13 "They are to remove the ashes from the bronze altar and spread a purple cloth over it.
13 And they shall take away the ashes from the altar, and spread a purple cloth thereon:
13 And they shall take away the ashes from the altar and spread a purple cloth over it.
13 "They are to remove the ashes from the Altar and spread a purple cloth over it.
13 Also they shall take away the ashes from the altar, and spread a purple cloth over it.
13 "They must remove the ashes from the altar for sacrifices and cover the altar with a purple cloth.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Numbers 4:13
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.