Numbers 4:8

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

Numbers 4:8 Meaning and Commentary

Numbers 4:8

And they shall spread upon them a cloth of scarlet
Upon the dishes and other vessels belonging to the shewbread table, and on the shewbread itself:

and cover the same with a covering of badgers' skins;
this was clearly the outward covering, and seems to confirm the observation made in ( Numbers 4:6 ) ; that the same sort of covering was the outermost covering of the ark:

and shall put in the staves thereof;
which belonged to the table, and were made to carry it with on occasion, from place to place; see ( Exodus 25:27 Exodus 25:28 ) ; and the same phrase being used as here of the staves of the ark in ( Numbers 4:6 ) ; seems to confirm the sense of them there, that they were taken out and put in upon this occasion, though otherwise fixed.

Numbers 4:8 In-Context

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.

10 Then they must place it with all its utensils inside a covering made of manatee skin and put [them] on the carrying frame.

Footnotes

• [a]. Or of dolphin skin, or of fine leather; Hb obscure
• [b]. Ex 25:26-28