And they shall spread upon them a cloth of scarlet, and cover the same with a covering of badgers' skins, and shall put in the staves thereof.

NUMBERS 4:8KJV
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Numbers 4:8 (KJV)

What does Numbers 4:8 mean?

Numbers 4:8 describes how the Levites were to prepare the table of showbread for transport by covering it with a scarlet cloth, then with a covering made from badgers’ skins, and finally placing its carrying poles in position. This verse gives specific instructions for handling sacred objects during the Israelites’ journey.

In context, God is speaking to Moses and Aaron, giving them detailed directions for the Kohathite Levites, who were responsible for moving the most holy items of the tabernacle. The coverings protected the table and its contents, marking them as holy and shielding them from view and damage during travel.

The Hebrew behind Numbers 4:8

  • The word for "spread" is פָּרַשׂ (parash, H6566), which means to stretch out or spread over, emphasizing the careful and deliberate act of covering the table.
  • "Cloth" is בֶּגֶד (beged, H899), a general term for a garment or fabric, indicating a substantial, purposeful covering rather than something flimsy.
  • "Scarlet" uses שָׁנִי (shani, H8144), a bright red dye, often associated with importance or value, highlighting the special status of the table.
  • "Badgers’ skins" is תַּחַשׁ (tachash, H8476), which refers to a type of durable animal skin, possibly from a sea mammal or other tough-skinned animal, used for protection against the elements.

Why Numbers 4:8 matters

  • Numbers 4:8 clarifies the level of care and reverence required when handling the tabernacle’s sacred objects, showing that these items were not treated as ordinary.
  • The verse connects to the larger passage by showing the step-by-step process the Levites followed, underlining the importance of order and obedience in Israel’s worship.
  • Understanding the materials and colors used helps readers appreciate the symbolism and value placed on the tabernacle’s furnishings in Israel’s relationship with God.

Where else these words appear

“covering” Hebrew H4372 · used in 12 verses

  • Genesis 8:13 And it came to pass in the six hundredth and first year, in the first month, the first day of the month, the waters were dried up from off the earth: and Noah removed the covering of the ark, and looked, and, behold, the face of the ground was dry.
  • Exodus 36:19 And he made a covering for the tent of rams' skins dyed red, and a covering of badgers' skins above that.
  • Numbers 4:10 And they shall put it and all the vessels thereof within a covering of badgers' skins, and shall put it upon a bar.

“badgers'” Hebrew H8476 · used in 14 verses

  • Exodus 25:5 And rams' skins dyed red, and badgers' skins, and shittim wood,
  • Exodus 36:19 And he made a covering for the tent of rams' skins dyed red, and a covering of badgers' skins above that.
  • Numbers 4:11 And upon the golden altar they shall spread a cloth of blue, and cover it with a covering of badgers' skins, and shall put to the staves thereof:

“scarlet” Hebrew H8144 · used in 42 verses

  • Genesis 38:28 And it came to pass, when she travailed, that the one put out his hand: and the midwife took and bound upon his hand a scarlet thread, saying, This came out first.
  • Exodus 35:23 And every man, with whom was found blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine linen, and goats' hair, and red skins of rams, and badgers' skins, brought them.
  • Exodus 39:29 And a girdle of fine twined linen, and blue, and purple, and scarlet, of needlework; as the LORD commanded Moses.

“scarlet” Hebrew H8438 · used in 43 verses

  • Exodus 16:20 Notwithstanding they hearkened not unto Moses; but some of them left of it until the morning, and it bred worms, and stank: and Moses was wroth with them.
  • Exodus 35:35 Them hath he filled with wisdom of heart, to work all manner of work, of the engraver, and of the cunning workman, and of the embroiderer, in blue, and in purple, in scarlet, and in fine linen, and of the weaver, even of them that do any work, and of those that devise cunning work.
  • Leviticus 14:6 As for the living bird, he shall take it, and the cedar wood, and the scarlet, and the hyssop, and shall dip them and the living bird in the blood of the bird that was killed over the running water: