Numbers 4:13

13 "They must clean the ashes off the bronze altar and 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 must spread a blue cloth over the gold altar, cover it with fine leather, and put the poles in place.

12 "They must gather all the things used for serving in the Holy Place and wrap them in a blue cloth. Then they must cover that with fine leather and put these things on a frame for carrying them.

13 "They must clean the ashes off the bronze altar and spread a purple cloth over it.

14 They must gather all the things used for serving at the altar -- the pans for carrying the fire, the meat forks, the shovels, and the bowls -- and put them on the bronze altar. Then they must spread a covering of fine leather over it and put the poles in place.

15 "When the Israelites are ready to move, and when Aaron and his sons have covered the holy furniture and all the holy things, the Kohathites may go in and carry them away. In this way they won't touch the holy things and die. It is the Kohathites' job to carry the things that are in the Meeting Tent.