Numbers 4:8

KJV

And they shall spread upon them a cloth of scarlet, and cover the same with a covering of badgers' skins, and shall put in the staves thereof.

KJV (with Strong's)

And they shall spread {H6566} upon them a cloth {H899} of scarlet {H8438}{H8144}, and cover {H3680} the same with a covering {H4372} of badgers {H8476}' skins {H5785}, and shall put {H7760} in the staves {H905} thereof.

Complete Jewish Bible

They are to spread on these things a scarlet cloth, cover them with a covering of fine leather and insert the poles.

Berean Standard Bible

And they shall spread a scarlet cloth over them, cover them with fine leather, and insert the poles.

American Standard Version

and they shall spread upon them a cloth of scarlet, and cover the same with a covering of sealskin, and shall put in the staves thereof.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Numbers 4:8 provides precise instructions for covering the Table of Showbread, one of the most sacred furnishings of the Tabernacle, during its transport by the Kohathite clan. This verse, part of a larger divine directive for the orderly and reverent handling of the holy articles, details the specific layers of protection: an inner scarlet cloth and an outer covering of durable badgers' skins, emphasizing the profound holiness of God's presence and the meticulous care required in His service.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Numbers 4:8 is situated within the broader context of Numbers chapter 4, which meticulously outlines the duties of the three Levite clans—the Kohathites, Gershonites, and Merarites—regarding the dismantling, transport, and reassembly of the Tabernacle during Israel's wilderness wanderings. Specifically, verses 1-15 detail the Kohathites' unique responsibility for carrying the most holy articles, including the Ark of the Covenant, the Table of Showbread, the Menorah, and the Altars. Crucially, these verses emphasize that the priests (Aaron and his sons) were to cover these sacred objects *before* the Kohathites could handle them, underscoring the extreme holiness of the items and the strict protocols required to prevent defilement or death. This particular verse focuses on the Table of Showbread, ensuring its proper protection and readiness for movement.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The instructions in Numbers 4:8 were given to the Israelites during their forty-year journey through the wilderness, a period characterized by nomadic existence and direct divine guidance. The Tabernacle served as the central point of their worship and the tangible symbol of God's presence among His people. Given the harsh desert environment—with its dust, sand, and exposure to elements—the practical need for durable coverings for the sacred furnishings was paramount. Beyond mere practicality, the meticulousness of these instructions, down to the color and material of the coverings, reflected ancient Near Eastern cultural norms where sacred objects were often veiled or protected, signifying their divine ownership and separation from the common. The requirement for specific coverings also reinforced the concept of ritual purity and the profound reverence due to Yahweh, who dwelled in their midst, as seen in other commands regarding holiness in [Leviticus](/leviticus/10 "Leviticus - Laws of Holiness"). The entire process of dismantling and transporting the Tabernacle was a highly organized and sacred endeavor, reflecting God's precise nature and His desire for order in all aspects of their communal life and worship.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Scarlet (Hebrew, _tola'at shani'_):** This term refers to a rich, vibrant red dye, often associated with royalty, wealth, and sometimes with sin or atonement in other biblical contexts. Here, its primary significance is likely its visual prominence and association with sanctity and distinction. It served as the inner, visible layer of protection for the Table of Showbread, indicating its sacred status even when covered. The color scarlet could also subtly hint at the life-giving blood, a theme central to the sacrificial system that the Tabernacle facilitated.
* **Badgers' skins (Hebrew, _tachash'_):** While traditionally translated as "badger," scholarly consensus now leans towards _tachash_ referring to a durable, waterproof leather, likely sourced from an aquatic mammal such as a dugong or porpoise, or perhaps a land animal known for its tough hide. The exact identification is debated, but its crucial characteristic is its protective and resilient quality. This outermost layer provided essential practical protection against the elements, dust, and wear during the arduous desert journeys, ensuring the preservation of the holy articles. Its ruggedness contrasts with the inner scarlet cloth, highlighting both the sacredness and the practical necessity of the coverings.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And they shall spread upon them a cloth of scarlet":** This clause specifies the first, innermost layer of covering for the Table of Showbread. The priests (Aaron and his sons) were responsible for this initial act, signifying the sacredness of the object and the need for priestly mediation even in its handling. The scarlet cloth marked the item as holy and distinct, visible beneath the outer covering.
* **"and cover the same with a covering of badgers' skins":** Following the scarlet cloth, a second, more robust layer was applied. This "badgers' skins" covering served as the primary protective barrier, shielding the Table from the harsh elements of the wilderness journey. This dual-layer approach underscores both the inherent holiness (scarlet) and the practical need for preservation (badgers' skins) of God's sacred furnishings.
* **"and shall put in the staves thereof":** This final instruction emphasizes the readiness of the Table for transport. The "staves" were poles designed to be inserted into rings on the Table, allowing it to be carried on the shoulders of the Kohathites without direct contact. This detail highlights the constant state of preparedness for movement, reflecting the dynamic nature of Israel's journey with God and the Tabernacle's role as a portable sanctuary.

#### Literary Devices
Numbers 4:8 employs several literary devices, most notably **Symbolism** and **Metonymy**, within a framework of meticulous **Instructional Detail**. The "cloth of scarlet" is symbolic of the sacredness and distinction of the Table of Showbread, a color often associated with royalty and divine presence, setting the holy object apart. The "badgers' skins" likewise carry symbolic weight, representing durability, protection, and the practical provision of God for His people's journey through a harsh environment. The act of covering itself is symbolic of the veiled nature of God's holiness, which, while present, could not be directly accessed or viewed by the common Israelite without mediation. The phrase "put in the staves thereof" is a form of **Metonymy**, where the action of inserting the staves stands for the entire process of preparing the Table for transport, signifying its constant readiness for movement. The overall detailed nature of the instructions, typical of the Pentateuchal legal and ritual texts, emphasizes God's precision, order, and the gravity with which He regards His dwelling place and worship.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Numbers 4:8, with its meticulous instructions for covering the Table of Showbread, profoundly underscores the themes of divine holiness, the necessity of mediation, and God's providential care for His people and their worship. The layered coverings—scarlet symbolizing sanctity and the durable badgers' skins representing protection—illustrate that God's presence, though immanent among Israel, remained utterly distinct and sacred, requiring specific protocols for approach and handling. This passage teaches that reverence for God's presence is not merely an emotional state but is expressed through obedient adherence to His detailed commands, ensuring both the protection of His holy things and the safety of those who serve Him. The readiness for transport, signified by the staves, also speaks to the dynamic nature of God's relationship with His people, always on the move, yet always with His presence centrally protected and carried.

* [Exodus 25:23-30](/exodus/25-23 "Exodus 25:23-30 - Instructions for the Table of Showbread")
* [Leviticus 10:3](/leviticus/10-3 "Leviticus 10:3 - God's Holiness and Reverence")
* [Hebrews 9:1-5](/hebrews/9-1 "Hebrews 9:1-5 - Description of the Earthly Tabernacle")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The detailed commands in Numbers 4:8, though specific to the ancient Tabernacle, offer enduring principles for our spiritual lives today. They call us to cultivate a profound reverence for God's holiness, recognizing that His presence, whether in His Word, in corporate worship, or in our personal lives, is not to be approached casually but with intentionality, respect, and awe. Just as the Table of Showbread was meticulously covered for protection, we are reminded of the preciousness of spiritual truths and the need to guard them diligently against the defilements and distractions of the world. Furthermore, the constant readiness for transport, symbolized by the staves, encourages us to live with a posture of preparedness, willing to follow God's leading wherever He calls, understanding that our spiritual journey is dynamic and requires adaptability and faithfulness. Our service to God should be marked by diligence, order, and a deep sense of His sacred presence, reflecting the meticulous care commanded for the Tabernacle furnishings.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the meticulous detail of God's instructions for the Tabernacle furnishings, as seen in Numbers 4:8, inform your understanding of God's character?**
* **In what ways can we, as believers today, demonstrate reverence for God's holiness in our daily lives and in our approach to worship?**
* **What "spiritual furnishings" or truths in your life might need greater protection or more diligent care, akin to the covering of the Table of Showbread?**
* **How can the concept of being "ready for transport" (the staves) apply to your willingness to follow God's leading and embrace changes in your spiritual journey?**

### FAQ
**Why were there two layers of covering for the Table of Showbread, and what did they signify?**

Answer: The two layers of covering—an inner scarlet cloth and an outer covering of badgers' skins—served both symbolic and practical purposes. The scarlet cloth (Hebrew, _tola'at shani_) likely symbolized the sanctity and distinctiveness of the Table of Showbread, a color often associated with royalty, wealth, and sacredness, setting the holy object apart. It may have also subtly pointed to themes of life or atonement. The outer covering of badgers' skins (Hebrew, _tachash_) provided robust, waterproof protection against the harsh elements of the wilderness journey, such as dust, sand, and rain. This dual layering underscored that God's holy presence, while veiled, was both supremely sacred and meticulously preserved, ensuring its integrity and readiness for the journey. It demonstrated God's detailed provision for His dwelling place and the reverence required in handling His sacred things, as seen throughout the Tabernacle instructions in [Exodus 25-40](/exodus/25 "Exodus 25-40 - Tabernacle Instructions").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Numbers 4:8, detailing the covering and transport of the Table of Showbread, finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The Table, which held the bread of presence, foreshadowed Christ as the [Bread of Life](/john/6-35 "John 6:35 - Jesus, the Bread of Life") who sustains His people. The meticulous coverings—the scarlet cloth and the durable badgers' skins—symbolize the two aspects of Christ's work that provide access to God's presence. The scarlet, often associated with blood and sacrifice, points to Christ's atoning blood, which covers our sin and grants us access to the Father, making us holy and acceptable in His sight (cf. [Hebrews 9:12-14](/hebrews/9-12 "Hebrews 9:12-14 - Christ's Blood and Eternal Redemption")). The outer covering of badgers' skins, providing robust protection, speaks to Christ's perfect righteousness and divine power, which fully cover and protect His people from the spiritual elements of sin and judgment. He is our ultimate shield and refuge (cf. [Psalm 91:4](/psalms/91-4 "Psalm 91:4 - God's Protection")). Just as the Tabernacle was portable and always ready for movement, signifying God's dynamic presence with His people, Christ, through His ascension and the sending of the Holy Spirit, ensures that God's presence is no longer confined to a physical structure but dwells within believers, making us living temples of the Spirit (cf. [1 Corinthians 6:19](/1_corinthians/6-19 "1 Corinthians 6:19 - Your Body a Temple of the Holy Spirit")). He is the true and perfect covering, enabling us to approach God's holy presence with confidence and security (cf. [Hebrews 10:19-22](/hebrews/10-19 "Hebrews 10:19-22 - Confidence to Enter the Most Holy Place")).

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 4:9

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:

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 4:7

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:

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 4:13

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