Exodus 38:31 - Tabernacle's hidden foundation strength?

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Hebrew Text

וְאֶת־אַדְנֵי הֶחָצֵר סָבִיב וְאֶת־אַדְנֵי שַׁעַר הֶחָצֵר וְאֵת כָּל־יִתְדֹת הַמִּשְׁכָּן וְאֶת־כָּל־יִתְדֹת הֶחָצֵר סָבִיב׃

English Translation

and the sockets of the court round about, and the sockets of the court gate, and all the pegs of the tabernacle, and all the pegs of the court round about.

Transliteration

Ve'et-adnei hekhatzer saviv ve'et-adnei sha'ar hekhatzer ve'et kol-yitdot hamishkan ve'et kol-yitdot hekhatzer saviv.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְאֶת־אַדְנֵ֤י הֶֽחָצֵר֙ סָבִ֔יב וְאֶת־אַדְנֵ֖י שַׁ֣עַר הֶחָצֵ֑ר וְאֵ֨ת כׇּל־יִתְדֹ֧ת הַמִּשְׁכָּ֛ן וְאֶת־כׇּל־יִתְדֹ֥ת הֶחָצֵ֖ר סָבִֽיב׃

Parasha Commentary

Context in the Construction of the Mishkan

The verse (Exodus 38:31) details the completion of the Mishkan's structural components, specifically mentioning the sockets (adanim) of the courtyard and the pegs (yitdot) used to secure the Mishkan and its surrounding enclosure. According to Rashi, these elements were essential for stabilizing the Mishkan's structure, ensuring it remained upright and functional during the Israelites' travels in the wilderness.

The Significance of the Sockets (Adanim)

The sockets served as foundational supports for the beams of the courtyard. The Midrash Tanchuma (Pekudei 11) emphasizes that these sockets, made from the donated silver of the Israelites, symbolized the unity and collective contribution of the nation toward the Mishkan's construction. Rambam (Hilchot Beit HaBechirah 1:15) later draws parallels between the Mishkan's sockets and the foundations of the Beit HaMikdash, highlighting their role in sanctity and permanence.

The Role of the Pegs (Yitdot)

The pegs were used to anchor the Mishkan's curtains and the courtyard's hangings to the ground. The Talmud (Yoma 72a) compares these pegs to the "nails of the Torah," suggesting that just as the pegs secured the physical structure, Torah study and mitzvot anchor a Jew's spiritual life. The Sforno adds that the pegs' durability reflects the enduring nature of the covenant between Hashem and Israel.

Symbolism of the Court and Its Gate

Court (Chatzer): Represents the boundary between sanctity and the outside world, as noted by the Kli Yakar. Only those who purified themselves could enter, teaching the importance of spiritual preparation.
Gate (Sha'ar HaChatzer): The Malbim explains that the gate's sockets signify accessibility to holiness—entry was permitted, but with reverence and adherence to halachah.

Practical Lessons from the Verse

The meticulous accounting of these components, as emphasized in the parsha of Pekudei, teaches the value of transparency and integrity in communal projects (Rashi on Exodus 38:21). Additionally, the Or HaChayim highlights that every detail of the Mishkan reflects the divine blueprint, reinforcing the idea that even seemingly minor mitzvot contribute to a greater spiritual structure.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What are the 'sockets' and 'pegs' mentioned in Exodus 38:31?
A: The 'sockets' (adanim) were the silver bases that held the beams of the Mishkan (Tabernacle) and courtyard in place, while the 'pegs' (yitdot) were stakes used to secure the ropes of the Mishkan and courtyard curtains. Rashi explains that these were essential for the structural stability of the Mishkan.

Q: Why does the Torah list these details about the Mishkan's construction?
A: The Torah emphasizes these details to teach us the importance of every component in serving Hashem. The Rambam (Hilchot Beit HaBechirah 1:12) explains that even the seemingly minor parts of the Mishkan had spiritual significance, showing that every detail matters in divine service.

Q: What lesson can we learn from the sockets and pegs of the Mishkan?
A: The Midrash (Tanchuma, Pekudei 11) teaches that just as the sockets and pegs provided stability to the Mishkan, every Jew must be firmly grounded in Torah and mitzvot to maintain spiritual stability. Even small acts of holiness contribute to the greater whole.

Q: How does this verse about the Mishkan apply to us today?
A: The Talmud (Berachot 8a) teaches that our homes can be like a 'mini-Mishkan' when used for Torah study and mitzvot. Just as every part of the Mishkan had purpose, we should infuse every aspect of our lives with holiness.

Q: Why does the verse mention both the Mishkan's and the courtyard's sockets and pegs?
A: Rashi (on Exodus 38:31) notes that this teaches us the entire Mishkan complex - both the inner sanctuary and outer courtyard - was equally important in serving Hashem. The outer areas were just as necessary for the divine service as the inner ones.