Meaning, to cover the bread. Cross references: : Exod. 25:15 ; Exod. 25:30
Historical and theological verse study from Book of Numbers, Chapter 4.
Apply the spiritual lesson of Numbers 4:7 through prayerful reflection and faithful obedience.
βGracious Father, write the truth of Numbers 4:7 upon my heart by the power of Your Holy Spirit. Amen.β
βMensam quoque propositionis involvent hyacinthino pallio, et ponent cum ea thuribula et mortariola, cyathos et crateras ad liba fundenda : panes semper in ea erunt :β
βAnd 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: cover: or, pour out withalβ
βOver 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.β
ββOn 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.β
βAnd 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:β
Meaning, to cover the bread. Cross references: : Exod. 25:15 ; Exod. 25:30
Loaves. Some imagine this precept was not observed in the desert, as the people fed on manna. But might not they procure some flour of the neighbouring nations? and do not the princes offer flour, chap. vii.? See Deuteronomy xii. 7. (Calmet)
II. How their work is described. They are said to enter into the host, or warfare, to do the work in the tabernacle. The ministry is a good work (1 Tim 3 1): ministers are not ordained to the honour only, but to the labour, not only to have the wages, but to do the work. It is also a good warfare, 1 Tim 1 18. Those that enter into the ministry must look upon themselves as entered into the host, and approve themselves good soldiers, 2 Tim 2 3. Now, as to the sons of Kohath in particular, here is,
Verses 4-20 The Kohathites were to carry the holy things of the tabernacle. All the holy things were to be covered; not only for security and respect, but to keep them from being seen. This not only marked the reverence due to holy things, but the mystery of the things signified by those types, and the darkness of the dispensation. But now, through Christ, the case is altered, and we are encouraged to come boldly to the throne of grace.