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:
Original Language Analysis
וְעַ֣ל׀
H5921
וְעַ֣ל׀
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
1 of 14
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
הַזָּהָ֗ב
And upon the golden
H2091
הַזָּהָ֗ב
And upon the golden
Strong's:
H2091
Word #:
3 of 14
gold, figuratively, something gold-colored (i.e., yellow), as oil, a clear sky
תְּכֵ֔לֶת
of blue
H8504
תְּכֵ֔לֶת
of blue
Strong's:
H8504
Word #:
6 of 14
the cerulean mussel, i.e., the color (violet) obtained therefrom or stuff dyed therewith
וְכִסּ֣וּ
and cover
H3680
וְכִסּ֣וּ
and cover
Strong's:
H3680
Word #:
7 of 14
properly, to plump, i.e., fill up hollows; by implication, to cover (for clothing or secrecy)
אֹת֔וֹ
H853
אֹת֔וֹ
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
8 of 14
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
תָּ֑חַשׁ
of badgers
H8476
תָּ֑חַשׁ
of badgers
Strong's:
H8476
Word #:
11 of 14
a (clean) animal with fur, probably a species of antelope
וְשָׂמ֖וּ
and shall put
H7760
וְשָׂמ֖וּ
and shall put
Strong's:
H7760
Word #:
12 of 14
to put (used in a great variety of applications, literal, figurative, inferentially, and elliptically)
Historical Context
The golden altar of incense (distinct from the bronze altar for animal sacrifice) burned fragrant incense morning and evening when priests trimmed the lamps (Exodus 30:7-8). This daily practice symbolized continual prayer. Later, Zacharias was offering incense when Gabriel announced John the Baptist's birth (Luke 1:9-11). The altar's position before the veil—closest to God's presence—symbolized prayer penetrating to God's throne.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the incense altar representing prayer inform our understanding of prayer's sacredness?
- What does Christ's mediation of our prayers mean practically?
- How should we approach prayer—casually or with reverence befitting access to God's presence?
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Analysis & Commentary
The golden altar's covering procedure—'spread a cloth of blue, and cover it with a covering of badgers' skins'—paralleled other holy objects but was distinct in its placement 'before the vail' (Exodus 40:5). The golden altar (incense altar) stood nearest the holy of holies, representing prayers ascending to God (Psalm 141:2; Revelation 5:8). Its transport maintaining ceremonial protection teaches that prayer access to God requires proper mediation. In the Old Covenant, priestly intercession; in the New, Christ's high priestly work (Hebrews 7:25). Prayer is not casual but sacred, requiring Christ's mediatorial covering.