Numbers 4:13

13 "They are to remove the ashes from the [bronze] altar, spread a purple cloth over it,

Numbers 4:13 Meaning and Commentary

Numbers 4:13

And they shall take away the ashes from the altar, and spread
a purple cloth thereon.
] Having cleared the holy of holies, and the holy place, they were to come forth from thence into the court of the tabernacle, where stood the altar of burnt offering, which is here meant, and on which sacrifices being daily burnt, there were always ashes to be removed; and which at this time was highly necessary to be done, when the tabernacle was taken down, and all belonging to it to be carried away; and though no mention is made of the fire, which was always burning on it, it was doubtless preserved, and care was taken for the carrying it along with the altar, or in a separate vessel from it. Bishop Patrick supposes it might be carried upon the grate.

Numbers 4:13 In-Context

11 "They are to spread a blue cloth over the gold altar, cover it with a covering made of manatee skin, and insert its poles.

12 They are to take all the serving utensils they use in the sanctuary, place [them] in a blue cloth, cover them with a covering made of manatee skin, and put [them] on a carrying frame.

13 "They are to remove the ashes from the [bronze] altar, spread a purple cloth over it,

14 and place all the equipment on it that they use in serving: the firepans, meatforks, shovels, and basins-all the equipment of the altar. They are to spread a covering made of manatee skin over it and insert its poles.

15 "Aaron and his sons are to finish covering the holy objects and all their equipment whenever the camp is to move on. The Kohathites will come and carry them, but they are not to touch the holy objects or they will die. These are the transportation duties of the Kohathites regarding the tent of meeting.