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Numbers 4:11 - Golden altar's hidden holiness?

Numbers 4:11 - במדבר 4:11

Hebrew Text

וְעַל מִזְבַּח הַזָּהָב יִפְרְשׂוּ בֶּגֶד תְּכֵלֶת וְכִסּוּ אֹתוֹ בְּמִכְסֵה עוֹר תָּחַשׁ וְשָׂמוּ אֶת־בַּדָּיו׃

English Translation

And upon the golden altar they shall spread a cloth of blue, and cover it with a covering of taĥash skins, and shall put in its poles.

Transliteration

Ve'al mizbe'ach hazahav yifresu beged techelet vechisu oto bemichseh or tachash vesamu et-badav.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְעַ֣ל <b>׀</b> מִזְבַּ֣ח הַזָּהָ֗ב יִפְרְשׂוּ֙ בֶּ֣גֶד תְּכֵ֔לֶת וְכִסּ֣וּ אֹת֔וֹ בְּמִכְסֵ֖ה ע֣וֹר תָּ֑חַשׁ וְשָׂמ֖וּ אֶת־בַּדָּֽיו׃
וְעַ֣ל ׀ מִזְבַּ֣ח הַזָּהָ֗ב יִפְרְשׂוּ֙ בֶּ֣גֶד תְּכֵ֔לֶת וְכִסּ֣וּ אֹת֔וֹ בְּמִכְסֵ֖ה ע֣וֹר תָּ֑חַשׁ וְשָׂמ֖וּ אֶת־בַּדָּֽיו׃

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Parasha Commentary

Context in the Mishkan

The verse (Shemot 40:5) describes the covering of the golden altar (מִזְבַּח הַזָּהָב) during the transportation of the Mishkan. This altar was used for burning the ketoret (incense) daily. Rashi explains that the golden altar required two coverings: a blue cloth (בֶּגֶד תְּכֵלֶת) underneath and a covering of tachash skins (עוֹר תָּחַשׁ) on top. This parallels the covering of the Aron (Ark), as both were holy vessels requiring special protection.

Symbolism of the Blue Cloth

The color blue (תְּכֵלֶת) is significant in Jewish tradition. The Midrash (Bamidbar Rabbah 4:13) connects it to the heavens and divine revelation. Ramban (Nachmanides) suggests that the blue covering symbolizes the altar's spiritual role in elevating prayers (represented by the ketoret) to the heavens. The Talmud (Menachot 43b) also associates tchelet with the throne of glory, indicating the altar's sacred status.

The Tachash Covering

The outer covering of tachash skins (עוֹר תָּחַשׁ) is discussed in the Talmud (Shabbat 28a), where it is described as a rare, multicolored animal created specifically for the Mishkan's construction. The Kli Yakar (R' Shlomo Ephraim Luntschitz) explains that the tachash covering served as a protective layer, shielding the golden altar from the elements during travel, while its beauty reflected the honor due to the sacred vessel.

Placement of the Poles

The verse concludes with the instruction to place the altar's poles (בַּדָּיו). The Rambam (Hilchot Klei HaMikdash 2:4) notes that unlike the Aron's poles, which were never removed, the golden altar's poles were only inserted when the Mishkan was transported. This teaches that while the altar was stationary during service, its portability emphasized that holiness accompanies Bnei Yisrael wherever they journey.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Yoma 72a
The verse is discussed in the context of the covering of the sacred objects during the transport in the wilderness, particularly focusing on the materials used for covering the golden altar.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the golden altar mentioned in Numbers 4:11?
A: The golden altar (מִזְבַּח הַזָּהָב) refers to the inner altar in the Mishkan (Tabernacle) used for burning incense. It was made of acacia wood overlaid with gold (Exodus 30:1-3). Rashi explains that this verse describes how the Kohanim (priests) carefully covered and transported it during the Israelites' travels.
Q: Why was the golden altar covered with blue cloth and tachash skins?
A: The blue cloth (בֶּגֶד תְּכֵלֶת) and tachash skin covering protected the sacred altar during transport. The Ramban explains that the blue color represents heaven and divine connection, while the durable tachash skins (exotic leather) provided physical protection. This teaches us to treat holy objects with both spiritual symbolism and practical care.
Q: What are the poles (badim) mentioned in Numbers 4:11 used for?
A: The poles (בַּדָּיו) were wooden rods inserted into rings on the sides of the altar (Exodus 30:4). As the Midrash explains, they were used to carry the altar without directly touching it, maintaining its sanctity. This teaches the importance of handling holy items with proper reverence and protocol.
Q: Why does the Torah give such detailed instructions about covering the altar?
A: The Talmud (Yoma 72a) derives from these details that sacred objects require special protection both physically (from damage) and spiritually (from inappropriate exposure). The meticulous care for the Mishkan's vessels teaches us that holiness must be preserved through both practical and symbolic means in our daily lives.
Q: What is the significance of the color blue (techelet) in this verse?
A: Techelet (תְּכֵלֶת) blue dye, derived from a special sea creature (Chilazon), represents heavenly connection according to Rashi (Numbers 15:38). Covering the golden altar with blue reminds us that even the highest forms of service (like the incense offering) must be connected to heavenly inspiration and divine will.