Numbers 4:8
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.
Original Language Analysis
עֲלֵיהֶ֗ם
H5921
עֲלֵיהֶ֗ם
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
2 of 13
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
תּוֹלַ֣עַת
of scarlet
H8438
תּוֹלַ֣עַת
of scarlet
Strong's:
H8438
Word #:
4 of 13
a maggot (as voracious); specifically (often with ellipsis of h8144) the crimson-grub, but used only (in this connection) of the color from it, and cl
שָׁנִ֔י
H8144
שָׁנִ֔י
Strong's:
H8144
Word #:
5 of 13
crimson, properly, the insect or its color, also stuff dyed with it
וְכִסּ֣וּ
and cover
H3680
וְכִסּ֣וּ
and cover
Strong's:
H3680
Word #:
6 of 13
properly, to plump, i.e., fill up hollows; by implication, to cover (for clothing or secrecy)
אֹת֔וֹ
H853
אֹת֔וֹ
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
7 of 13
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
בְּמִכְסֵ֖ה
the same with a covering
H4372
בְּמִכְסֵ֖ה
the same with a covering
Strong's:
H4372
Word #:
8 of 13
a covering, i.e., weatherboarding
תָּ֑חַשׁ
of badgers
H8476
תָּ֑חַשׁ
of badgers
Strong's:
H8476
Word #:
10 of 13
a (clean) animal with fur, probably a species of antelope
וְשָׂמ֖וּ
and shall put
H7760
וְשָׂמ֖וּ
and shall put
Strong's:
H7760
Word #:
11 of 13
to put (used in a great variety of applications, literal, figurative, inferentially, and elliptically)
Historical Context
During Israel's wilderness wanderings, the tabernacle had to be carefully dismantled, transported, and reassembled at each new encampment. The table of showbread held twelve loaves representing the twelve tribes, changed each Sabbath by the priests who ate the old bread in the holy place.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the careful covering of the table of showbread inform our reverence in approaching God?
- What connection exists between the showbread and Jesus declaration that He is the bread of life?
- How should the detailed instructions for handling holy things shape our attitude toward Scripture and worship?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The scarlet covering over the table of showbread signifies both the dignity of this holy furniture and the blood sacrifice required for communion with God. The showbread represented God's continual provision and His presence dwelling among His people. Every detail of its transport was prescribed by God, teaching that approaching God's presence requires careful obedience to His commands. The Kohathites who carried these items served as mediators of holy things, foreshadowing Christ who is both the bread of life and our mediator.