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Exodus 24:5 - Youthful offerings to Hashem

Exodus 24:5 - שמות 24:5

Hebrew Text

וַיִּשְׁלַח אֶת־נַעֲרֵי בְּנֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל וַיַּעֲלוּ עֹלֹת וַיִּזְבְּחוּ זְבָחִים שְׁלָמִים לַיהוָה פָּרִים׃

English Translation

And he sent the young men of the children of Yisra᾽el, who offered burnt offerings, and sacrificed peace offerings of oxen to the Lord.

Transliteration

Vayishlach et-na'arei bnei Yisra'el vaya'alu olot vayizbechu zevachim shelamim la'Hashem parim.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיִּשְׁלַ֗ח אֶֽת־נַעֲרֵי֙ בְּנֵ֣י יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל וַֽיַּעֲל֖וּ עֹלֹ֑ת וַֽיִּזְבְּח֞וּ זְבָחִ֧ים שְׁלָמִ֛ים לַיהֹוָ֖ה פָּרִֽים׃
וַיִּשְׁלַ֗ח אֶֽת־נַעֲרֵי֙ בְּנֵ֣י יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל וַֽיַּעֲל֖וּ עֹלֹ֑ת וַֽיִּזְבְּח֞וּ זְבָחִ֧ים שְׁלָמִ֛ים לַיהֹוָ֖ה פָּרִֽים׃

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Parasha Commentary

Context of the Verse

The verse (Shemot 24:5) describes the events at Har Sinai following the giving of the Aseret HaDibrot (Ten Commandments). Moshe Rabbeinu instructs the young men of Bnei Yisrael to bring offerings to Hashem as part of the covenant ceremony.

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi explains that the term "na'arei Bnei Yisrael" (young men of Israel) refers to the firstborn, who originally performed sacrificial service before the Mishkan was built and the Kehunah was given to Aharon and his sons. This aligns with Shemot 24:1, where the firstborn are mentioned as being called to approach Har Sinai.

Types of Offerings

  • Olot (Burnt Offerings): These were entirely consumed on the mizbe'ach (altar), symbolizing complete devotion to Hashem.
  • Zevachim Shelamim (Peace Offerings): These were shared between the altar, the Kohanim, and the offerers, representing harmony (shalom) between Hashem, the Kohanim, and the people.

Rambam's Perspective

In Moreh Nevuchim (3:32), Rambam explains that these sacrifices were a transitional step to wean Bnei Yisrael from idolatrous practices, directing their sacrificial instincts toward avodat Hashem. The offerings at Har Sinai affirmed their commitment to the Torah.

Midrashic Insights

The Midrash (Shemot Rabbah 32:2) teaches that the young men who brought the offerings were exceptionally righteous, meriting this role due to their spiritual zeal. Their participation symbolized the entire nation's acceptance of the Torah with youthful enthusiasm.

Symbolism of the Oxen

Oxen ("parim") were chosen because they represent strength and dedication, mirroring the commitment Bnei Yisrael made at Har Sinai. The Zohar (II:88b) further connects the ox to the divine chariot (Merkavah), elevating the act to a heavenly covenant.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Exodus 24:5 mean when it says 'the young men of the children of Israel' offered sacrifices?
A: According to Rashi, these 'young men' (na'arei) were the firstborn sons who originally served as priests before the tribe of Levi was chosen for this role (after the sin of the Golden Calf). This verse describes the sacrifices offered at the covenant ceremony at Mount Sinai.
Q: Why were both burnt offerings (olah) and peace offerings (shelamim) brought in Exodus 24:5?
A: The burnt offerings (olah) represented complete devotion to Hashem, as the entire animal was burned on the altar. The peace offerings (shelamim) created closeness between the people and Hashem, as parts were offered on the altar while the rest was eaten by the people. Together, these sacrifices expressed the nation's commitment at Mount Sinai.
Q: What is the significance of using oxen for the sacrifices in Exodus 24:5?
A: Oxen were valuable animals, showing the importance of the occasion. The Midrash teaches that these oxen corresponded to the future offerings in the Mishkan (Tabernacle). Using oxen demonstrated the people's willingness to give their best to Hashem when establishing the covenant.
Q: How does Exodus 24:5 relate to the giving of the Torah?
A: This verse describes part of the covenant ceremony at Mount Sinai. The Ramban explains that sacrifices were an essential part of sealing the covenant between Hashem and Israel, just as covenants between kings were often accompanied by offerings. The sacrifices helped prepare the people to receive the Torah.
Q: What lesson can we learn today from Exodus 24:5 about serving Hashem?
A: We learn that serving Hashem requires both complete dedication (symbolized by the olah) and joyful connection (symbolized by the shelamim). Just as the Israelites gave their best animals, we should serve Hashem with our finest efforts. The Talmud (Berachot 5a) teaches that Torah study is compared to sacrifices, showing we can still connect to these ideals today.