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Numbers 4:8 - Scarlet coverings for sacred service?

Numbers 4:8 - במדבר 4:8

Hebrew Text

וּפָרְשׂוּ עֲלֵיהֶם בֶּגֶד תּוֹלַעַת שָׁנִי וְכִסּוּ אֹתוֹ בְּמִכְסֵה עוֹר תָּחַשׁ וְשָׂמוּ אֶת־בַּדָּיו׃

English Translation

and they shall spread upon them a cloth of scarlet, and cover the same with a covering of taĥash skins, and shall put in its poles.

Transliteration

U-farsu aleihem beged tola'at shani ve-khisu oto be-mikhseh or tachash ve-samu et-badav.

Hebrew Leining Text

וּפָרְשׂ֣וּ עֲלֵיהֶ֗ם בֶּ֚גֶד תּוֹלַ֣עַת שָׁנִ֔י וְכִסּ֣וּ אֹת֔וֹ בְּמִכְסֵ֖ה ע֣וֹר תָּ֑חַשׁ וְשָׂמ֖וּ אֶת־בַּדָּֽיו׃
וּפָרְשׂ֣וּ עֲלֵיהֶ֗ם בֶּ֚גֶד תּוֹלַ֣עַת שָׁנִ֔י וְכִסּ֣וּ אֹת֔וֹ בְּמִכְסֵ֖ה ע֣וֹר תָּ֑חַשׁ וְשָׂמ֖וּ אֶת־בַּדָּֽיו׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Context of the Verse

This verse (Shemot 35:11) describes the covering of the sacred vessels of the Mishkan (Tabernacle) during transport. The instruction specifies the use of a scarlet cloth (beged tola'at shani) and a covering of tachash skins, followed by the placement of the carrying poles (badav).

Explanation of the Coverings

Rashi (on Shemot 35:11) explains that the tola'at shani (scarlet cloth) was a woolen dyed fabric, while the tachash skin was a rare, multicolored hide used exclusively for the Mishkan's coverings. The Talmud (Shabbat 28a) discusses the nature of the tachash, describing it as a temporary creature that appeared specifically for this purpose and then vanished.

Symbolism of the Scarlet Cloth

The Midrash (Bamidbar Rabbah 12:4) connects the scarlet color (tola'at shani) to atonement, as it resembles blood, which is associated with the sacrificial service. The covering of the sacred vessels with this cloth may symbolize their sanctity and the need for protection during travel.

Purpose of the Tachash Covering

Rambam (Hilchot Kelei HaMikdash 8:11) notes that the tachash skin served as an outer protective layer, shielding the vessels from the elements. The Talmud (Yoma 72a) further suggests that the tachash covering represented beauty and distinction, as its unique appearance honored the Mishkan's sanctity.

Placement of the Poles

The verse concludes with the instruction to insert the poles (badav). Rashi (on Shemot 25:15) emphasizes that these poles were never to be removed from the Ark, symbolizing the eternal readiness to carry the Torah. Similarly, the poles for the other vessels ensured they could be transported without direct human contact, preserving their holiness.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the meaning of the scarlet cloth and taĥash skins in Numbers 4:8?
A: In Numbers 4:8, the scarlet cloth (תּוֹלַעַת שָׁנִי) and taĥash skins (עוֹר תָּחַשׁ) were coverings used to protect the sacred vessels of the Mishkan (Tabernacle) during travel. Rashi explains that the scarlet cloth was a beautiful, expensive wool dyed red, while the taĥash was a rare, colorful animal skin (possibly a now-extinct species) used as an outer protective layer. These coverings honored the holiness of the Mishkan's vessels.
Q: Why were the poles mentioned in Numbers 4:8 important?
A: The poles (בַּדָּיו) were essential for carrying the sacred vessels, such as the Ark and the Table, during the Israelites' travels. The Rambam (Hilchot Klei HaMikdash 2:12) explains that the poles were never removed from the Ark, symbolizing that the Torah (represented by the Ark) is always ready to be 'carried' and shared with others. Their mention here highlights the care taken in transporting holy items.
Q: What lesson can we learn from the detailed coverings in Numbers 4:8?
A: The detailed instructions for covering the Mishkan's vessels teach us the importance of treating holy objects with reverence (כבוד). The Talmud (Yoma 54a) derives from this that we must handle sacred items—such as Torah scrolls, tefillin, and mezuzot—with utmost care. Just as the Israelites protected the Mishkan's vessels with beautiful and durable materials, we too should honor mitzvot and holy objects in our daily lives.