8 They are to spread a scarlet cloth over them, cover that with the durable leather and put the poles in place.
8 And they shall spread upon them a cloth of scarlet, and cover the same with a covering of badgers' skins, and shall put in the staves thereof.
8 Then they shall spread over them a cloth of scarlet and cover the same with a covering of goatskin, and shall put in its poles.
8 They are to cover these with a scarlet cloth, and on top of that spread the dolphin skin, and insert the poles.
8 They shall spread over them a scarlet cloth, and cover the same with a covering of badger skins; and they shall insert its poles.
8 They must spread a scarlet cloth over all of this, and finally a covering of fine goatskin leather on top of the scarlet cloth. Then they must insert the carrying poles into the table.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Numbers 4:8
Commentary on Numbers 4:4-20
(Read Numbers 4:4-20)
The Kohathites were to carry the holy things of the tabernacle. All the holy things were to be covered; not only for security and respect, but to keep them from being seen. This not only marked the reverence due to holy things, but the mystery of the things signified by those types, and the darkness of the dispensation. But now, through Christ, the case is altered, and we are encouraged to come boldly to the throne of grace.