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Exodus 38:24 - Sanctuary's golden devotion measured

Exodus 38:24 - שמות 38:24

Hebrew Text

כָּל־הַזָּהָב הֶעָשׂוּי לַמְּלָאכָה בְּכֹל מְלֶאכֶת הַקֹּדֶשׁ וַיְהִי זְהַב הַתְּנוּפָה תֵּשַׁע וְעֶשְׂרִים כִּכָּר וּשְׁבַע מֵאוֹת וּשְׁלֹשִׁים שֶׁקֶל בְּשֶׁקֶל הַקֹּדֶשׁ׃

English Translation

All the gold that was applied for the work in all the work of the holy place, even the gold of the offering, was twenty nine talents, and seven hundred and thirty shekels, after the shekel of the sanctuary.

Transliteration

Kol-hazahav he'asui lamelacha bechol melechet hakodesh vayehi zehav hatnufa tesha ve'esrim kikar ushva me'ot ushloshim shekel beshekel hakodesh.

Hebrew Leining Text

כׇּל־הַזָּהָ֗ב הֶֽעָשׂוּי֙ לַמְּלָאכָ֔ה בְּכֹ֖ל מְלֶ֣אכֶת הַקֹּ֑דֶשׁ וַיְהִ֣י&thinsp
כׇּל־הַזָּהָ֗ב הֶֽעָשׂוּי֙ לַמְּלָאכָ֔ה בְּכֹ֖ל מְלֶ֣אכֶת הַקֹּ֑דֶשׁ וַיְהִ֣י&thinsp

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

The Significance of the Gold in the Mishkan

The verse (Shemot 38:24) details the amount of gold used in the construction of the Mishkan (Tabernacle). According to Rashi, this gold was primarily from the voluntary contributions of Bnei Yisrael, referred to as zehav hatenufah ("the gold of the waving offering"). The term tenufah indicates that these donations were elevated and dedicated to Hashem in a symbolic act of devotion.

The Measurement of the Gold

The total amount of gold is given as 29 talents and 730 shekels, measured by the shekel hakodesh (the sacred shekel). Rambam (Hilchot Shekalim 1:2) explains that the shekel hakodesh was a standardized weight used for all sacred contributions, ensuring fairness and consistency in the Mishkan's construction. The meticulous accounting reflects the importance of transparency in handling consecrated materials.

Symbolism of the Gold

  • Spiritual Refinement: The Midrash (Tanchuma, Terumah 5) teaches that gold symbolizes the refinement of the soul, as it is purified through fire. The voluntary donations of gold represent the people's willingness to refine their character for divine service.
  • Kingship and Splendor: The Kli Yakar notes that gold, being the most precious metal, was used in the holiest parts of the Mishkan (e.g., the Aron and Keruvim) to reflect the majesty of Hashem's presence.

Practical Lessons from the Accounting

The Talmud (Yoma 38a) derives from this verse the principle of kedushat hamamon (the sanctity of funds designated for sacred purposes). Just as Moshe Rabbeinu meticulously accounted for every shekel of gold, so too must leaders ensure absolute integrity in handling communal funds, especially those designated for mitzvot.

The Numerical Value (Gematria) Insight

The Baal HaTurim points out that the numerical value of תֵּשַׁע וְעֶשְׂרִים כִּכָּר (29 talents) alludes to the 29 commands related to the Mishkan's construction, emphasizing that every detail was divinely ordained and purposeful.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Exodus 38:24 mean?
A: Exodus 38:24 describes the total amount of gold donated by the Israelites and used in constructing the Mishkan (Tabernacle). It specifies 29 talents and 730 shekels of gold, measured by the sacred shekel. This gold was used for holy vessels like the Ark, Menorah, and other sacred items (Rashi on Exodus 38:24).
Q: Why is the amount of gold in Exodus 38:24 important?
A: The precise accounting of gold shows the Israelites' generosity and dedication to building the Mishkan. The Torah emphasizes transparency in handling sacred donations to avoid suspicion (Rambam, Hilchot Shekalim 4:7). It also teaches that every contribution, big or small, is valued in serving Hashem (Midrash Tanchuma, Terumah 8).
Q: What can we learn from Exodus 38:24 today?
A: We learn the importance of contributing to holy causes with sincerity and transparency. Just as the gold was carefully measured for the Mishkan, we should give tzedakah (charity) properly and ensure it is used for its intended purpose (Talmud, Ketubot 66a). The verse also reminds us that every donation counts in building a spiritual community.
Q: What is the 'shekel of the sanctuary' mentioned in Exodus 38:24?
A: The 'shekel of the sanctuary' (shekel hakodesh) was a standardized weight used for holy contributions, ensuring fairness in donations for the Mishkan. It was equivalent to 20 gerah (Exodus 30:13). Rashi explains that this measure prevented disputes and ensured all donations were equal in sanctity (Rashi on Exodus 30:13).