And shall put thereon the couering of badgers skinnes, & shall spread ouer it a cloth wholly of blew, and shall put in the staues thereof. Numbers 4:6 (KJV)
The book of Numbers, the fourth book of Scripture, records the Israelites’ journey through the wilderness after their deliverance from Egypt. In chapter 4 God gives Moses detailed instructions concerning the Kohathite clan of Levites, who were charged with transporting and caring for the sacred objects of the tabernacle, including the Ark of the Covenant.
Before the Kohathites could move the holy items, specific preparations were required. Verse 6 commands that a covering made of badgers’ skins be placed over the Ark. These skins functioned as a protective layer, shielding the most sacred object from potential damage during transport. The text also mentions that the covering incorporated purple and scarlet materials, suggesting an intricate design that added both beauty and further protection.
Over the badgers’ skins a cloth wholly of blue was to be spread. In biblical symbolism the colour blue often points to heavenly or divine realities; here it underscores the sacred nature of the Ark and serves as a visual reminder of God’s covenant presence among His people.
The verse concludes with the instruction to put in the staves. The staves acted as poles for carrying the Ark and were to remain in place at all times, indicating that the Ark was never to be touched directly by human hands. This practice highlighted the extreme holiness of the object and the reverence required of those who bore it.
Lessons from Numbers 4:6
Sanctity and reverence – The detailed care required for the Ark teaches that holy things demand our utmost respect, both in physical objects and in the spiritual matters of our lives.
Protection and preservation – The use of badgers’ skins, along with purple and scarlet coverings, reminds believers to guard and preserve what is sacred in worship and in personal devotion.
Divine presence – The blue cloth points to God’s heavenly presence, urging us to recognize and honour the covenant relationship we share with Him.
Serving with humility – The staves illustrate that serving God involves humility, acknowledging that we are merely carriers of His presence and must act with reverence.
