Bible Strands
Numbers 4:13
Then they shall remove the ashes from the bronze altar, spread a purple cloth over it,
Berean Standard Bible
Follow its threads on the canvas →
Study note
Setting — The text addresses Levitical priests during the sanctuary's dismantling and transport preparation, detailing the specific handling procedures for sacred furniture.
The words — The Hebrew verbs דִּשְּׁנוּ (dishesnu) and פָרְשׂוּ (parśu) literally command the removal of ashes and the spreading out of a covering. The noun אַרְגָּמָן (argaman) specifies a purple-dyed fabric applied directly to the bronze altar.
The thread — This altar-cleaning protocol parallels the daily maintenance commands in Leviticus 6:12 and the broader tabernacle transport regulations found in the surrounding verses of Numbers 4.
Why it lands — The passage requires readers to recognize the precise, non-negotiable sequence of physical actions demanded before sacred objects can be moved or handled.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Hebrew words
King James Version
And they shall take away the ashes from the altar, and spread a purple cloth thereon:
Cross-references
- Leviticus 6:12 The fire on the altar shall be kept burning; it must not be extinguished. Every morning the priest is to add wood to the fire, arrange the burnt offering on it, and burn the fat portions of the peace offerings on it.
- Exodus 27:1 “You are to build an altar of acacia wood. The altar must be square, five cubits long, five cubits wide, and three cubits high.
- Exodus 39:1 From the blue, purple, and scarlet yarn they made specially woven garments for ministry in the sanctuary, as well as the holy garments for Aaron, just as the LORD had commanded Moses.
- Exodus 39:41 and the woven garments for ministering in the sanctuary, both the holy garments for Aaron the priest and the garments for his sons to serve as priests.
- Numbers 4:6 They are to place over this a covering of fine leather, spread a solid blue cloth over it, and insert its poles.
- Numbers 4:11 Over the gold altar they are to spread a blue cloth, cover it with fine leather, and insert the poles.