Numbers 4:7

7 "They are to spread a blue cloth over the table of the Presence and place the plates and cups on it, as well as the bowls and pitchers for the drink offering. The regular bread [offering] is to be on it.^[a]

Numbers 4:7 Meaning and Commentary

Numbers 4:7

And upon the table of shewbread they shall spread a cloth of
blue
That that also might not be seen nor touched by the Levites:

and put thereon the dishes, and the spoons, and the bowls, and the
covers to cover withal:
all which belonged to the shewbread table; the use of which, (See Gill on Exodus 25:29); these seem to be put not immediately upon the table, but upon the blue cloth spread over the table:

and the continual bread shall be thereon:
the shewbread is called "continual", because it was always on the table; for while the one was removing by a set of priests, which had stood a week, new loaves were placed by another set of priests: this bread seems at this time to be placed also upon the table, spread with the blue cloth; and from hence it appears, that the Israelites had the shewbread in the wilderness; for the making of which they might be supplied with corn from the neighbouring countries, though they themselves needed not any, being daily fed with manna.

Numbers 4:7 In-Context

5 Whenever the camp is about to move on, Aaron and his sons are to go in, take down the screening veil, and cover the ark of the testimony with it.

6 They are to place over this a covering made of manatee skin, spread a solid blue cloth on top, and insert its poles.

7 "They are to spread a blue cloth over the table of the Presence and place the plates and cups on it, as well as the bowls and pitchers for the drink offering. The regular bread [offering] is to be on it.

8 They are to spread a scarlet cloth over them, cover them with a covering made of manatee skin, and insert the poles [in the table].

9 "They are to take a blue cloth and cover the lampstand used for light, with its lamps, snuffers, and firepans, as well as its jars of oil by which they service it.

Footnotes

• [a] Ex 25:30; Lv 24:5-9