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Numbers 4:9 - Covering holiness with blue cloth

Numbers 4:9 - במדבר 4:9

Hebrew Text

וְלָקְחוּ בֶּגֶד תְּכֵלֶת וְכִסּוּ אֶת־מְנֹרַת הַמָּאוֹר וְאֶת־נֵרֹתֶיהָ וְאֶת־מַלְקָחֶיהָ וְאֶת־מַחְתֹּתֶיהָ וְאֵת כָּל־כְּלֵי שַׁמְנָהּ אֲשֶׁר יְשָׁרְתוּ־לָהּ בָּהֶם׃

English Translation

And they shall take a cloth of blue, and cover the candlestick of the light, and its lamps, and its tongs, and its pans, and all its oil vessels, with which they minister to it:

Transliteration

Velakchu beged techelet vechisu et-menorat hamaor ve'et-neroteha ve'et-malkacheha ve'et-machtoteha ve'et kol-klei shamnah asher yeshartu-lah bahem.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְלָקְח֣וּ <b>׀</b> בֶּ֣גֶד תְּכֵ֗לֶת וְכִסּ֞וּ אֶת־מְנֹרַ֤ת הַמָּאוֹר֙ וְאֶת־נֵ֣רֹתֶ֔יהָ וְאֶת־מַלְקָחֶ֖יהָ וְאֶת־מַחְתֹּתֶ֑יהָ וְאֵת֙ כׇּל־כְּלֵ֣י שַׁמְנָ֔הּ אֲשֶׁ֥ר יְשָׁרְתוּ־לָ֖הּ בָּהֶֽם׃
וְלָקְח֣וּ ׀ בֶּ֣גֶד תְּכֵ֗לֶת וְכִסּ֞וּ אֶת־מְנֹרַ֤ת הַמָּאוֹר֙ וְאֶת־נֵ֣רֹתֶ֔יהָ וְאֶת־מַלְקָחֶ֖יהָ וְאֶת־מַחְתֹּתֶ֑יהָ וְאֵת֙ כׇּל־כְּלֵ֣י שַׁמְנָ֔הּ אֲשֶׁ֥ר יְשָׁרְתוּ־לָ֖הּ בָּהֶֽם׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Overview of the Verse

The verse (Bamidbar 4:9) describes the procedure for covering the Menorah and its accompanying vessels during the transportation of the Mishkan (Tabernacle). The Kohanim were instructed to use a blue cloth (beged techelet) to cover the Menorah before the Levites carried it. This was part of the meticulous process of dismantling and transporting the sacred vessels.

Significance of the Blue Cloth

Rashi (Bamidbar 4:7) explains that the blue cloth was used because it resembles the color of the heavens, symbolizing the divine light of the Menorah, which represents wisdom and Torah (see also Menachot 86b). The covering protected the sanctity of the Menorah while ensuring it was treated with reverence during transit.

The Menorah and Its Vessels

The verse lists the components of the Menorah that required covering:

  • The Menorah itself (menorat ha-maor) – The golden candelabrum that illuminated the Mishkan.
  • Its lamps (neroteha) – The individual cups that held the oil and wicks.
  • Its tongs (malkacheha) – Used for adjusting the wicks.
  • Its pans (machtoteha) – Ash containers for removing burnt wicks.
  • All its oil vessels (kol kelei shemenah) – Containers for the pure olive oil used in lighting.

Spiritual Lessons from the Covering

The Kli Yakar (Bamidbar 4:9) notes that covering the Menorah teaches humility—even the symbol of divine light must be concealed when not in active service. Similarly, Torah scholars must carry their wisdom with modesty.

Connection to the Mishkan’s Journey

Rambam (Hilchot Klei HaMikdash 3:10) emphasizes that the careful covering of sacred vessels ensured their protection and honored their sanctity. This practice reflects the broader principle that holy objects must be treated with the utmost respect, even (or especially) when in motion.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Yoma 33b
The verse is referenced in the discussion about the order of the service in the Temple, specifically regarding the covering of the sacred vessels with blue cloth during the dismantling of the Tabernacle.
📖 Menachot 98b
The verse is cited in the context of discussing the details of the Menorah and its service, emphasizing the care taken with the sacred vessels.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the significance of covering the Menorah with a blue cloth during travel?
A: According to Rashi (Numbers 4:9), the blue cloth covering the Menorah and its utensils during travel in the wilderness served both a practical and spiritual purpose. Practically, it protected these sacred items from dust and damage. Spiritually, the blue (techelet) color represents holiness and the heavens, reminding the Israelites of the divine presence even while journeying.
Q: Why does the Torah specify covering the Menorah's oil vessels?
A: The Rambam (Hilchot Klei HaMikdash 3:10) explains that all vessels associated with the Menorah's service required equal sanctity and protection. Since the oil was essential for the eternal flame (ner tamid), its vessels were treated with the same reverence as the Menorah itself, emphasizing that every detail of the Temple service matters.
Q: What lesson can we learn from the careful covering of the Menorah?
A: The Midrash (Bamidbar Rabbah 4:17) teaches that just as the Kohenim meticulously cared for the Menorah—a symbol of Torah wisdom and divine light—we must similarly protect and honor our sources of spiritual light (e.g., Torah study, mitzvot) in all circumstances, whether 'at rest' or during life's 'journeys.'
Q: Why was blue (techelet) specifically chosen for this covering?
A: The Talmud (Menachot 43b) connects techelet to the sea and sky, which reflect the divine throne (Exodus 24:10). By using this color, the Torah (as explained by the Chizkuni) emphasizes that even when the Menorah wasn't actively illuminating the Mishkan, its connection to heavenly light remained intact through this symbolic covering.
Q: How does this verse relate to the Menorah's purpose?
A: The Sforno (Numbers 4:9) notes that covering the Menorah during travel preserved its readiness to fulfill its core purpose—illuminating the Mishkan (Exodus 25:37). This teaches that holy objects (and by extension, people) must maintain their purity and function even during transitional periods.