Exodus 39:40 - Tabernacle's sacred vessels completed

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Hebrew Text

אֵת קַלְעֵי הֶחָצֵר אֶת־עַמֻּדֶיהָ וְאֶת־אֲדָנֶיהָ וְאֶת־הַמָּסָךְ לְשַׁעַר הֶחָצֵר אֶת־מֵיתָרָיו וִיתֵדֹתֶיהָ וְאֵת כָּל־כְּלֵי עֲבֹדַת הַמִּשְׁכָּן לְאֹהֶל מוֹעֵד׃

English Translation

the hangings of the court, its pillars, and its sockets, and the screen for the court gate, its cords, and its pegs, and all the vessels of the service of the tabernacle, for the Tent of Meeting,

Transliteration

Et kalei hechatzer et-amudeha ve'et-adaneha ve'et-hamasach lesha'ar hechatzer et-meitarav vitevoteha ve'et kol-klei avodat hamishkan le'ohel mo'ed.

Hebrew Leining Text

אֵת֩ קַלְעֵ֨י הֶחָצֵ֜ר אֶת־עַמֻּדֶ֣יהָ וְאֶת־אֲדָנֶ֗יהָ וְאֶת־הַמָּסָךְ֙ לְשַׁ֣עַר הֶֽחָצֵ֔ר אֶת־מֵיתָרָ֖יו וִיתֵדֹתֶ֑יהָ וְאֵ֗ת כׇּל־כְּלֵ֛י עֲבֹדַ֥ת הַמִּשְׁכָּ֖ן לְאֹ֥הֶל מוֹעֵֽד׃

Parasha Commentary

Overview of the Verse

The verse (Exodus 39:40) enumerates the components of the Mishkan (Tabernacle) and its courtyard, detailing the hangings, pillars, sockets, screen, cords, pegs, and vessels used in its service. This list reflects the meticulous attention given to every element of the Mishkan, as each item had a specific purpose in facilitating the Divine service.

Rashi's Commentary

Rashi (Exodus 39:40) emphasizes that this verse serves as a summary of all the materials and components brought by the Israelites for the construction of the Mishkan. He notes that the phrase "all the vessels of the service of the tabernacle" includes the smaller utensils used in the daily rituals, such as basins, forks, and fire pans, underscoring that nothing was overlooked in the preparation of the sacred space.

Rambam's Perspective

In Hilchot Beit HaBechirah (Laws of the Chosen House), Rambam (Maimonides) discusses the significance of the Mishkan's structure as a precursor to the Beit HaMikdash (Holy Temple). The detailed enumeration of the courtyard's components highlights the importance of creating a designated, sanctified area for Divine worship, a principle that carries forward into the construction of the Temple.

Midrashic Insights

The Midrash Tanchuma (Pekudei 7) draws a parallel between the Mishkan's components and the universe itself, suggesting that the hangings ("קַלְעֵי הֶחָצֵר") symbolize the firmament, while the pillars ("עַמֻּדֶיהָ") represent the foundational elements of creation. This teaches that the Mishkan was a microcosm of the world, reflecting the harmony between physical and spiritual realms.

Symbolism of the Components

Hangings (קַלְעֵי הֶחָצֵר): These linen curtains separated the sacred space from the outside world, symbolizing the distinction between holiness and the mundane (Sforno).
Pillars and Sockets (עַמֻּדֶיהָ וְאֲדָנֶיהָ): The pillars, anchored in sockets of copper, represent the stability and enduring nature of the covenant between Hashem and Israel (Malbim).
Screen for the Gate (הַמָּסָךְ לְשַׁעַר הֶחָצֵר): This entrance screen, woven with blue, purple, and scarlet threads, signifies the gateway to repentance and Divine connection (Zohar, Terumah).
Cords and Pegs (מֵיתָרָיו וִיתֵדֹתֶיהָ): These ensured the Mishkan's structure remained firm, alluding to the need for steadfastness in upholding Torah and mitzvot (Kli Yakar).

Practical Lessons

The verse reminds us that every detail in avodat Hashem (Divine service) matters. Just as the Mishkan required precision in its construction, our spiritual lives demand attention to both major obligations and seemingly minor acts of devotion (based on the teachings of the Chofetz Chaim).

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the significance of the hangings and pillars mentioned in Exodus 39:40?
A: The hangings (קַלְעֵי) and pillars (עַמֻּדֶיהָ) were part of the outer courtyard of the Mishkan (Tabernacle). According to Rashi, these hangings were made of fine linen and served as a barrier to separate the holy space from the outside. The pillars held up these hangings, and their sockets (אֲדָנֶיהָ) provided stability. This teaches us the importance of creating boundaries for sacred spaces.

Q: Why does the verse mention the 'screen for the court gate'?
A: The screen (הַמָּסָךְ) at the court gate was the entrance to the Mishkan's courtyard. The Talmud (Yoma 72a) explains that this screen symbolized the transition from the mundane to the sacred. Just as the gate had a designated entrance, we learn that approaching holiness requires proper preparation and reverence.

Q: What were the cords and pegs used for in the Mishkan?
A: The cords (מֵיתָרָיו) and pegs (יִתֵדֹתֶיהָ) were used to secure the Mishkan's structure. Rambam (Hilchot Beit HaBechirah 1:16) explains that these items ensured the Mishkan remained firmly in place, even in windy conditions. This teaches us that spiritual foundations must be strong and well-anchored to withstand challenges.

Q: What does 'all the vessels of the service of the tabernacle' refer to?
A: This phrase refers to the sacred utensils (כְּלֵי עֲבֹדַת הַמִּשְׁכָּן) used by the Kohanim (priests) for rituals, such as the menorah, altar, and ark. The Midrash (Shemot Rabbah 34:2) teaches that each vessel had a unique spiritual purpose, emphasizing that every detail in divine service matters.

Q: How does the description of the Mishkan in this verse apply to us today?
A: Although we no longer have the Mishkan, the Torah's detailed description teaches timeless lessons. The Sforno explains that just as the Mishkan was built with precision and care, we must approach mitzvot (commandments) with the same attentiveness. Additionally, creating sacred spaces—whether in synagogue or at home—reflects the Mishkan's holiness in our daily lives.