Bible Strands

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.

Berean Standard Bible

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Study note

Setting — The text records divine instructions given to the Kohathite Levites regarding the disassembly and transport of the tabernacle furnishings. Moses relays these commands as the Israelites prepare to move camp in the wilderness.

The words — The Hebrew phrase שֻׁלְחַן הַפָּנִים (shulchan ha-panim) literally means "table of the presence." The verb יִפְרְשׂוּ (yifresu) denotes the specific action of spreading out a covering.

The thread — The table itself is first commanded in Exodus 25:23 and later constructed by Bezalel in Exodus 37:10. The bread placed upon it is detailed in Leviticus 24:5.

Why it lands — The verse commands a precise sequence of covering and arranging sacred objects before transport. It requires the reader to recognize that ritual order and material protection are mandated before movement occurs.

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 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:

Cross-references