Numbers 4:13

13 “They are to remove the ashes from the bronze altar and spread a purple cloth over it.

Numbers 4:13 in Other Translations

13 And they shall take away the ashes from the altar, and spread a purple cloth thereon:

13 And they shall take away the ashes from the altar and spread a purple cloth over it.

13 “They must remove the ashes from the altar for sacrifices and cover the altar with a purple cloth.

13 "They are to remove the ashes from the Altar and spread a purple cloth over it.

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 “Over the gold altar they are to spread a blue cloth and cover that with the durable leather and put the poles in place.

12 “They are to take all the articles used for ministering in the sanctuary, wrap them in a blue cloth, cover that with the durable leather and put them on a carrying frame.

13 “They are to remove the ashes from the bronze altar and spread a purple cloth over it.

14 Then they are to place on it all the utensils used for ministering at the altar, including the firepans, meat forks, shovels and sprinkling bowls. Over it they are to spread a covering of the durable leather and put the poles in place.

15 “After Aaron and his sons have finished covering the holy furnishings and all the holy articles, and when the camp is ready to move, only then are the Kohathites to come and do the carrying. But they must not touch the holy things or they will die. The Kohathites are to carry those things that are in the tent of meeting.

Cross References

• 1. S Leviticus 1:16
• 2. Exodus 27:1-8; Numbers 3:31