Numbers 4:12
And they shall take all the instruments of ministery, wherewith they minister in the Sanctuary, and put them in a cloth of blew, and couer them with a couering of badgers skinnes, and shall put them on a barre. Numbers 4:12 (KJV)
The book of Numbers, the fourth book of the Bible, records the journey of the Israelites in the wilderness after their deliverance from Egypt. In chapter 4 the Lord gives Moses detailed instructions concerning the duties of the Levites who were set apart for service in the Tabernacle. The “instruments of ministry” mentioned in verse 12 refer to the sacred objects used in worship—the golden lampstand, the table of showbread, the altar of incense, and other holy items.
When the camp was to be moved, the Levites were to handle these objects with great reverence. First they wrapped each item in a cloth of blue, a colour traditionally associated with the heavenly nature of God’s dwelling place. On top of the blue cloth they placed a covering of badgers’ skins—materials that were durable and provided protection against the elements. The verse records that the covered items were then “put on a bar,” a term that corresponds to the staves used for carrying the holy objects without direct contact.
The covering process emphasized both protection and symbolism. The colors—blue, scarlet, purple—each carried meaning related to God’s holiness, while the badgers’ skins represented a layer of divine safeguarding. The use of staves (or a bar) ensured orderly transportation and prevented mishandling.
Practically, the passage shows God’s care for the sacred objects and His desire that they be treated with order and respect. Symbolically, it reminds believers that worship must be approached with awe, humility, and reverence. The blue cloth points to the heavenly nature of God, and the protective skins point to His grace covering those who serve Him. As the Levites were instructed to be diligent and organized in their duties, the passage calls today’s believers to the same careful attention in carrying out the responsibilities and ministries entrusted to them.
