The Church Fathers on this verse

Numbers 4:13Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

They shall cleanse the altar also from the ashes, and shall wrap it up in a purple cloth,

Douay-Rheims

וְדִשְּׁנ֖וּ אֶת־הַמִּזְבֵּ֑חַ וּפָרְשׂ֣וּ עָלָ֔יו בֶּ֖גֶד אַרְגָּמָֽן׃

Hebrew (Masoretic text)

The Church Fathers on this verse

One Church Father comments on this verse

Theodoret of Cyrus

5th centuryChurch Father

Why did the Lord instruct that certain holy items be draped in blue while others were adorned with scarlet? The cherished vessels were entirely shrouded in blue, symbolizing the hue of the heavens. Thus, God ordained that what was concealed within the veil be enveloped in blue, while whatever was visible beyond it be covered in scarlet, among other things, for there is no judgment in heaven; it is the earth that bears the consequences of transgressing the laws. The scarlet material represents the kingdom, yet the kingdom of God is eternal and unchanging. Consequently, the exterior of the tabernacle was draped in both scarlet and blue fabrics.

Read more (55 words)

Remembering the tribe of Kohath, God instructed that first the priests should cover the tabernacle and its sacred vessels with these specified veils upon entering the sanctuary. After this, the sons of Kohath would carry the items, to prevent them from being overwhelmed and perishing by witnessing the sacred and divine in its unapproachable glory.

Cross references

Passages read together with this verse.