Verse 6
6. The covering This must be distinguished from the outside covering of the whole ohel, or tabernacle. Hence it should be translated “a covering,” made specially to enwrap the ark for carrying.
Badgers’ skins Hebrew, tachash skins; LXX., hyacinth (coloured) skin. Gesenius sustains the English translation badger, which Dr. Robinson says “is without sufficient reason,” as this animal is rare in the wilderness. He inclines to call it the halicore, a kind of fish. Keil, and De Wette, and Knobel call it the sea-cow. Furst styles it the shark, or the dogfish.
The Speaker’s Commentary inclines to the seal, the skin of which was used for a tent by Augustus, and is said to be proof against lightning. See Exodus 25:5, note.
Cloth wholly of blue Or, rather, purple blue. The Hebrew, תכלת , is translated by the Seventy υακινθινιν , hyacinth blue, and in the seventh verse, ολοπορφυρον , wholly purple. We have here proof that Jehovah makes provision for the gratification of the esthetical nature of his people, for this cloth is ornamental. The leathern cover beneath it is for protection. We are not sure of what the colour is the emblem. The ark bore within it the two tables of the law, and its lid was the propitiatory or mercy-seat. Inasmuch as Christ is our propitiation, (Romans 3:25,) and has hid the law in his heart, (Psalms 40:8,) the ark symbolizes him. Hence it was proper to signalize it with a bright covering, to invest it with all honour in the eyes of man.
Put in the staves These were the golden rods with which it was carried. They were not to be taken out. Exodus 25:15. This prohibition may not have applied when draping the ark for removal. It was disregarded on another occasion. 1 Kings 8:8. All the sacred vessels were to be so wrapped up as not to be touched by the bearers. The Hebrew can be translated adjust or dispose the staves.
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