliberate and complete covering, shielding the holy altar from common view and protecting it during transit. This covering serves both a practical purpose (protection from damage and defilement) and a profound symbolic one (designating its supreme sacredness and connection to God's royal presence).

#### Literary Devices
Numbers 4:13, though a concise instruction, employs significant **Symbolism** and **Metonymy**. The "ashes" themselves are symbolic, representing the consumed sacrifice and the completion of atonement, yet they still require careful handling, indicating that even the remnants of holy things are sacred and demand respect. The most prominent device is the **Symbolism** of the "purple cloth." Purple, as discussed, is a powerful symbol of royalty, wealth, and divine majesty. Its use here elevates the status of the altar, marking it not merely as a functional piece of furniture but as an object belonging to the divine King. This covering acts as a visual **Metonymy**, where the color stands in for the attributes of God Himself—His kingship, holiness, and supreme worth. The meticulous detail in this instruction also serves as a form of **Didacticism**, teaching the Israelites about the absolute necessity of reverence, order, and holiness in their approach to God and His worship, a lesson reinforced by the severe consequences for disobedience.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Numbers 4:13 powerfully underscores the themes of divine holiness, meticulous order, and the sacredness of God's presence. The extreme care mandated for the altar, even in its preparation for transport, reveals that God's holiness permeates every aspect of His worship and the instruments associated with it. This instruction teaches that nothing related to God is trivial or to be treated lightly; even the ashes and the covering cloth are part of a divinely ordained protocol. This principle extends beyond the physical Tabernacle, reminding believers that our approach to God, His Word, and His work must be marked by reverence, intentionality, and a deep respect for His majesty, recognizing that He is a holy and awesome God.

* [Exodus 29:37](/exodus/29-37 "Exodus 29:37 - Consecration of the Altar")
* [Leviticus 10:3](/leviticus/10-3 "Leviticus 10:3 - God's Holiness Demands Reverence")
* [Hebrews 12:28-29](/hebrews/12-28-29 "Hebrews 12:28-29 - Worship with Reverence and Awe")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Numbers 4:13, while seemingly a mundane logistical instruction, carries profound spiritual weight for believers today. It calls us to consider the reverence and intentionality with which we approach God and all that pertains to Him. Just as the altar, the place of sacrifice and atonement, was treated with the utmost care—even its ashes and its covering—so too should we approach our spiritual lives, our worship, and our engagement with God's Word. This verse reminds us that holiness is not confined to grand moments but extends to the details, the "ashes" and "coverings" of our daily walk. It challenges us to reflect on whether our lives reflect the same meticulous care for God's honor and presence that was demanded of the Levites. Are we treating our spiritual disciplines, our church community, and our personal walk with God with the reverence and order that His holiness demands? This passage serves as a powerful reminder that true worship involves not just grand gestures but also faithful stewardship of the seemingly small, daily acts of obedience and reverence.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life do I need to cultivate a greater sense of reverence and intentionality towards God?**
* **How does the meticulous care for the physical altar in Numbers 4:13 inform my approach to spiritual disciplines like prayer, Bible study, and worship?**
* **What "ashes" or remnants of past spiritual experiences might I be overlooking, and how can I honor them as part of God's ongoing work in my life?**

### FAQ
**Why was it necessary to remove the ashes before covering the altar?**

Answer: Removing the ashes (Hebrew: _dâshên_) was a crucial step for both practical and symbolic reasons. Practically, it ensured the altar was clean and ready for transport, preventing the spread of messy residue and maintaining the sanctity of the Tabernacle's components. Symbolically, it was part of the daily priestly ritual of purification and preparation, as detailed in [Leviticus 6:10-11](/leviticus/6-10-11 "Leviticus 6:10-11 - Priest's Duties Regarding Ashes"). Even though the altar was not actively being used for sacrifice during transport, its sacredness required it to be in a state of ritual cleanliness. This act underscored the meticulous order and purity God demanded in all aspects of His service, ensuring that even the remnants of sacrifice were handled with reverence before the altar was covered and moved.

**What is the significance of the purple cloth used to cover the altar?**

Answer: The purple cloth (Hebrew: _ʼargâmân_) was highly significant due to its rarity, cost, and profound symbolic associations in the ancient world. Purple dye was extremely expensive and labor-intensive to produce, making it a color reserved for royalty, nobility, and objects of immense value and high status. Its use here signifies the altar's supreme importance, sacredness, and its direct connection to the divine King. The purple covering not only protected the altar physically during transit but also visually marked it as belonging to God, shielding its holiness from common view and reinforcing its dignity and majesty. This color was consistently used for the most sacred elements of the Tabernacle and the high priest's garments, such as the veil separating the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place ([Exodus 26:31](/exodus/26-31 "Exodus 26:31 - The Tabernacle Veil")) and the high priest's ephod ([Exodus 28:6](/exodus/28-6 "Exodus 28:6 - The High Priest's Ephod")), further emphasizing its regal and holy connotations.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Numbers 4:13, with its detailed instructions for preparing the altar of burnt offering, finds its ultimate and profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The altar, the central place where sacrifices were offered for the atonement of sin, powerfully foreshadowed the ultimate, once-for-all sacrifice of Christ on the cross. The removal of the ashes and the covering of the altar with a royal purple cloth speak volumes about the nature and efficacy of Christ's redemptive work. The "ashes" represent the completed sacrifice, signifying that Christ's offering on Calvary was perfect and complete, leaving no need for further animal sacrifices ([Hebrews 10:10-14](/hebrews/10-10-14 "Hebrews 10:10-14 - Christ's Perfect Sacrifice")). Just as the altar was cleansed of its remnants, Christ's sacrifice fully cleanses us from sin, taking away our transgressions completely and permanently ([1 John 1:7](/1_john/1-7 "1 John 1:7 - Cleansing by Blood")). The purple cloth, symbolizing royalty and majesty, points directly to Jesus as the King of kings and Lord of lords, whose sacrifice was not merely a ritual act but the ultimate, sovereign act of a divine God-man. He is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), and through His royal, atoning blood, we are made holy and granted access into God's very presence ([Hebrews 10:19-22](/hebrews/10-19-22 "Hebrews 10:19-22 - Access to God through Christ")). The portability of the altar, now covered and prepared for movement, also subtly prefigures the universal and accessible nature of Christ's atonement—no longer confined to a physical structure or a specific location, but available to all who believe, wherever they may be, as His disciples are commissioned to go and make disciples of all nations ([Matthew 28:19-20](/matthew/28-19-20 "Matthew 28:19-20 - The Great Commission")).

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

Leviticus 6:12

And the fire upon the altar shall be burning in it; it shall not be put out: and the priest shall burn wood on it every morning, and lay the burnt offering in order upon it; and he shall burn thereon the fat of the peace offerings.

Leviticus 6:13

The fire shall ever be burning upon the altar; it shall never go out.

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 4:12

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:

Exodus 39:41

The cloths of service to do service in the holy [place], and the holy garments for Aaron the priest, and his sons' garments, to minister in the priest's office.

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 4:9

And they shall take a cloth of blue, and cover the candlestick of the light, and his lamps, and his tongs, and his snuffdishes, and all the oil vessels thereof, wherewith they minister unto it: