Numbers 4:6

“And shall put thereon the covering of badgers’ skins, etc.] Not that which covered the tabernacle, for that was committed to the Gershonites, (<040425>Numbers 4:25); but a covering made of these on purpose for the present use, to preserve the ark from rain and dust; and this covering was put not immediately upon the ark, but upon the other coverings that were over the ark, and so preserved the vail as well as the ark: and shall spread over [it] a cloth wholly of blue; it is a matter of question, whether this was over the covering of badgers’ skins also; if over the latter, as one would think it should be, by the order of the text, how could that be a shelter from the rain and dust, which…”

“covering of badgers' skins--(See on Exo 25:5). The covering, however, referred to was not that of the tabernacle, but one made for the special purpose of protecting the ark. put in the staves--These golden staves were now taken out. (See on Exo 25:15, compared with Kg1 8:8). The Hebrew word rendered "put in," signifies also "dispose," and probably refers here to their insertion through the openings in the coverings made for receiving them, to preserve them from the touch of the carriers as well as from the influence of the weather. It is worthy of notice that the coverings did not consist of canvas or coarse tarpaulin, but of a kind which united beauty with decency.”

“wholly of blue - Compare Exodus 25:4 note. The third and external covering of the ark only was to be of this color. The table of showbread had Numbers 4:8 an outer wrapping of scarlet; the altar Numbers 4:13 one of purple. Put in the staves - Probably, “put the staves in order.” These were never taken out of the golden rings by which the ark was to be borne (see Exodus 25:14-15), but would need adjustment. return to 'Top of Page'”

“Badgers - skins - Whereby the ark was secured from the injuries of the weather. Numbers 4:7”

“badgers' skins: This was not the covering of badgers' skins made for the tabernacle, which was carried by the Gershonites ( Num 4:24 and Num 4:25), but one made for the purpose of concealing and sheltering the ark when it was to be carried. a cloth: Num 4:7, Num 4:8, Num 4:11-13; Exo 35:19, Exo 39:1, Exo 39:41 and shall put: Wesamoo baddaiv, rather, "and adjust the staves thereof;" i.e., dispose them rightly under the covering, that they might be laid on their shoulders. for the staves were never taken out of the rings. the staves: Exo 25:13-15; Kg1 8:7, Kg1 8:8 Numbers 4:7”