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Exodus 35:15 - Divine service's sacred tools

Exodus 35:15 - שמות 35:15

Hebrew Text

וְאֶת־מִזְבַּח הַקְּטֹרֶת וְאֶת־בַּדָּיו וְאֵת שֶׁמֶן הַמִּשְׁחָה וְאֵת קְטֹרֶת הַסַּמִּים וְאֶת־מָסַךְ הַפֶּתַח לְפֶתַח הַמִּשְׁכָּן׃

English Translation

and the incense altar, and its poles, and the anointing oil, and the incense of spices, and the screen for the door at the entrance of the tabernacle,

Transliteration

Ve'et-mizbe'ach haketoret ve'et-badav ve'et shemen hamish'cha ve'et ketoret hasamim ve'et-masach hapetach lepetach hamishkan.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְאֶת־מִזְבַּ֤ח הַקְּטֹ֙רֶת֙ וְאֶת־בַּדָּ֔יו וְאֵת֙ שֶׁ֣מֶן הַמִּשְׁחָ֔ה וְאֵ֖ת קְטֹ֣רֶת הַסַּמִּ֑ים וְאֶת־מָסַ֥ךְ הַפֶּ֖תַח לְפֶ֥תַח הַמִּשְׁכָּֽן׃
וְאֶת־מִזְבַּ֤ח הַקְּטֹ֙רֶת֙ וְאֶת־בַּדָּ֔יו וְאֵת֙ שֶׁ֣מֶן הַמִּשְׁחָ֔ה וְאֵ֖ת קְטֹ֣רֶת הַסַּמִּ֑ים וְאֶת־מָסַ֥ךְ הַפֶּ֖תַח לְפֶ֥תַח הַמִּשְׁכָּֽן׃

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Parasha Commentary

The Incense Altar (מִזְבַּח הַקְּטֹרֶת)

Rashi (Exodus 30:1) explains that the incense altar was distinct from the main altar (מִזְבַּח הָעוֹלָה) in both its function and construction. While the main altar was used for animal sacrifices, the incense altar was designated exclusively for the daily burning of ketoret (incense). The Rambam (Hilchot Temidin u'Musafin 3:1) emphasizes that the ketoret was offered twice daily, in the morning and afternoon, symbolizing the constant connection between the Jewish people and Hashem.

The Poles (בַּדָּיו)

According to the Talmud (Yoma 72a), the poles of the incense altar were never removed, unlike those of the Ark which were only inserted when transporting it. The Midrash Tanchuma (Terumah 11) teaches that this represents the eternal nature of prayer (symbolized by the incense), which is always accessible and never departs from the Jewish people.

The Anointing Oil (שֶׁמֶן הַמִּשְׁחָה)

The Rambam (Hilchot Klei HaMikdash 1:7) details the precise formula of the anointing oil, consisting of specific spices mixed with olive oil. Rashi (Exodus 30:25) notes that this oil was used to consecrate the vessels of the Mishkan and its priests, symbolizing their elevation for divine service. The Talmud (Horayot 11b) states that the original oil prepared by Moshe was miraculously preserved throughout generations.

The Incense of Spices (קְטֹרֶת הַסַּמִּים)

The Talmud (Keritot 6a) enumerates the eleven spices that composed the ketoret, with the inclusion of the rare and costly chelbenah (galbanum) teaching that even sinners are included in the collective merit of Israel (Rashi, Exodus 30:34). The Rambam (Hilchot Kelei HaMikdash 2:4) emphasizes that the precise compounding of these spices was a sacred obligation.

The Screen for the Door (מָסַךְ הַפֶּתַח)

Rashi (Exodus 26:36) explains that this screen separated the Kodesh (Holy) from the Chatzer (Courtyard). The Midrash (Shemot Rabbah 35:1) compares it to a mechitzah (partition) that creates the proper reverence when approaching sacred space. The Talmud (Yoma 54a) notes it was woven with the same skill as the priestly garments, representing the beauty and dignity of divine service.

  • Symbolic Significance: The Sforno (Exodus 30:1) explains that these elements collectively represent the means through which humans can approach the Divine - through prayer (incense), wisdom (oil), and proper boundaries (screen).
  • Practical Halacha: The Mishneh Torah (Hilchot Beit HaBechirah 1:4) derives from these verses permanent principles about the sanctity and proper treatment of sacred objects.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the incense altar mentioned in Exodus 35:15?
A: The incense altar (מִזְבַּח הַקְּטֹרֶת) was a small golden altar used in the Tabernacle for burning the special ketoret (incense) every morning and evening. According to Rashi, this was separate from the larger copper altar used for animal sacrifices. The incense offering was a key part of the daily service performed by the kohanim (priests).
Q: Why was the anointing oil (shemen hamishcha) important in the Tabernacle?
A: The anointing oil (שֶׁמֶן הַמִּשְׁחָה) was a specially prepared sacred oil used to consecrate the Tabernacle vessels and to anoint Aaron and his sons as kohanim (Exodus 30:22-33). The Rambam explains it contained unique spices and was forbidden to be replicated for personal use. This oil represented holiness and divine selection for service.
Q: What was the purpose of the screen (masach) at the Tabernacle entrance?
A: The screen (מָסַךְ הַפֶּתַח) at the Tabernacle entrance served as a separation between the holy space and the outside area. The Midrash teaches that these partitions remind us of the importance of creating proper boundaries between sacred and mundane spaces in our lives, just as we distinguish between holy and everyday matters.
Q: Why does the Torah list all these Tabernacle items together?
A: Listing these items together (Exodus 35:15) emphasizes that every detail of the Tabernacle service was important. The Talmud (Menachot 29a) teaches that each component had spiritual significance, and their precise construction showed our commitment to serving Hashem properly. This teaches us that in divine service, both major elements and small details matter.
Q: Do we still use the incense (ketoret) today?
A: While we don't offer the ketoret (קְטֹרֶת הַסַּמִּים) today without the Temple, we remember it in our prayers. The Talmud (Yoma 44a) describes the ketoret's special significance for atonement. Many recite the Ketoret passage daily (found in Siddurim) as a remembrance and in hope of the Temple's rebuilding.