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

NUMBERS 4:13KJV
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Numbers 4:13 (KJV)

What does Numbers 4:13 mean?

Numbers 4:13 gives instructions for preparing the altar for travel when the Israelites move their camp. The ashes are to be removed, and a purple cloth is to be spread over the altar before it is carried.

The altar was the place where offerings were burned, so the ashes were left from its use. The verse is part of God’s instructions to Moses and Aaron about preparing the sacred objects for a journey.

The Hebrew behind Numbers 4:13

  • “ashes” — דֶּשֶׁן (deshen): This word can refer to the fatty residue and ashes from burned offerings. It points to material left by the altar’s fires.
  • “purple” — אַרְגָּמָן (argaman): This word refers to a purple or reddish-purple dyed material. The word identifies the color of the covering, though the precise shade is uncertain.

Why Numbers 4:13 matters

  • The altar’s equipment traveled with it. Verse 14 lists items used at the altar that were to be placed on it before it was covered for transport.
  • Preparing the altar and carrying it were assigned tasks. Aaron and his sons prepared the sacred objects, and the Kohathites were to carry them once the covering was complete (Numbers 4:15).

Where else these words appear

“ashes” Hebrew H1878 · used in 11 verses

  • Exodus 27:3 And thou shalt make his pans to receive his ashes, and his shovels, and his basons, and his fleshhooks, and his firepans: all the vessels thereof thou shalt make of brass.
  • Psalms 23:5 Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.
  • Proverbs 15:30 The light of the eyes rejoiceth the heart: and a good report maketh the bones fat.

“purple” Hebrew H713 · used in 38 verses

  • Exodus 25:4 And blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine linen, and goats' hair,
  • Exodus 35:25 And all the women that were wise hearted did spin with their hands, and brought that which they had spun, both of blue, and of purple, and of scarlet, and of fine linen.
  • Exodus 39:24 And they made upon the hems of the robe pomegranates of blue, and purple, and scarlet, and twined linen.

“spread” Hebrew H6566 · used in 66 verses

  • Exodus 9:29 And Moses said unto him, As soon as I am gone out of the city, I will spread abroad my hands unto the LORD; and the thunder shall cease, neither shall there be any more hail; that thou mayest know how that the earth is the LORD'S.
  • 2 Kings 19:14 And Hezekiah received the letter of the hand of the messengers, and read it: and Hezekiah went up into the house of the LORD, and spread it before the LORD.
  • Isaiah 33:23 Thy tacklings are loosed; they could not well strengthen their mast, they could not spread the sail: then is the prey of a great spoil divided; the lame take the prey.