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.
Original Language Analysis
וְנָֽתְנ֣וּ
And shall put
H5414
וְנָֽתְנ֣וּ
And shall put
Strong's:
H5414
Word #:
1 of 12
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
עָלָ֗יו
H5921
עָלָ֗יו
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
2 of 12
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
כְּסוּי֙
thereon the covering
H3681
כְּסוּי֙
thereon the covering
Strong's:
H3681
Word #:
3 of 12
properly, covered, i.e., (as noun) a covering
תַּ֔חַשׁ
of badgers
H8476
תַּ֔חַשׁ
of badgers
Strong's:
H8476
Word #:
5 of 12
a (clean) animal with fur, probably a species of antelope
כְּלִ֛יל
wholly
H3632
כְּלִ֛יל
wholly
Strong's:
H3632
Word #:
8 of 12
complete; as noun, the whole (specifically, a sacrifice entirely consumed); as adverb, fully
תְּכֵ֖לֶת
of blue
H8504
תְּכֵ֖לֶת
of blue
Strong's:
H8504
Word #:
9 of 12
the cerulean mussel, i.e., the color (violet) obtained therefrom or stuff dyed therewith
מִלְמָ֑עְלָה
over
H4605
מִלְמָ֑עְלָה
over
Strong's:
H4605
Word #:
10 of 12
properly,the upper part, used only adverbially with prefix upward, above, overhead, from the top, etc
Historical Context
The ark of the covenant contained the tablets of law, Aaron's rod, and a pot of manna (Hebrews 9:4). Its covering procedure was most elaborate, reflecting its supreme holiness. The blue cloth represented heaven/divinity, the badger skins provided practical protection. Later, when David improperly transported the ark on a cart instead of using Levite-carried poles, Uzzah's death resulted (2 Samuel 6:6-7), showing that God's prescribed methods matter.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the careful covering of holy things inform our approach to sacred matters?
- What does Christ's veiling of divine glory in human flesh teach about God's accommodation to our weakness?
- Why does God care about methods of handling holy things, not just motives?
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Analysis & Commentary
The detailed covering procedure for the ark—'put thereon the covering of badgers' skins, and shall spread over it a cloth wholly of blue'—demonstrates that the most holy object required multiple protective layers. The Hebrew tachash (often translated 'badgers' or 'seals') provided waterproof outer covering, while the blue cloth symbolized heavenly origin. The careful wrapping protected the ark during transport and prevented unauthorized viewing (verse 20). This teaches that holy things require protective reverence. Christ similarly veils divine glory in incarnation, allowing sinners to approach without being consumed.