Numbers 4:12
Numbers 4:12 in Multiple Translations
They are to take all the utensils for serving in the sanctuary, place them in a blue cloth, cover them with fine leather, and put them on the carrying frame.
And they shall take all the instruments of ministry, wherewith they minister in the sanctuary, and put them in a cloth of blue, and cover them with a covering of badgers’ skins, and shall put them on a bar:
and they shall take all the vessels of ministry, wherewith they minister in the sanctuary, and put them in a cloth of blue, and cover them with a covering of sealskin, and shall put them on the frame.
All the vessels which are used in the holy place they are to put in a blue cloth, covering them with a leather cover, and put them on the frame.
They are to place all the utensils used for the service in the sanctuary in a blue cloth, cover them with fine leather, and place them on the carrying frame.
And they shall take all the instruments of the ministerie wherewith they minister in the Sanctuarie, and put them in a cloth of blew silke, and couer the with a couering of badgers skinnes, and put them on the barres.
and have taken all the vessels of ministry wherewith they minister in the sanctuary, and have put [them] unto a garment of blue, and have covered them with a covering of badger skin, and have put [them] on the bar,
“They shall take all the vessels of ministry with which they minister in the sanctuary, and put them in a blue cloth, cover them with a covering of sealskin, and shall put them on the frame.
And they shall take all the instruments of ministry, with which they minister in the sanctuary, and put them in a cloth of blue, and cover them with a covering of badgers' skins, and shall put them on a bar.
All the vessels wherewith they minister in the sanctuary, they shall wrap up in a cloth of violet, and shall spread over it a cover of violet skins, and put in the bars.
“They must take all the other items that are inside the Sacred Tent and wrap them in a blue cloth, cover that with a nice covering made from the skins of goats, and place all that on a frame for carrying it.
Berean Amplified Bible — Numbers 4:12
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Numbers 4:12 Interlinear (Deep Study)
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Hebrew Word Reference — Numbers 4:12
Study Notes — Numbers 4:12
Context — The Duties of the Kohathites
12They are to take all the utensils for serving in the sanctuary, place them in a blue cloth, cover them with fine leather, and put them on the carrying frame.
13Then they shall remove the ashes from the bronze altar, spread a purple cloth over it, 14and place on it all the vessels used to serve there: the firepans, meat forks, shovels, and sprinkling bowls—all the equipment of the altar. They are to spread over it a covering of fine leather and insert the poles.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 Chronicles 9:29 | Others were put in charge of the furnishings and other articles of the sanctuary, as well as the fine flour, wine, oil, frankincense, and spices. |
| 2 | Exodus 25:9 | You must make the tabernacle and design all its furnishings according to the pattern I show you. |
| 3 | 2 Chronicles 4:22 | the wick trimmers, sprinkling bowls, ladles, and censers of purest gold; and the gold doors of the temple: the inner doors to the Most Holy Place as well as the doors of the main hall. |
| 4 | Numbers 4:7 | Over the table of the Presence they are to spread a blue cloth and place the plates and cups on it, along with the bowls and pitchers for the drink offering. The regular bread offering is to remain on it. |
| 5 | 2 Chronicles 4:16 | and the pots, shovels, meat forks, and all the other articles. All these objects that Huram-abi made for King Solomon for the house of the LORD were of polished bronze. |
| 6 | 2 Chronicles 4:11 | Additionally, Huram made the pots, shovels, and sprinkling bowls. So Huram finished the work that he had undertaken for King Solomon in the house of God: |
| 7 | 2 Kings 25:14–15 | They also took away the pots, shovels, wick trimmers, dishes, and all the articles of bronze used in the temple service. The captain of the guard also took away the censers and sprinkling bowls—anything made of pure gold or fine silver. |
| 8 | Numbers 3:8 | They shall take care of all the furnishings of the Tent of Meeting and fulfill obligations for the Israelites by attending to the service of the tabernacle. |
| 9 | Numbers 4:9 | They are to take a blue cloth and cover the lampstand used for light, together with its lamps, wick trimmers, and trays, as well as the jars of oil with which to supply it. |
| 10 | 2 Chronicles 4:19 | Solomon also made all the furnishings for the house of God: the golden altar; the tables on which was placed the Bread of the Presence; |
Numbers 4:12 Summary
This verse is talking about how the Levites were supposed to pack up the special utensils used in the tabernacle so they could be moved safely. They had to put them in a special blue cloth and cover them with fine leather to protect them. This shows us how important it is to take care of the things that are special to God, just like the Israelites did (as seen in Exodus 25:40). By following these instructions, the Levites were able to show reverence and respect for God's sacred things, and we can learn from their example to do the same in our own worship (Hebrews 12:28).
Frequently Asked Questions
Why were the utensils for serving in the sanctuary placed in a blue cloth?
The blue cloth represented royalty and heavenliness, signifying the sacred nature of the utensils and the service they were used for, as seen in Exodus 28:31 where the high priest's robe was also blue.
What is the significance of covering the utensils with fine leather?
The fine leather covering protected the utensils from damage and also signified the importance of handling sacred items with care, as instructed in Numbers 4:5-6 where the altar is covered with a blue cloth and fine leather.
Why were the utensils put on the carrying frame?
The carrying frame was used to transport the utensils safely and with ease, allowing the Levites to move the tabernacle and its furnishings from place to place as instructed by God in Numbers 1:50-51.
How does this verse relate to our modern-day worship?
This verse reminds us of the importance of reverence and care in our worship, just as the Israelites were instructed to handle the sacred utensils with care, as seen in Hebrews 12:28 where we are called to offer acceptable worship with reverence and awe.
Reflection Questions
- What can I learn from the Israelites' attention to detail in their worship, and how can I apply this to my own life?
- How does the use of blue cloth and fine leather in the tabernacle remind me of God's majesty and holiness?
- In what ways can I show reverence and care in my own worship, just as the Levites did with the sacred utensils?
- What does this verse teach me about the importance of handling sacred things with care and respect?
Gill's Exposition on Numbers 4:12
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Numbers 4:12
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Numbers 4:12
Cambridge Bible on Numbers 4:12
Sermons on Numbers 4:12
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Ten Indictments Against the Modern Church by Paul Washer | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the need for revival and awakening in the church. He cautions against expecting the Holy Spirit to clean up the mess without taking responsib |
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(Exodus) Exodus 25:9 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the tabernacle and its significance in the Bible. He emphasizes that the tabernacle was a pattern of the one in heaven, indicating the existen |
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God, as an Enemy by Erlo Stegen | In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the message shared by another preacher and highlights key points. He emphasizes the importance of teaching children the ways of the Lord and |
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Acid Test Series 1 of 8 - the Priority of Prayer by Al Whittinghill | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of prayer in the life of a believer. He uses a story of a little boy who boldly approaches a king covered in mud to illustrate |
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Gods Perfect Planning - Part 2 by Erlo Stegen | In this sermon, the speaker encourages the audience to do some research and Bible study to understand why Joseph and Mary did not return to Bethlehem after Jesus' birth. The speake |
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Book of Acts Series - Part 40 | the Plan by Jim Cymbala | In this sermon, the pastor emphasizes the importance of having a plan in various aspects of life. He highlights how society operates with plans in businesses, universities, and eve |
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Pattern in Building by Stephen Kaung | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the pattern on which God builds the church. He explains that the New Testament provides a blueprint for the church, starting with the four Go |






