Numbers 4:8

Verse

And they shall spread a scarlet cloth over them, cover them with fine leather, and insert the poles.

American Standard Version (1901)

and they shall spread upon them a cloth of scarlet, and cover the same with a covering of sealskin, and shall put in the staves thereof.

Bible in Basic English

And over them they are to put a red cloth, covering it with a leather cover, and putting its rods in their places.

Free Bible Version

Over everything they are to spread a crimson cloth, next a fine leather covering, and then insert its carrying poles.

King James (Authorized) Version

And they shall spread upon them a cloth of scarlet, and cover the same with a covering of badgers’ skins, and shall put in the staves thereof.

One Unity Resource Bible

They shall spread on them a scarlet cloth, and cover the same with a covering of sealskin, and shall put in its poles.

Translation for Translators

Over all of this they must spread a scarlet/red cloth. Finally, they must put on top a nice covering made from the skins of goats. Then they must insert into the rings at the corners of the tables the poles for carrying it.

Unlocked Literal Bible

They must cover them with a scarlet cloth and again with sea cow skins. They must insert poles to carry the table.

Noah Webster Bible

And they shall spread upon them a cloth of scarlet, and cover the same with a covering of badgers' skins, and shall put in the staffs of it.

World English Bible

They shall spread on them a scarlet cloth, and cover it with a covering of sealskin, and shall put in its poles.

Young's Literal Translation

and they have spread over them a garment of scarlet, and have covered it with a covering of badger skin, and have placed its staves,

Context

The Duties of the Kohathites

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.

Summary

In this verse, the specific duties of the Kohathites, a clan of the Levites, are outlined regarding the care and transportation of the most sacred items in the tabernacle. They were responsible for carrying the Ark of the Covenant, the Table of Showbread, the Lampstand, the Altars, and the utensils used in the sanctuary. This task required them to cover these items with special cloths before the priests could move them, emphasizing the reverence and sanctity of these objects. The Kohathites' role highlights the importance of handling holy things with care and respect, serving as a reminder of the sacredness of God's presence among His people.

Commentary

John Gill

John Gill Bible Commentary

And they shall spread upon them a cloth of scarlet,.... Upon the dishes and other vessels belonging to the shewbread table, and on the shewbread itself: and cover the same with a covering of badgers' skins; this was clearly the outward covering, and seems to confirm the observation made in Num 4:6; that the same sort of covering was the outermost covering of the ark: and shall put in the staves thereof; which belonged to the table, and were made to carry it with on occasion, from place to place; see Exo 25:27; and the same phrase being used as here of the staves of the ark in Num 4:6; seems to confirm the sense of them there, that they were taken out and put in upon this occasion, though otherwise fixed.