"And shall put thereon the covering of badgers’ skins, and shall spread over it a cloth wholly of blue, and shall put in the staves thereof."
Context:The book of Numbers is the fourth book of the Bible and focuses on the journey of the Israelites in the wilderness after their liberation from Egypt. In Numbers 4, God gives instructions to Moses regarding the responsibilities and duties of the Kohathite clan of the Levites, who were responsible for the transport and care of the sacred objects in the tabernacle.
The Kohathites’ task:In verse 5, God commands Moses to assign specific duties to the Kohathites. Their primary responsibility was to carry the holy objects of the tabernacle, including the Ark of the Covenant. However, before they could do so, certain preparations were required.
The covering of badgers’ skins:In verse 6, one of the preparations mentioned is to place the covering of badgers’ skins on the Ark of the Covenant. The badgers’ skins served as a protective layer, shielding the sacred objects from any potential harm or damage during transportation. This highlights the importance of safeguarding and preserving the sanctity of the items used in worship.
The cloth of blue:Along with the badgers’ skins, a cloth wholly of blue was to be spread over the Ark. The colour blue carries significance in the Bible, often representing heavenly or divine elements. In this context, the blue cloth symbolises the sacred nature of the Ark and the divine presence associated with it. It serves as a reminder of the Israelites’ covenant relationship with God.
The staves:The verse concludes by mentioning the insertion of staves (poles) into the Ark. The staves served as handles for carrying the Ark. They were to remain in place at all times, indicating that the Ark was not to be touched directly by human hands. This emphasised the holiness and reverence due to the presence of God represented by the Ark.
Lessons from Numbers 4:6:
- Sanctity and reverence:The instructions given for the care and transportation of the sacred objects highlight the importance of treating holy things with reverence. This applies not only to physical objects but also to spiritual matters in our lives today.
- Protection and preservation:The badgers’ skins covering the Ark remind us of the need to protect and preserve the things that are sacred and valuable in our worship and spiritual journey.
- Divine presence:The blue cloth signifies the presence of God. It reminds us of the significance of our covenant relationship with Him and the need to recognise and honour His presence in our lives.
- Serving with humility:The staves serve as a reminder that when we serve God, we should do so with humility and an awareness of His holiness. We must recognise that we are carrying His presence and act accordingly.
Remember, studying the Bible involves exploring the broader context and connecting various passages to gain a deeper understanding of God’s message.
