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Exodus 25:26 - Ark's golden rings: why four?

Exodus 25:26 - שמות 25:26

Hebrew Text

וְעָשִׂיתָ לּוֹ אַרְבַּע טַבְּעֹת זָהָב וְנָתַתָּ אֶת־הַטַּבָּעֹת עַל אַרְבַּע הַפֵּאֹת אֲשֶׁר לְאַרְבַּע רַגְלָיו׃

English Translation

And thou shalt make for it four rings of gold, and put the rings in the four corners that are on its four legs.

Transliteration

Ve'asita lo arba tab'ot zahav venatata et-hataba'ot al arba hape'ot asher le'arba raglav.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְעָשִׂ֣יתָ לּ֔וֹ אַרְבַּ֖ע טַבְּעֹ֣ת זָהָ֑ב וְנָתַתָּ֙ אֶת־הַטַּבָּעֹ֔ת עַ֚ל אַרְבַּ֣ע הַפֵּאֹ֔ת אֲשֶׁ֖ר לְאַרְבַּ֥ע רַגְלָֽיו׃
וְעָשִׂ֣יתָ לּ֔וֹ אַרְבַּ֖ע טַבְּעֹ֣ת זָהָ֑ב וְנָתַתָּ֙ אֶת־הַטַּבָּעֹ֔ת עַ֚ל אַרְבַּ֣ע הַפֵּאֹ֔ת אֲשֶׁ֖ר לְאַרְבַּ֥ע רַגְלָֽיו׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Context of the Verse

This verse (Shemot 25:26) is part of the detailed instructions for constructing the Shulchan (Table) in the Mishkan (Tabernacle). The Shulchan held the Lechem HaPanim (Showbread) and was a central vessel in the Mishkan, symbolizing material sustenance and Divine blessing.

Explanation of the Rings and Legs

Rashi explains that the four golden rings were attached to the four legs of the Shulchan to hold the poles used for carrying it (Shemot 25:27). The rings were placed near the corners, ensuring the table could be transported securely without touching the sacred vessels directly.

Symbolism of the Four Rings

  • Material and Spiritual Sustenance: The Kli Yakar (R' Shlomo Ephraim Luntschitz) teaches that the four rings represent the four directions of the world, symbolizing that sustenance comes from Hashem in all aspects of life.
  • Connection to the Divine: The Or HaChaim (R' Chaim ibn Attar) notes that gold signifies purity and elevation, indicating that material wealth must be sanctified and elevated through Torah and mitzvot.

Halachic Insights from Rambam

In Hilchos Beis HaBechirah (3:14), the Rambam emphasizes the precision required in constructing the Shulchan, including the placement of the rings. This reflects the broader principle that every detail in the Mishkan carries spiritual significance and must adhere to Divine command.

Midrashic Interpretation

The Midrash Tanchuma (Terumah 11) connects the four legs of the Shulchan to the four matriarchs (Sarah, Rivkah, Rachel, and Leah), whose merit sustains the Jewish people. The rings, made of gold, allude to the enduring legacy of these righteous women.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the significance of the four gold rings in Exodus 25:26?
A: The four gold rings were part of the construction of the Ark of the Covenant (Aron HaKodesh). According to Rashi, these rings held the poles used to carry the Ark, ensuring it was transported with dignity and reverence. The number four symbolizes the four directions, representing that the Torah's wisdom should spread throughout the world.
Q: Why were the rings placed on the four legs of the Ark?
A: The rings were placed on the Ark's four legs to provide stability and balance when carried. The Talmud (Yoma 72a) teaches that this design reflects the importance of upholding the Torah with firmness and consistency in all aspects of life.
Q: What can we learn from the commandment to use gold for the rings?
A: Gold, a precious metal, signifies the value and holiness of the Ark and the Torah it contained. The Rambam explains that using gold teaches us to honor the Torah with the finest materials, just as we should dedicate our best efforts to studying and observing its teachings.
Q: How does this verse apply to our lives today?
A: Just as the Ark was carried carefully with rings and poles, we learn the importance of treating sacred objects and mitzvot with respect. The Midrash (Tanchuma Terumah 11) emphasizes that holiness requires proper preparation and mindfulness in all our actions.