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Numbers 4:5 - Priests shield holy Ark

Numbers 4:5 - במדבר 4:5

Hebrew Text

וּבָא אַהֲרֹן וּבָנָיו בִּנְסֹעַ הַמַּחֲנֶה וְהוֹרִדוּ אֵת פָּרֹכֶת הַמָּסָךְ וְכִסּוּ־בָהּ אֵת אֲרֹן הָעֵדֻת׃

English Translation

and when the camp sets forward, Aharon shall come, and his sons, and they shall take down the veil of the screen, and cover the ark of testimony with it:

Transliteration

U-va Aharon u-vanav bi-nsoa ha-makhane ve-horidu et parochet ha-masach ve-kisu-vah et aron ha-edut.

Hebrew Leining Text

וּבָ֨א אַהֲרֹ֤ן וּבָנָיו֙ בִּנְסֹ֣עַ הַֽמַּחֲנֶ֔ה וְהוֹרִ֕דוּ אֵ֖ת פָּרֹ֣כֶת הַמָּסָ֑ךְ וְכִ֨סּוּ־בָ֔הּ אֵ֖ת אֲרֹ֥ן הָעֵדֻֽת׃
וּבָ֨א אַהֲרֹ֤ן וּבָנָיו֙ בִּנְסֹ֣עַ הַֽמַּחֲנֶ֔ה וְהוֹרִ֕דוּ אֵ֖ת פָּרֹ֣כֶת הַמָּסָ֑ךְ וְכִ֨סּוּ־בָ֔הּ אֵ֖ת אֲרֹ֥ן הָעֵדֻֽת׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Context in the Torah

This verse (Bamidbar 4:5) is part of the detailed instructions given to the Kohanim (priests) regarding the disassembly and transportation of the Mishkan (Tabernacle) during the Israelites' travels in the wilderness. The verse specifically addresses the covering of the Aron HaEdut (Ark of the Testimony) with the Parochet (veil) before transport.

Rashi's Commentary

Rashi explains that the Kohanim had to first take down the Parochet that separated the Kodesh (Holy) from the Kodesh HaKodashim (Holy of Holies). They would then use this same Parochet to cover the Aron. This teaches that the same sacred cloth that served as a divider during the Mishkan's stationary state was repurposed to protect the Aron during travel.

Rambam's Perspective

In Hilchot Klei HaMikdash (Laws of Temple Vessels), Rambam elaborates on the great care required when handling the Aron. The covering with the Parochet served both a practical purpose (protecting the Aron) and a spiritual one (maintaining the reverence due to this holiest object).

Symbolism of the Covering

  • The covering represents the concept of histaklut (concealment) of holy matters from inappropriate exposure.
  • It parallels how the Luchot (Tablets) were kept inside the Aron - the most sacred objects require layers of protection and concealment.
  • The Midrash Tanchuma notes that this teaches the principle that Torah scholars must be treated with great respect and dignity.

Practical Halachic Implications

The Talmud (Yoma 54a) derives from this verse that only Kohanim were permitted to handle the Aron and its coverings. This establishes the principle that handling sacred objects requires proper status and preparation. The Sifrei adds that this mitzvah was specifically given to Aharon and his sons, emphasizing the priestly role in protecting the sanctity of the Mishkan's vessels.

Spiritual Lessons

The Kli Yakar explains that the covering of the Aron during travel teaches us that even when the Jewish people are in a state of transition or exile, the Torah (represented by the Aron) remains our constant protection and guide, though its presence may be concealed from plain view.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the purpose of covering the Ark of the Testimony when the camp moves?
A: According to Rashi (Numbers 4:5), the Ark was covered to protect its holiness and prevent people from gazing directly at it during travel. The covering also symbolized reverence for the sacred objects in the Mishkan (Tabernacle).
Q: Why were only Aharon and his sons allowed to handle the covering of the Ark?
A: The Rambam (Hilchot Klei HaMikdash 2:12) explains that the Kohanim (priests) had a unique sanctity that permitted them to handle the sacred vessels. This was a special mitzvah given to Aharon's family to ensure proper care of the Mishkan's holy items.
Q: What practical lesson can we learn from the covering of the Ark?
A: The Talmud (Yoma 54a) teaches that this teaches us the importance of treating holy objects with dignity. Just as the Ark was carefully covered, we must handle sacred items (like Torah scrolls or tefillin) with proper respect in our daily lives.
Q: What was the 'veil of the screen' used to cover the Ark?
A: Rashi (Numbers 4:5) explains this was the same inner curtain (parochet) that normally separated the Holy of Holies from the rest of the Mishkan. When traveling, it served a dual purpose - both as a covering for the Ark and to maintain the separation of this most sacred space.
Q: Why is this commandment about the Ark's covering important in the Torah?
A: The Midrash (Bamidbar Rabbah 4:20) emphasizes that this detail shows how every aspect of the Mishkan's service required precision and care. It teaches us that serving Hashem properly involves attention to both major principles and seemingly minor details.