Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What does Exodus 39:32 mean?
A: Exodus 39:32 describes the completion of the Mishkan (Tabernacle) by the Israelites, exactly as Hashem commanded Moshe. According to Rashi, this verse emphasizes the people's complete obedience to divine instructions, showing their dedication to fulfilling every detail of the mitzvah.
Q: Why is the completion of the Mishkan important?
A: The completion of the Mishkan is important because it became the dwelling place for the Divine Presence (Shechinah) among the Israelites. The Rambam teaches that this event marked a new stage in the relationship between Hashem and the Jewish people, allowing for direct divine connection through the service in the Tabernacle.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Exodus 39:32?
A: We learn the importance of fulfilling mitzvot with precision and devotion. The Talmud (Shabbat 49a) derives from this verse that when performing a mitzvah, one should strive to complete it fully, just as the Israelites completed every aspect of the Mishkan exactly as commanded.
Q: How does the Mishkan's construction apply to us today?
A: While we no longer have the physical Mishkan, the Midrash (Tanchuma Terumah 8) teaches that every Jew is like a miniature Mishkan. Just as the Israelites built a dwelling place for Hashem, we must make our lives and homes fitting places for the Divine Presence through Torah study, prayer, and mitzvot.
Q: What does 'they did as Hashem commanded Moshe' teach us about leadership?
A: This phrase teaches the importance of faithful transmission of divine commandments. As Ramban explains, Moshe served as the exact conduit of Hashem's will, and the people's precise fulfillment shows the proper relationship between a Jewish leader and the community in observing Torah commandments.
Completion of the Mishkan's Construction
The verse (Shemot 39:32) marks the culmination of the construction of the Mishkan, emphasizing that Bnei Yisrael fulfilled כְּכֹל אֲשֶׁר צִוָּה ה' אֶת־מֹשֶׁה ("all that Hashem commanded Moshe"). Rashi notes that this repetition—"so they did"—highlights their precise adherence to divine instructions without deviation. The Midrash Tanchuma (Pekudei 11) elaborates that this phrase teaches that even the minor details, which Moshe did not explicitly repeat to them, were performed with the same exactitude as the major components.
Spiritual Significance of "Vateichel"
The term וַתֵּכֶל ("was finished") carries deeper meaning. The Ohr HaChaim explains that it implies not just physical completion but spiritual perfection—the Mishkan was now ready to serve as a dwelling place for the Shechinah. The Sforno adds that this wording indicates the people's wholehearted unity in the project, as no disputes or delays hindered its completion.
Lessons in Divine Service
The Mishkan as a Microcosm
Rabbeinu Bachya interprets the phrase מִשְׁכַּן אֹהֶל מוֹעֵד as alluding to the dual nature of the Mishkan: a permanent dwelling (mishkan) and a place of temporary meeting (ohel moed). This reflects the balance between constancy and adaptability in serving Hashem—rooted in eternal principles yet responsive to each generation’s needs.