Numbers 4:7
Numbers 4:7 in Multiple Translations
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.
And upon the table of shewbread they shall spread a cloth of blue, and put thereon the dishes, and the spoons, and the bowls, and covers to cover withal: and the continual bread shall be thereon:
And upon the table of showbread they shall spread a cloth of blue, and put thereon the dishes, and the spoons, and the bowls and the cups wherewith to pour out; and the continual bread shall be thereon:
And on the table of the holy bread they are to put a blue cloth, and on it all the vessels, the spoons and the basins and the cups; and the holy bread with them;
Have them spread a blue cloth over the table of the Presence as well, and put the plates and cups on it, as well as the bowls and jugs for the drink offering. The current bread offering is to stay on it.
And vpon ye table of shew bread they shall spread a cloth of blewe silke, and put thereon the dishes, and the incense cups, and goblets, and couerings to couer it with, and the bread shall be thereon continually:
'And on the table of the presence they spread a garment of blue, and have put on it the dishes, and the spoons, and the bowls, and the cups of the libation, and the bread of continuity is on it,
“On the table of show bread they shall spread a blue cloth, and put on it the dishes, the spoons, the bowls, and the cups with which to pour out; and the continual bread shall be on it.
And upon the table of show-bread they shall spread a cloth of blue, and put on it the dishes, and the spoons, and the bowls, and covers to cover with: and the continual bread shall be upon it.
They shall wrap up also the table of proposition in a cloth of violet, and shall put with it the censers and little mortars, the cups and bowls to pour out the libations: the leaves shall be always on it:
“Then they must put a blue cloth over the table on which the priests put the sacred bread. On top of the cloth they must put the bowls for incense, the pans, the other dishes, the jars for the wine that will be offered as a sacrifice, and the sacred bread.
Berean Amplified Bible — Numbers 4:7
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Numbers 4:7 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/עַ֣ל
שֻׁלְחַ֣ן
הַ/פָּנִ֗ים
יִפְרְשׂוּ֮
בֶּ֣גֶד
תְּכֵלֶת֒
וְ/נָתְנ֣וּ
עָ֠לָי/ו
אֶת
הַ/קְּעָרֹ֤ת
וְ/אֶת
הַ/כַּפֹּת֙
וְ/אֶת
הַ/מְּנַקִּיֹּ֔ת
וְ/אֵ֖ת
קְשׂ֣וֹת
הַ/נָּ֑סֶךְ
וְ/לֶ֥חֶם
הַ/תָּמִ֖יד
עָלָ֥י/ו
יִהְיֶֽה
וְ/עַ֣ל
ʻal
H5921
upon
Conj | Prep
שֻׁלְחַ֣ן
shulchân
H7979
table
N-ms
הַ/פָּנִ֗ים
pânîym
H6440
face
Art | N-cp
יִפְרְשׂוּ֮
pâras
H6566
to spread
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
בֶּ֣גֶד
beged
H899
treachery
N-ms
תְּכֵלֶת֒
tᵉkêleth
H8504
blue
N-fs
וְ/נָתְנ֣וּ
nâthan
H5414
to give
Conj | V-Qal-3cp
עָ֠לָי/ו
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep | Suff
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
הַ/קְּעָרֹ֤ת
qᵉʻârâh
H7086
dish
Art | N-fp
וְ/אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
Conj | DirObjM
הַ/כַּפֹּת֙
kaph
H3709
palm
Art | N-fp
וְ/אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
Conj | DirObjM
הַ/מְּנַקִּיֹּ֔ת
mᵉnaqqîyth
H4518
bowl
Art | N-fp
וְ/אֵ֖ת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
Conj | DirObjM
קְשׂ֣וֹת
qâsâh
H7184
jug
N-fp
הַ/נָּ֑סֶךְ
neçek
H5262
drink offering
Art | N-ms
וְ/לֶ֥חֶם
lechem
H3899
food
Conj | N-cs
הַ/תָּמִ֖יד
tâmîyd
H8548
continually
Art | N-ms
עָלָ֥י/ו
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep | Suff
יִהְיֶֽה
hâyâh
H1961
to be
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Numbers 4:7
וְ/עַ֣ל
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Conj | Prep
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
שֻׁלְחַ֣ן
shulchân
H7979
"table"
N-ms
A shulchan refers to a table, often used for meals or sacred purposes, like a king's table. It symbolizes a place of community and sharing.
Definition: 1) table 1a) table 1a1) of king's table, private use, sacred uses
Usage: Occurs in 62 OT verses. KJV: table. See also: Exodus 25:23; 1 Kings 13:20; Psalms 23:5.
הַ/פָּנִ֗ים
pânîym
H6440
"face"
Art | N-cp
This word means face or presence, like being in front of someone or something. It's used in many contexts, like in Genesis, Exodus, and Psalms, to describe interactions and relationships.
Definition: : face 1) face 1a) face, faces 1b) presence, person 1c) face (of seraphim or cherubim) 1d) face (of animals) 1e) face, surface (of ground) 1f) as adv of loc/temp 1f1) before and behind, toward, in front of, forward, formerly, from beforetime, before 1g) with prep 1g1) in front of, before, to the front of, in the presence of, in the face of, at the face or front of, from the presence of, from before, from before the face of
Usage: Occurs in 1891 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] accept, a-(be-) fore(-time), against, anger, [idiom] as (long as), at, [phrase] battle, [phrase] because (of), [phrase] beseech, countenance, edge, [phrase] employ, endure, [phrase] enquire, face, favour, fear of, for, forefront(-part), form(-er time, -ward), from, front, heaviness, [idiom] him(-self), [phrase] honourable, [phrase] impudent, [phrase] in, it, look(-eth) (-s), [idiom] me, [phrase] meet, [idiom] more than, mouth, of, off, (of) old (time), [idiom] on, open, [phrase] out of, over against, the partial, person, [phrase] please, presence, propect, was purposed, by reason of, [phrase] regard, right forth, [phrase] serve, [idiom] shewbread, sight, state, straight, [phrase] street, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them(-selves), through ([phrase] -out), till, time(-s) past, (un-) to(-ward), [phrase] upon, upside ([phrase] down), with(-in, [phrase] -stand), [idiom] ye, [idiom] you. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 43:31; Exodus 30:16.
יִפְרְשׂוּ֮
pâras
H6566
"to spread"
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
This word means to spread or break something apart, like scattering or stretching out. It is used to describe physical and figurative actions in the Bible.
Definition: 1) to spread, spread out, stretch, break in pieces 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to spread out, display 1a2) to spread over 1b) (Niphal) to be scattered, be spread out 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to spread out 1c1) to scatter
Usage: Occurs in 66 OT verses. KJV: break, chop in pieces, lay open, scatter, spread (abroad, forth, selves, out), stretch (forth, out). See also: Exodus 9:29; Psalms 44:21; Psalms 68:15.
בֶּ֣גֶד
beged
H899
"treachery"
N-ms
In the Bible, this word refers to clothing or a covering, like a garment or robe. It appears in books like Genesis and Exodus, describing what people wore. The word is often translated as 'apparel' or 'raiment'.
Definition: treachery, deceit
Usage: Occurs in 190 OT verses. KJV: apparel, cloth(-es, ing), garment, lap, rag, raiment, robe, [idiom] very (treacherously), vesture, wardrobe. See also: Genesis 24:53; Judges 17:10; Psalms 22:19.
תְּכֵלֶת֒
tᵉkêleth
H8504
"blue"
N-fs
Describes the color blue or violet, obtained from a specific type of mussel, used to dye fabrics in Exodus 28. It is a distinct color in the biblical spectrum.
Definition: 1) violet, violet stuff 1a) violet thread 1b) violet stuff or fabric 2) (TWOT) blue (covering spectrum from brilliant red through deep purple)
Usage: Occurs in 49 OT verses. KJV: blue. See also: Exodus 25:4; Exodus 39:1; Jeremiah 10:9.
וְ/נָתְנ֣וּ
nâthan
H5414
"to give"
Conj | V-Qal-3cp
This word means to give, put, or set something, with a wide range of applications. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, describing God's actions and human interactions. The word is used to convey giving, selling, or exchanging something.
Definition: : give/deliver/send/produce 1) to give, put, set 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to give, bestow, grant, permit, ascribe, employ, devote, consecrate, dedicate, pay wages, sell, exchange, lend, commit, entrust, give over, deliver up, yield produce, occasion, produce, requite to, report, mention, utter, stretch out, extend 1a2) to put, set, put on, put upon, set, appoint, assign, designate 1a3) to make, constitute 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be given, be bestowed, be provided, be entrusted to, be granted to, be permitted, be issued, be published, be uttered, be assigned 1b2) to be set, be put, be made, be inflicted 1c) (Hophal) 1c1) to be given, be bestowed, be given up, be delivered up 1c2) to be put upon
Usage: Occurs in 1816 OT verses. KJV: add, apply, appoint, ascribe, assign, [idiom] avenge, [idiom] be (healed), bestow, bring (forth, hither), cast, cause, charge, come, commit, consider, count, [phrase] cry, deliver (up), direct, distribute, do, [idiom] doubtless, [idiom] without fail, fasten, frame, [idiom] get, give (forth, over, up), grant, hang (up), [idiom] have, [idiom] indeed, lay (unto charge, up), (give) leave, lend, let (out), [phrase] lie, lift up, make, [phrase] O that, occupy, offer, ordain, pay, perform, place, pour, print, [idiom] pull, put (forth), recompense, render, requite, restore, send (out), set (forth), shew, shoot forth (up), [phrase] sing, [phrase] slander, strike, (sub-) mit, suffer, [idiom] surely, [idiom] take, thrust, trade, turn, utter, [phrase] weep, [phrase] willingly, [phrase] withdraw, [phrase] would (to) God, yield. See also: Genesis 1:17; Genesis 40:21; Exodus 30:12.
עָ֠לָי/ו
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Prep | Suff
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
הַ/קְּעָרֹ֤ת
qᵉʻârâh
H7086
"dish"
Art | N-fp
This word means a hollowed out dish or platter, like a bowl, as described in Exodus 25:29. It was used for serving food and drink. The KJV translates it as a charger or dish.
Definition: dish, platter
Usage: Occurs in 17 OT verses. KJV: charger, dish. See also: Exodus 25:29; Numbers 7:43; Numbers 7:85.
וְ/אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
Conj | DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
הַ/כַּפֹּת֙
kaph
H3709
"palm"
Art | N-fp
In the Bible, this word refers to the palm of the hand, like in Exodus 29 where it describes the priest's hands being filled with offerings. It can also symbolize power or strength, like in Psalm 16. It's about the hand or its shape.
Definition: : palm/hand 1) palm, hand, sole, palm of the hand, hollow or flat of the hand 1a) palm, hollow or flat of the hand 1b) power 1c) sole (of the foot) 1d) hollow, objects, bending objects, bent objects 1d1) of thigh-joint 1d2) pan, vessel (as hollow) 1d3) hollow (of sling) 1d4) hand-shaped branches or fronds (of palm trees) 1d5) handles (as bent)
Usage: Occurs in 180 OT verses. KJV: branch, [phrase] foot, hand((-ful), -dle, (-led)), hollow, middle, palm, paw, power, sole, spoon. See also: Genesis 8:9; 2 Chronicles 6:13; Psalms 7:4.
וְ/אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
Conj | DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
הַ/מְּנַקִּיֹּ֔ת
mᵉnaqqîyth
H4518
"bowl"
Art | N-fp
This term is used for a sacrificial bowl, like the ones used in Leviticus 4:7 to hold blood for atonement.
Definition: sacrificial bowl or cup
Usage: Occurs in 4 OT verses. KJV: bowl. See also: Exodus 25:29; Numbers 4:7; Jeremiah 52:19.
וְ/אֵ֖ת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
Conj | DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
קְשׂ֣וֹת
qâsâh
H7184
"jug"
N-fp
This Hebrew word refers to a type of jug or cup, often used to hold liquids, as seen in everyday life in ancient Israel.
Definition: a kind of jug, jar
Usage: Occurs in 4 OT verses. KJV: cover, cup. See also: Exodus 25:29; Numbers 4:7; 1 Chronicles 28:17.
הַ/נָּ֑סֶךְ
neçek
H5262
"drink offering"
Art | N-ms
This Hebrew word refers to a drink offering, where a liquid is poured out as a sacrifice to God, often in a ceremonial context, as seen in Numbers and Deuteronomy.
Definition: 1) drink offering, libation, molten image, something poured out 1a) drink offering 1b) molten images Aramaic equivalent: ne.sakh (נְסַךְ "drink offering" H5261)
Usage: Occurs in 62 OT verses. KJV: cover, drink offering, molten image. See also: Genesis 35:14; Numbers 29:27; Psalms 16:4.
וְ/לֶ֥חֶם
lechem
H3899
"food"
Conj | N-cs
This Hebrew word refers to food, especially bread or grain. It's used throughout the Bible to describe meals, sacrifices, and daily life, highlighting the importance of food in ancient Israelite culture.
Definition: : food(eating) 1) bread, food, grain 1a) bread 1a1) bread 1a2) bread-corn 1b) food (in general)
Usage: Occurs in 277 OT verses. KJV: (shew-) bread, [idiom] eat, food, fruit, loaf, meat, victuals. See also: Genesis 3:19; 1 Samuel 20:34; Psalms 14:4.
הַ/תָּמִ֖יד
tâmîyd
H8548
"continually"
Art | N-ms
This Hebrew word means continually or constantly, like the daily sacrifice in the Bible. It describes something that happens regularly, like every day. It is used in books like Leviticus and Numbers to describe regular offerings.
Definition: 1) continuity, perpetuity, to stretch 1a) continually, continuously (as adverb) 1b) continuity (subst)
Usage: Occurs in 103 OT verses. KJV: alway(-s), continual (employment, -ly), daily, (n-)ever(-more), perpetual. See also: Exodus 25:30; Nehemiah 10:34; Psalms 16:8.
עָלָ֥י/ו
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Prep | Suff
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
יִהְיֶֽה
hâyâh
H1961
"to be"
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.
Definition: 1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) --- 1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass 1a1b) to come about, come to pass 1a2) to come into being, become 1a2a) to arise, appear, come 1a2b) to become 1a2b1) to become 1a2b2) to become like 1a2b3) to be instituted, be established 1a3) to be 1a3a) to exist, be in existence 1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time) 1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality) 1a3d) to accompany, be with 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about 1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone
Usage: Occurs in 3131 OT verses. KJV: beacon, [idiom] altogether, be(-come), accomplished, committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint, fall, [phrase] follow, happen, [idiom] have, last, pertain, quit (one-) self, require, [idiom] use. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 17:4; Genesis 36:11.
Study Notes — Numbers 4:7
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Context — The Duties of the Kohathites
5Whenever the camp sets out, Aaron and his sons are to go in, take down the veil of the curtain, and cover the ark of the Testimony with it.
6They are to place over this a covering of fine leather, spread a solid blue cloth over it, and insert its poles.
7Over 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.
8And they shall spread a scarlet cloth over them, cover them with fine leather, and insert the poles. 9They 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.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Leviticus 24:5–8 | You are also to take fine flour and bake twelve loaves, using two-tenths of an ephah for each loaf, and set them in two rows—six per row—on the table of pure gold before the LORD. And you are to place pure frankincense near each row, so that it may serve as a memorial portion for the bread, an offering made by fire to the LORD. Every Sabbath day the bread is to be set out before the LORD on behalf of the Israelites as a permanent covenant. |
| 2 | Exodus 37:10–16 | He also made the table of acacia wood two cubits long, a cubit wide, and a cubit and a half high. He overlaid it with pure gold and made a gold molding around it. And he made a rim around it a handbreadth wide and put a gold molding on the rim. He cast four gold rings for the table and fastened them to the four corners at its four legs. The rings were placed close to the rim, to serve as holders for the poles used to carry the table. He made the poles of acacia wood for carrying the table and overlaid them with gold. He also made the utensils for the table out of pure gold: its plates and dishes, as well as its bowls and pitchers for pouring drink offerings. |
| 3 | Exodus 25:23–30 | You are also to make a table of acacia wood two cubits long, a cubit wide, and a cubit and a half high. Overlay it with pure gold and make a gold molding around it. And make a rim around it a handbreadth wide and put a gold molding on the rim. Make four gold rings for the table and fasten them to the four corners at its four legs. The rings are to be close to the rim, to serve as holders for the poles used to carry the table. Make the poles of acacia wood and overlay them with gold, so that the table may be carried with them. You are also to make the plates and dishes, as well as the pitchers and bowls for pouring drink offerings. Make them out of pure gold. And place the Bread of the Presence on the table before Me at all times. |
Numbers 4:7 Summary
In Numbers 4:7, we see the priests preparing the table of the Presence for transport, covering it with a blue cloth and placing the vessels for the drink offering on it, along with the regular bread offering. This table represents God's presence among His people, and the vessels and bread are reminders of His provision and covenant. Just like the priests had to prepare the table with reverence and care, we can prepare our hearts for the Lord's presence by seeking to live a life of worship and reverence, as seen in Romans 12:1-2 and Colossians 3:17. By doing so, we can experience God's presence and provision in our daily lives, just as the Israelites did in the wilderness.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of the blue cloth in Numbers 4:7?
The blue cloth represents heaven and the heavenly realm, as seen in Exodus 24:10, where the pavement under God's throne is described as sapphire, which is a blue stone, and in Ezekiel 1:26, where the throne of God is described as being above a vault that looks like a sapphire.
What is the purpose of the plates, cups, bowls, and pitchers on the table of the Presence?
These vessels are for the drink offering, which is a part of the daily sacrifice and worship, as described in Exodus 29:40 and Leviticus 23:37, and they are to be placed on the table of the Presence as a reminder of God's provision and presence among His people.
Why is the regular bread offering to remain on the table?
The regular bread offering, also known as the showbread, is to remain on the table as a symbol of God's covenant with His people and His constant presence among them, as seen in Leviticus 24:5-9, where it is commanded to be placed before the Lord at all times.
How does this verse relate to the overall theme of Numbers 4?
This verse is part of the instructions for the preparation and transportation of the tabernacle and its furnishings, as seen in Numbers 4:1-5, and it highlights the importance of reverence, order, and ritual purity in the worship of God, as commanded in Leviticus 1:3 and Deuteronomy 12:5-7.
Reflection Questions
- What does the table of the Presence represent in my life, and how can I keep it 'set' and ready for the Lord's presence?
- How can I apply the principle of reverence and ritual purity in my own worship and daily life, as seen in this verse and in other parts of Scripture, such as in 1 Corinthians 11:27-32 and Hebrews 12:28-29?
- What does the regular bread offering symbolize, and how can I cultivate a sense of constant communion with God in my daily life, as seen in John 6:35 and 1 Corinthians 10:16-17?
- How can I balance the 'inner' and 'outer' aspects of my worship, making sure that my heart is prepared for the Lord's presence, as seen in Psalm 51:17 and Matthew 5:23-24?
Gill's Exposition on Numbers 4:7
And upon the table of shewbread they shall spread a cloth of blue,.... That that also might not be seen nor touched by the Levites: and put thereon the dishes, and the spoons, and the bowls, and the
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Numbers 4:7
This shall be the service of the sons of Kohath in the tabernacle of the congregation, about the most holy things: This shall be the service ... The Kohathites are mentioned first, from their close
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Numbers 4:7
Of shew-bread, Heb. of faces or presence, for of the bread of faces or presence, i.e. of the bread which was continually standing in the presence of the Lord. The dishes, upon which the shew-bread was put. The continual bread, i.e. shew-bread; so called because it was continually to be there, even in the wilderness; where though they had only manna for themselves, yet they reserved corn for the weekly making of these loaves, which they might with no great difficulty procure from some of the people bordering upon the wilderness in the innermost parts whereof they were.
Ellicott's Commentary on Numbers 4:7
(7) And covers to cover withal.—Better, and the cups for the drink-offering (or libation).And the continual bread.—The shew-bread is so called because it was renewed every Sabbath day, and was continually before the face of the Lord even (as it appears from this verse) during the marches of the Israelites through the desert (Exodus 25:30; Leviticus 24:5).
Cambridge Bible on Numbers 4:7
7. shewbread] Presence-bread, i.e. bread that is placed in the divine Presence. 1 Samuel 21:6 is evidence that the practice was observed in early times. It was probably a relic of the primitive heathen notion that gods actually partook of bread that was offered to them. the continual bread] The expression is not found elsewhere. Cf. ‘continual meal-offering’ (Numbers 4:16, Nehemiah 10:33 only), ‘continual [R.V. perpetual] incense’ ), and frequently ‘continual burnt-offering’ (Numbers 28, 29). It connotes the regularity with which a ritual act is performed at stated intervals. The bread also came to be known as pile bread (R.V. ‘shewbread,’ 1 Chronicles 9:32; 1 Chronicles 23:29, Nehemiah 10:33) owing to the arrangement of the loaves in two piles (Leviticus 24:6, R.V. marg.). And since the root of the word ξֲ ?ςψֶ ?λֶ ?ϊ (‘pile’) denotes to ‘set out’ or ‘arrange’ [a meal], the name appears in the N.T. as ἄρτοιτῆςπροθέσεως (lit. ‘bread of the setting out,’ Matthew 12:4, Mark 2:26, Luke 6:4) and ἡπρόθεσιςτῶνἄρτων (lit. ‘the setting out of the loaves,’ Hebrews 9:2).
Whedon's Commentary on Numbers 4:7
7, 9. The table of show-bread — This is minutely described in Exodus 25:23-30.
Sermons on Numbers 4:7
| Sermon | Description | |
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(Exodus) Exodus 25:29-30 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the significance of the showbread in the Bible. The showbread was made of grain and symbolized Christ. The preacher draws parallels between t |
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(1 Samuel) David on the Decline by David Guzik | In this sermon, the speaker focuses on a passage from the Bible where David encounters a sword and expresses his desire to possess it. The speaker highlights how it is a natural re |
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The Jewish Tabernacle. by Robert Murray M'Cheyne | Robert Murray M'Cheyne emphasizes the significance of the Jewish Tabernacle as a shadow of Christ, illustrating how the Mosaic covenant served as a precursor to the Christian coven |
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(Exodus) Exodus 25:23-28 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the importance of settling the sin question before being able to worship God. He explains that in the tabernacle, there are two articles of f |
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The Tabernacle 06 the Table of Shewbread by J. Henry Brown | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the significance of the "wheels within wheels" mentioned in the Bible. The speaker initially struggles to understand and explain this concept |