Numbers 4:14

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.

Numbers 4:14 in Other Translations

KJV
14 And they shall put upon it all the vessels thereof, wherewith they minister about it, even the censers, the fleshhooks, and the shovels, and the basons, all the vessels of the altar; and they shall spread upon it a covering of badgers' skins, and put to the staves of it.
ESV
14 And they shall put on it all the utensils of the altar, which are used for the service there, the fire pans, the forks, the shovels, and the basins, all the utensils of the altar; and they shall spread on it a covering of goatskin, and shall put in its poles.
NLT
14 All the altar utensils—the firepans, meat forks, shovels, basins, and all the containers—must be placed on the cloth, and a covering of fine goatskin leather must be spread over them. Finally, they must put the carrying poles in place.
MSG
14 They are to place on it all the articles used in ministering at the Altar - firepans, forks, shovels, bowls; everything used at the Altar - place them on the Altar, cover it with the dolphin skins, and insert the poles.
CSB
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.

Numbers 4:14 Meaning and Commentary

Numbers 4:14

And they shall put upon it all the vessels thereof
Upon the altar covered with a blue cloth; on that were to be put everything belonging to the altar:

wherewith they minister about it;
the priests, when they offered sacrifice on it:

[even] the censers, the fleshhooks, and the shovels, and the basins,
all the vessels of the altar;
of which see ( Exodus 27:3 ) ;

and they shall spread upon it a covering of badgers' skins:
to prevent the rains falling upon them, which being all of brass, would be apt to tarnish:

and put to the staves of it;
which were made to bear and carry it on such an occasion as this, ( Exodus 27:6 Exodus 27:7 ) . No mention is made of the laver, though there is both in the Septuagint and Samaritan versions, which add,

``and they shall take a purple cloth and cover the layer, and its base, and shall put it into a covering of skin of a blue colour, and put it upon bearers:''

but perhaps the reason why this is not mentioned is, because it was carried uncovered; the mystery of which, Ainsworth conjectures, was this, that it might be a lively representation of the grace of God in Christ, continuing and opened as an ever springing fountain, where always God's elect, having faith in him, may wash and purge themselves in the blood of Christ unto forgiveness of sin sanctification of the Spirit, and salvation; see ( Zechariah 13:1 ) .

Numbers 4:14 In-Context

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.
16 “Eleazar son of Aaron, the priest, is to have charge of the oil for the light, the fragrant incense, the regular grain offering and the anointing oil. He is to be in charge of the entire tabernacle and everything in it, including its holy furnishings and articles.”

Cross References 6

  • 1. S Exodus 31:9
  • 2. S Exodus 27:3
  • 3. 1 Chronicles 28:17; 2 Chronicles 4:16
  • 4. 2 Chronicles 4:11
  • 5. Exodus 27:3; Numbers 7:84; 2 Chronicles 4:8; Jeremiah 52:18
  • 6. Exodus 27:6
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