share torah logo

Exodus 38:4 - Copper grate's hidden purpose?

Exodus 38:4 - שמות 38:4

Hebrew Text

וַיַּעַשׂ לַמִּזְבֵּחַ מִכְבָּר מַעֲשֵׂה רֶשֶׁת נְחֹשֶׁת תַּחַת כַּרְכֻּבּוֹ מִלְּמַטָּה עַד־חֶצְיוֹ׃

English Translation

And he made for the altar a brazen grate of network under its ledge beneath, placed half way.

Transliteration

Va'ya'as lamizbe'ach michbar ma'aseh reshet nechoshet tachat karkubo milmata ad chetzyo.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיַּ֤עַשׂ לַמִּזְבֵּ֙חַ֙ מִכְבָּ֔ר מַעֲשֵׂ֖ה רֶ֣שֶׁת נְחֹ֑שֶׁת תַּ֧חַת כַּרְכֻּבּ֛וֹ מִלְּמַ֖טָּה עַד־חֶצְיֽוֹ׃
וַיַּ֤עַשׂ לַמִּזְבֵּ֙חַ֙ מִכְבָּ֔ר מַעֲשֵׂ֖ה רֶ֣שֶׁת נְחֹ֑שֶׁת תַּ֧חַת כַּרְכֻּבּ֛וֹ מִלְּמַ֖טָּה עַד־חֶצְיֽוֹ׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

The Brazen Grate (מִכְבָּר) of the Altar

The verse describes the construction of the copper grate (מִכְבָּר) for the Mizbeach (altar) in the Mishkan. According to Rashi (Shemot 38:4), this grate was placed halfway up the altar to support the wood and sacrifices. The Netziv (Ha'amek Davar) explains that the term מַעֲשֵׂה רֶשֶׁת ("work of a net") indicates it was a lattice structure, allowing ashes to fall through while keeping the sacrifices in place.

Purpose and Symbolism

  • Functional Role: The Rambam (Hilchos Beis Habechira 2:11) states that the grate prevented the altar's fire from extinguishing by allowing proper airflow, ensuring continuous burning of the sacrifices.
  • Spiritual Significance: The Midrash Tanchuma (Tzav 14) teaches that the copper grate symbolizes refinement—just as metal is purified in fire, so too must a person refine their character through mitzvos and avodah (service to Hashem).
  • Placement at Halfway Point: The Kli Yakar (Shemot 27:5) notes that the grate's midpoint placement represents balance—between physical and spiritual offerings, echoing the ideal of serving Hashem with both body and soul.

Halachic Insights

The Talmud (Zevachim 59b) discusses the grate's dimensions, derived from the phrase תַּחַת כַּרְכֻּבּוֹ ("under its ledge"), teaching that it was positioned precisely to fulfill its role without interfering with the altar's sanctity. The Mishneh LaMelech (Hilchos Klei HaMikdash 1:15) emphasizes that the grate was an integral part of the altar's structure, not merely an accessory.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What was the purpose of the copper grate under the altar in Exodus 38:4?
A: According to Rashi and the Talmud (Zevachim 54a), the copper grate served both a practical and symbolic purpose. Practically, it allowed ashes from sacrifices to fall through while keeping the fire contained. Symbolically, it represented the separation between the physical act of sacrifice and the spiritual elevation it was meant to achieve.
Q: Why was the grate made of copper in this verse?
A: The Rambam explains in Mishneh Torah (Hilchos Beis Habechira 2:12) that copper was used because it withstands high heat well. Additionally, the Midrash Tanchuma notes that copper (nechoshet) reminds us of the sin of the golden calf (also called nechoshet), teaching that the materials used for sin can be elevated through proper use in divine service.
Q: What does 'half way up the altar' mean in Exodus 38:4?
A: The Talmud (Zevachim 59b) explains that the grate was placed exactly midway on the altar's height. This positioning, as noted by Rashi, created two equal sections - the lower half for receiving ashes and the upper half for the actual sacrifices, representing the balance between physical and spiritual aspects of worship.