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Numbers 4:6 - Blue cover conceals holy transport

Numbers 4:6 - במדבר 4:6

Hebrew Text

וְנָתְנוּ עָלָיו כְּסוּי עוֹר תַּחַשׁ וּפָרְשׂוּ בֶגֶד־כְּלִיל תְּכֵלֶת מִלְמָעְלָה וְשָׂמוּ בַּדָּיו׃

English Translation

and they shall put on it the covering of taĥash skins, and shall spread over it a cloth wholly of blue, and shall put in its poles.

Transliteration

Venatnu alav ksui or tachash ufarsu veged-klil techelet milmala vesamu badav.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְנָתְנ֣וּ עָלָ֗יו כְּסוּי֙ ע֣וֹר תַּ֔חַשׁ וּפָרְשׂ֧וּ בֶֽגֶד־כְּלִ֛יל תְּכֵ֖לֶת מִלְמָ֑עְלָה וְשָׂמ֖וּ בַּדָּֽיו׃
וְנָתְנ֣וּ עָלָ֗יו כְּסוּי֙ ע֣וֹר תַּ֔חַשׁ וּפָרְשׂ֧וּ בֶֽגֶד־כְּלִ֛יל תְּכֵ֖לֶת מִלְמָ֑עְלָה וְשָׂמ֖וּ בַּדָּֽיו׃

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Parasha Commentary

Context in the Mishkan

This verse (Shemot 35:19) describes the covering of the Aron HaKodesh (Holy Ark) during transport in the wilderness. The Aron was first covered with the tachash skin, then with a blue cloth, and finally its carrying poles were inserted. This procedure was part of the broader instructions for dismantling and transporting the Mishkan (Tabernacle).

The Tachash Covering

Rashi (ad loc) explains that the tachash was a colorful, multi-hued animal that existed temporarily for this divine purpose. The Midrash (Bamidbar Rabbah 12:4) states it had a single horn and was created specifically for the Mishkan's construction. Ramban (Shemot 25:5) suggests it may have been a type of dolphin or other sea creature whose processed skins were used.

The Blue Cloth

The techelet (blue) woolen covering represents:

  • The heavenly throne (Rashi, Shemot 26:4)
  • Divine wisdom (Zohar II:148a)
  • A reminder of the sea and sky, pointing to God's majesty (Menachot 43b)

The Poles (Badim)

The poles remained in the Ark perpetually (Shemot 25:15). The Talmud (Yoma 72a) derives from this that Torah scholars must be "always ready" to teach. The Sforno explains the poles symbolize the constant availability of Torah wisdom to those who seek it.

Layered Symbolism

The sequence of coverings teaches:

  • The tachash represents the physical protection of holiness
  • The techelet represents spiritual elevation
  • The permanent poles represent Torah's eternal accessibility (Malbim)

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the meaning of the 'covering of tachash skins' in Numbers 4:6?
A: The tachash was a special animal whose colorful skins were used as a protective covering for the Mishkan (Tabernacle) vessels during travel. Rashi explains that the tachash was a temporary, miraculous creature that appeared specifically for this purpose during the wilderness period.
Q: Why was a blue cloth spread over the Ark in Numbers 4:6?
A: The blue cloth (techelet) served as an outer covering for the Ark when the Mishkan was dismantled for travel. The Talmud (Sotah 17a) teaches that blue represents the sea, which resembles the sky, which resembles God's throne - reminding us of divine majesty even during journeys.
Q: What practical lesson can we learn from how the Ark was covered during travel?
A: The Rambam teaches that the careful covering of sacred objects teaches us the importance of treating holy items with proper respect. Just as the Ark was protected with multiple coverings, we learn to handle Torah and mitzvot with reverence in all circumstances, even during transitions.