Numbers 4:12

Authorized King James Version

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:

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְלָֽקְחוּ֩
And they shall take
to take (in the widest variety of applications)
#2
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#3
כָּל
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#4
כְּלֵ֨י
all the instruments
something prepared, i.e., any apparatus (as an implement, utensil, dress, vessel or weapon)
#5
הַשָּׁרֵ֜ת
of ministry
service (in the temple)
#6
אֲשֶׁ֧ר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#7
יְשָֽׁרְתוּ
wherewith they minister
to attend as a menial or worshipper; figuratively, to contribute to
#8
בָ֣ם
H0
#9
בַּקֹּ֗דֶשׁ
in the sanctuary
a sacred place or thing; rarely abstract, sanctity
#10
וְנָֽתְנ֖וּ
and put
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
#11
אֶל
near, with or among; often in general, to
#12
בֶּ֣גֶד
them in a cloth
a covering, i.e., clothing
#13
תְּכֵ֔לֶת
of blue
the cerulean mussel, i.e., the color (violet) obtained therefrom or stuff dyed therewith
#14
וְכִסּ֣וּ
and cover
properly, to plump, i.e., fill up hollows; by implication, to cover (for clothing or secrecy)
#15
אוֹתָ֔ם
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#16
בְּמִכְסֵ֖ה
them with a covering
a covering, i.e., weatherboarding
#17
ע֣וֹר
skins
skin (as naked); by implication, hide, leather
#18
תָּ֑חַשׁ
of badgers
a (clean) animal with fur, probably a species of antelope
#19
וְנָֽתְנ֖וּ
and put
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
#20
עַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#21
הַמּֽוֹט׃
them on a bar
a wavering, i.e., fall; by implication, a pole (as shaking); hence, a yoke (as essentially a bent pole)

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

Historical Context

The historical context of the biblical period relevant to this book's composition provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The the cultural context of the biblical world would have shaped how the original audience understood divine revelation. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

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