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◄ Numbers 4:7►

New International Version
“Over the table of the Presence they are to spread a blue cloth and put on it the plates, dishes and bowls, and the jars for drink offerings; the bread that is continually there is to remain on it.

New Living Translation
“Next they must spread a blue cloth over the table where the Bread of the Presence is displayed, and on the cloth they will place the bowls, ladles, jars, pitchers, and the special bread.

English Standard Version
And over the table of the bread of the Presence they shall spread a cloth of blue and put on it the plates, the dishes for incense, the bowls, and the flagons for the drink offering; the regular showbread also shall be on it.

Berean Standard Bible
Over the table of the Presence they are to spread a blue cloth and place the plates and cups on it, along with the bowls and pitchers for the drink offering. The regular bread offering is to remain on it.

King James Bible
And upon the table of shewbread they shall spread a cloth of blue, and put thereon the dishes, and the spoons, and the bowls, and covers to cover withal: and the continual bread shall be thereon:

New King James Version
“On the table of showbread they shall spread a blue cloth, and put on it the dishes, the pans, the bowls, and the pitchers for pouring; and the showbread shall be on it.

New American Standard Bible
Over the table ofthe bread of the Presence they shall also spread a cloth of violet and put on it the dishes, the pans, the sacrificial bowls, and the jugs for the drink offering; and the continual bread shall be on it.

NASB 1995
“Over the table of the bread of the Presence they shall also spread a cloth of blue and put on it the dishes and the pans and the sacrificial bowls and the jars for the drink offering, and the continual bread shall be on it.

NASB 1977
“Over the table of the bread of the Presence they shall also spread a cloth of blue and put on it the dishes and the pans and the sacrificial bowls and the jars for the libation, and the continual bread shall be on it.

Legacy Standard Bible
Over the table of the bread of the Presence they shall also spread a cloth of blue and put on it the dishes and the pans and the offering bowls and the jars for the drink offering, and the continual bread shall be on it.

Amplified Bible
Over the table of the bread of the Presence they shall spread a cloth of blue and put on it the plates, the dishes [for incense], the sacrificial bowls, the jars for the drink offering, and the continual bread [of the Presence] shall be on it.

Christian Standard Bible
“They are to spread a blue cloth over the table of the Presence and place the plates and cups on it, as well as the bowls and pitchers for the drink offering. The regular bread offering is to be on it.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
They are to spread a blue cloth over the table of the Presence and place the plates and cups on it, as well as the bowls and pitchers for the drink offering. The regular bread offering is to be on it.

American Standard Version
And upon the table of showbread they shall spread a cloth of blue, and put thereon the dishes, and the spoons, and the bowls and the cups wherewith to pour out; and the continual bread shall be thereon:

Contemporary English Version
Next, Aaron and his sons will use another blue cloth to cover the table for the sacred bread. On the cloth they will place the dishes, the bowls for incense, the cups, the jugs for wine, as well as the bread itself.

English Revised Version
And upon the table of shewbread they shall spread a cloth of blue, and put thereon the dishes, and the spoons, and the bowls, and the cups to pour out withal: and the continual bread shall be thereon:

GOD'S WORD® Translation
"They will spread a violet cloth over the table of the presence and put on it the plates, dishes, bowls, and pitchers for the wine offerings. The bread that is always in the LORD's presence will also be on it.

Good News Translation
They shall spread a blue cloth over the table for the bread offered to the LORD and put on it the dishes, the incense bowls, the offering bowls, and the jars for the wine offering. There shall always be bread on the table.

International Standard Version
"They are to spread a blue cloth over the table of the Presence and on top of it the dishes, pans, bowls, pitchers for drink offerings, and the bread of presence are to be on it continually.

NET Bible
"On the table of the presence they must spread a blue cloth, and put on it the dishes, the pans, the bowls, and the pitchers for pouring, and the Bread of the Presence must be on it continually.

New Heart English Bible
On the table of show bread they shall spread a blue cloth, and put on it the dishes, the spoons, the bowls, and the pitchers for pouring with them; and the continual bread shall be on it.

Webster's Bible Translation
And upon the table of show-bread they shall spread a cloth of blue, and put on it the dishes, and the spoons, and the bowls, and covers to cover with: and the continual bread shall be upon it.

Majority Text Translations

Majority Standard Bible
Over the table of the Presence they are to spread a blue cloth and place the plates and cups on it, along with the bowls and pitchers for the drink offering. The regular bread offering is to remain on it.

World English Bible
“On the table of show bread they shall spread a blue cloth, and put on it the dishes, the spoons, the bowls, and the cups with which to pour out; and the continual bread shall be on it.

Literal Translations

Literal Standard Version
And they spread a garment of blue over the table of the presence, and have put the dishes, and the spoons, and the bowls, and the cups of the drink-offering on it, and the bread of continuity is on it,

Young's Literal Translation
'And on the table of the presence they spread a garment of blue, and have put on it the dishes, and the spoons, and the bowls, and the cups of the libation, and the bread of continuity is on it,

Smith's Literal Translation
And upon the table of the face they shall spread a garment cerulean purple, and they gave upon it the dishes, and the censers, and the bowls and the cups pouring out: and the continual bread shall be upon it.

Catholic Translations

Douay-Rheims Bible
They shall wrap up also the table of proposition in a cloth of violet, and shall put with it the censers and little mortars, the cups and bowls to pour out the libations: the leaves shall be always on it:

Catholic Public Domain Version
Likewise, they shall wrap the table of the presence in a cloth of hyacinth, and they shall place with it the censers and little mortars, the cups and bowls for pouring out libations; the bread shall be always on it.

New American Bible
On the table of the Presence they shall spread a violet cloth and put on it the plates and cups, as well as the bowls and pitchers for libations; the established bread offering shall remain on the table.

New Revised Standard Version
Over the table of the bread of the Presence they shall spread a blue cloth, and put on it the plates, the dishes for incense, the bowls, and the flagons for the drink offering; the regular bread also shall be on it;

Translations from Aramaic

Lamsa Bible
And upon the table of shewbread they shall spread a cloth of blue, and put upon it the dishes, the spoons, the bowls, the flagons for drink offering; and the continual shewbread shall be on it;

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And over the table of faces they shall cover with a robe of dark blue and they will set up flasks and spoons and bowls and ladles of drink offerings on it and the bread shall be constantly upon it.

OT Translations

JPS Tanakh 1917
And upon the table of showbread they shall spread a cloth of blue, and put thereon the dishes, and the pans, and the bowls, and the jars wherewith to pour out; and the continual bread shall remain thereon.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And they shall put on the table set forth for shew-bred a cloth all of purple, and the dishes, and the censers, and the cups, and the vessels with which one offers drink-offerings; and the continual loaves shall be upon it.

Additional Translations ...

Audio Bible

Context

The Duties of the Kohathites
…6They are to place over this a covering of fine leather, spread a solid blue cloth over it, and insert its poles.7Over the table of the Presence they are to spread a blue cloth and place the plates and cups on it,along with the bowls and pitchers for the drink offering.The regular bread offering is to remain on it.8And they shall spread a scarlet cloth over them, cover them with fine leather, and insert the poles.…

Berean Standard Bible ·Download

Cross References

Exodus 25:23-30
You are also to make a table of acacia wood two cubits long, a cubit wide, and a cubit and a half high. / Overlay it with pure gold and make a gold molding around it. / And make a rim around it a handbreadth wide and put a gold molding on the rim. ...

Exodus 37:10-16
He also made the table of acacia wood two cubits long, a cubit wide, and a cubit and a half high. / He overlaid it with pure gold and made a gold molding around it. / And he made a rim around it a handbreadth wide and put a gold molding on the rim. ...

Leviticus 24:5-9
You are also to take fine flour and bake twelve loaves, using two-tenths of an ephah for each loaf, / and set them in two rows—six per row—on the table of pure gold before the LORD. / And you are to place pure frankincense near each row, so that it may serve as a memorial portion for the bread, a food offering to the LORD. ...

1 Kings 7:48
Solomon also made all the furnishings for the house of the LORD: the golden altar; the golden table on which was placed the Bread of the Presence;

2 Chronicles 4:19
Solomon also made all the furnishings for the house of God: the golden altar; the tables on which was placed the Bread of the Presence;

Hebrews 9:2
A tabernacle was prepared. In its first room were the lampstand, the table, and the consecrated bread. This was called the Holy Place.

Matthew 12:4
He entered the house of God, and he and his companions ate the consecrated bread, which was not lawful for them to eat, but only for the priests.

1 Samuel 21:4-6
“There is no common bread on hand,” the priest replied, “but there is some consecrated bread—provided that the young men have kept themselves from women.” / David answered, “Women have indeed been kept from us, as is usual when I set out. And the bodies of the young men are holy even on common missions. How much more so today!” / So the priest gave him the consecrated bread, since there was no bread there but the Bread of the Presence, which had been removed from before the LORD and replaced with hot bread on the day it was taken away.

1 Chronicles 9:32
Some of their Kohathite relatives were responsible for preparing the rows of the showbread every Sabbath.

1 Chronicles 23:29
as well as for the rows of the showbread, the fine flour for the grain offering, the wafers of unleavened bread, the baking, the mixing, and all measurements of quantity and size.

2 Chronicles 2:4
Behold, I am about to build a house for the Name of the LORD my God to dedicate to Him for burning fragrant incense before Him, for displaying the showbread continuously, and for making burnt offerings every morning and evening as well as on the Sabbaths, New Moons, and appointed feasts of the LORD our God. This is ordained for Israel forever.

2 Chronicles 13:11
Every morning and every evening they present burnt offerings and fragrant incense to the LORD. They set out the rows of showbread on the ceremonially clean table, and every evening they light the lamps of the gold lampstand. We are carrying out the requirements of the LORD our God, while you have forsaken Him.

Mark 2:26
During the high priesthood of Abiathar, he entered the house of God and ate the consecrated bread, which was lawful only for the priests. And he gave some to his companions as well.”

Luke 6:4
He entered the house of God, took the consecrated bread and gave it to his companions, and ate what is lawful only for the priests to eat.”

Exodus 40:4
Then bring in the table and set out its arrangement; bring in the lampstand as well, and set up its lamps.

Treasury of Scripture

And on the table of show bread they shall spread a cloth of blue, and put thereon the dishes, and the spoons, and the bowls, and covers to cover with: and the continual bread shall be thereon:

the table

Exodus 25:23-30
Thou shalt also make a tableof shittim wood: two cubitsshall be the length thereof, and a cubit the breadth thereof, and a cubit and a half the height thereof…

Exodus 37:10-16
And he made the tableof shittim wood: two cubitswas the length thereof, and a cubit the breadth thereof, and a cubit and a half the height thereof: …

Leviticus 24:5-8
And thou shalt take fine flour, and bake twelve cakes thereof: two tenth deals shall be in one cake…

cover withal, or, pour out withal.

Jump to Previous

Basins Blue Bowls Bread Cloth Continual Continually Cover Covers Cups Dishes Drink Drink-Offering Flagons Garment Goblets Holy Incense Jars Libation Offerings Pans Plates Pour Presence Sacrificial Shewbread Show Showbread Show-Bread Spoons Spread Thereon Vessels Wherewith Withal

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Numbers 4

1.The age at which the Levites were to serve, and the duration of the service
4.The duty of the Kohathites
16.The charge of Eleazar
17.The office of the priests
21.The duty of the Gershonites
29.Of the Merarites
34.The number of the Kohathites
38.Of the Gershonites
42.And of the Merarites

Study Bible

Book ◦ Chapter

Over the table of the Presence
The table of the Presence, also known as the Table of Showbread, was located in the Holy Place of the Tabernacle. It held the bread of the Presence, symbolizing God's provision and covenant with Israel. This table was a constant reminder of God's presence among His people. The table was made of acacia wood and overlaid with gold, signifying purity and divinity. It points to Jesus Christ, who is the Bread of Life (John 6:35), fulfilling the spiritual sustenance that the showbread symbolized.

they are to spread a blue cloth
The blue cloth represents the heavenly nature and divine service associated with the Tabernacle. Blue is often associated with the heavens and the divine in Scripture, reflecting the holiness and sacredness of the items it covered. This act of covering the table with a blue cloth signifies the separation of holy objects from common use, emphasizing the sanctity of worship.

and place the plates and cups on it
The plates and cups were used for the bread and drink offerings, essential components of the sacrificial system. These utensils were made of pure gold, indicating their sacred purpose. The careful placement of these items underscores the order and reverence required in worship, reflecting God's holiness and the need for purity in approaching Him.

along with the bowls and pitchers for the drink offering
The drink offering, often wine, was poured out as a libation to the Lord, symbolizing the pouring out of one's life in service to God. This offering complements the grain and burnt offerings, representing a complete dedication to God. The use of bowls and pitchers highlights the organized and intentional nature of worship in the Tabernacle.

The regular bread offering is to remain on it
The regular bread offering, or showbread, consisted of twelve loaves representing the twelve tribes of Israel. It was a perpetual offering, replaced every Sabbath, signifying God's continual provision and the covenant relationship with His people. This bread is a type of Christ, who is the true sustenance for believers, as He declared Himself the Bread of Life. The presence of the bread on the table at all times symbolizes the eternal presence and faithfulness of God to His covenant people.

Persons / Places / Events

1.The Kohathites
A Levitical family responsible for the care of the most sacred objects of the tabernacle, including the table of the Presence.

2.The Table of the Presence
A sacred piece of furniture in the tabernacle where the Bread of the Presence was placed, symbolizing God's continual presence and provision.

3.The Bread of the Presence
Also known as showbread, it was a perpetual offering before the Lord, representing the covenant between God and Israel.

4.The Tabernacle
The portable dwelling place for the divine presence among the Israelites during their journey through the wilderness.

5.The Wilderness Journey
The period when the Israelites traveled from Egypt to the Promised Land, during which the tabernacle was central to their worship and community life.

Teaching Points

Symbolism of the Bread of the Presence
The Bread of the Presence symbolizes God's provision and sustenance for His people. Just as the bread was continually before the Lord, God is continually present and providing for us.

The Role of the Kohathites
The Kohathites' responsibility to care for the sacred objects teaches us about the importance of reverence and careful stewardship in our service to God.

The Significance of the Blue Cloth
The blue cloth represents the heavenly nature of God's presence. In our lives, we should strive to cover our actions and service with a heavenly perspective, seeking to honor God in all we do.

Covenant Relationship
The Bread of the Presence is a reminder of the covenant relationship between God and His people. As Christians, we are called to live in a covenant relationship with God through Jesus Christ, who is the true Bread of Life.

Worship and Community
The centrality of the table of the Presence in the tabernacle worship underscores the importance of communal worship and fellowship in the life of believers today.

Bible Study Questions and Answers

1.What is the meaning of Numbers 4:7?

2.How does Numbers 4:7 emphasize the importance of sacred duties in worship?

3.What does the "table of the Presence" symbolize in Numbers 4:7?

4.How can we apply the care for sacred items to our spiritual lives today?

5.How does Numbers 4:7 connect with the New Testament understanding of holiness?

6.What lessons from Numbers 4:7 can enhance our reverence for God's presence?

7.What is the significance of the table of the Presence in Numbers 4:7?

8.How does Numbers 4:7 reflect the holiness of God's instructions?

9.Why are specific coverings used for the table in Numbers 4:7?

10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Numbers 4?

11.What do colors symbolize in the Bible?

12.What foods are mentioned in the Bible?

13.Jeremiah 7:4: How can this passage imply the temple offers no protection despite other texts suggesting God's presence there protects His people?

14.What does Genesis 4:7 mean about sin's presence?

What Does Numbers 4:7 Mean

Over the table of the Presence

Numbers 4:7 opens by reminding us of “the table of the Presence,” the piece of furniture that stood directly opposite the golden lampstand in the Holy Place (Exodus 25:23-30; 40:22-23). Its very name points to continual fellowship with God; the bread set on it week by week testified that the twelve tribes always had a place before Him (Leviticus 24:5-9). Here the Kohathites are being told how to prepare that table for transport whenever Israel moved. By stressing the table first, Scripture underscores that relationship precedes ritual—God’s presence with His people is the central reality around which everything else is arranged (Psalm 23:5;Revelation 3:20).

They are to spread a blue cloth

“Blue” repeatedly marks what is closest to God’s holiness—the veil (Exodus 26:31), the priestly robe (28:31), the tassels that reminded Israel of the commandments (Numbers 15:38-40). Covering the table with blue signaled that even in transit the holy things were not exposed to common view (Numbers 4:15). Like the blood-covered mercy seat hidden behind the veil, the blue cloth served as a protective boundary. For today’s believer, it hints at Christ’s own righteousness that shields us as we draw near (Hebrews 10:19-22).

Place the plates and cups on it

Next, the text says the Levites were to “place the plates and cups on it,” referring to the utensils fashioned for the showbread service (Exodus 25:29;1 Chronicles 9:32).

• Plates held the freshly baked loaves.

• Cups (or “flagons,”1 Kings 7:50) likely contained frankincense or beverages accompanying the bread.

Keeping these vessels together with the table shows that every detail of worship was integrated; nothing about God’s service was haphazard (1 Corinthians 14:33, 40).

Along with the bowls and pitchers for the drink offering

The drink offering, poured out with many sacrifices (Numbers 28:7;Joel 1:9), symbolized joyful dedication—wine surrendered to God. Paul borrows this image when he says, “I am already being poured out like a drink offering” (2 Timothy 4:6). By packing the bowls and pitchers alongside the cups, the Levites made sure that every act of devotion connected to the bread of presence traveled intact. Holiness is not compartmentalized; our daily “pouring out” belongs right beside our covenant fellowship.

The regular bread offering is to remain on it

Finally, the verse insists: “The regular bread offering is to remain on it.” Even during transport, the showbread stayed in place. The Hebrew calendar might pause, but God’s provision never stops (Joshua 5:12;Matthew 6:11). Twelve loaves—one for each tribe—affirmed that no member of God’s family is forgotten (John 6:35). When David ate this bread in need (1 Samuel 21:4-6;Matthew 12:3-4), it foreshadowed Christ who fulfills the law yet meets human hunger.

summary

Numbers 4:7 teaches that God’s fellowship (the table), His holiness (the blue cloth), ordered worship (utensils), joyful surrender (drink offering), and unfailing provision (bread) all move with His people. Whether Israel camped or marched, every element stayed together, guarded and ready. In Christ, these same truths travel with us: we are continually before the Father, covered by His righteousness, equipped for orderly service, called to joyful self-offering, and sustained by the Bread of Life.

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers

(7)And covers to cover withal.--Better,and the cups for the drink-offering(orlibation).

And the continual bread.--The shew-bread is so called because it was renewed every Sabbath day, and was continually before the face of the Lord even (as it appears from this verse) during the marches of the Israelites through the desert (Exodus 25:30;Leviticus 24:5).

Pulpit Commentary

Verse 7. -The dishes, and the spoons, and the bowls, and covers to cover withal. Rather, "the plates, the bowls, the wine pitchers, and the chalices for pouring out,"i.e., the drink offerings. The two first seem to have been used in the meat offering, the two last in the drink offering.

Parallel Commentaries ...

Hebrew

Over
וְעַ֣ל ׀(wə·‘al)
Conjunctive waw | Preposition
Strong's 5921:Above, over, upon, against

the table
שֻׁלְחַ֣ן(šul·ḥan)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 7979:A table, a meal

of the Presence
הַפָּנִ֗ים(hap·pā·nîm)
Article | Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 6440:The face

they are to spread
יִפְרְשׂוּ֮(yip̄·rə·śū)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 6566:To break apart, disperse

a blue
תְּכֵלֶת֒(tə·ḵê·leṯ)
Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 8504:The cerulean mussel, the color, obtained therefrom, stuff dyed therewith

cloth
בֶּ֣גֶד(be·ḡeḏ)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 899:A covering, clothing, treachery, pillage

and place
וְנָתְנ֣וּ(wə·nā·ṯə·nū)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - third person common plural
Strong's 5414:To give, put, set

the plates
הַקְּעָרֹ֤ת(haq·qə·‘ā·rōṯ)
Article | Noun - feminine plural
Strong's 7086:A dish, platter

and cups
הַכַּפֹּת֙(hak·kap·pōṯ)
Article | Noun - feminine plural
Strong's 3709:Hollow or flat of the hand, palm, sole (of the foot), a pan

on it,
עָ֠לָיו(‘ā·lāw)
Preposition | third person masculine singular
Strong's 5921:Above, over, upon, against

along with
אֶת־(’eṯ-)
Direct object marker
Strong's 853:Untranslatable mark of the accusative case

the bowls
הַמְּנַקִּיֹּ֔ת(ham·mə·naq·qî·yōṯ)
Article | Noun - feminine plural
Strong's 4518:A sacrificial basin

and pitchers
קְשׂ֣וֹת(qə·śō·wṯ)
Noun - feminine plural construct
Strong's 7184:Jug, jar

for the drink offering.
הַנָּ֑סֶךְ(han·nā·seḵ)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 5262:A libation, a cast idol

The regular
הַתָּמִ֖יד(hat·tā·mîḏ)
Article | Adverb
Strong's 8548:Continuance, constant, ellipt, the regular, sacrifice

bread
וְלֶ֥חֶם(wə·le·ḥem)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3899:Food, bread, grain

offering is to remain
יִהְיֶֽה׃(yih·yeh)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 1961:To fall out, come to pass, become, be

on it.
עָלָ֥יו(‘ā·lāw)
Preposition | third person masculine singular
Strong's 5921:Above, over, upon, against

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OT Law: Numbers 4:7 On the table of show bread they (Nu Num.)