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Exodus 40:4 - Divine order in sacred service

Exodus 40:4 - שמות 40:4

Hebrew Text

וְהֵבֵאתָ אֶת־הַשֻּׁלְחָן וְעָרַכְתָּ אֶת־עֶרְכּוֹ וְהֵבֵאתָ אֶת־הַמְּנֹרָה וְהַעֲלֵיתָ אֶת־נֵרֹתֶיהָ׃

English Translation

And thou shalt bring in the table, and set in order the things that are to be set in order upon it; and thou shalt bring in the candlestick, and light its lamps.

Transliteration

Veheveta et-hashulchan ve'arachta et-archo veheveta et-hamenora veha'aleta et-neroteha.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְהֵבֵאתָ֙ אֶת־הַשֻּׁלְחָ֔ן וְעָרַכְתָּ֖ אֶת־עֶרְכּ֑וֹ וְהֵבֵאתָ֙ אֶת־הַמְּנֹרָ֔ה וְהַעֲלֵיתָ֖ אֶת־נֵרֹתֶֽיהָ׃
וְהֵבֵאתָ֙ אֶת־הַשֻּׁלְחָ֔ן וְעָרַכְתָּ֖ אֶת־עֶרְכּ֑וֹ וְהֵבֵאתָ֙ אֶת־הַמְּנֹרָ֔ה וְהַעֲלֵיתָ֖ אֶת־נֵרֹתֶֽיהָ׃

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Parasha Commentary

Context in the Mishkan

The verse (Shemot 40:4) describes the arrangement of the Shulchan (Table) and Menorah in the Mishkan (Tabernacle). Rashi explains that this instruction follows the placement of the Aron HaKodesh (Holy Ark), emphasizing the order of sanctity—beginning with the holiest vessel first. The Shulchan, representing material sustenance, and the Menorah, symbolizing spiritual light, are positioned in the Kodesh (Holy Place), reflecting the balance between physical and divine service.

The Shulchan and Its Symbolism

The Shulchan held the Lechem HaPanim (Showbread), arranged in two stacks of six loaves each (Vayikra 24:6). The Rambam (Hilchos Temidin U’Musafin 4:12) notes that this bread remained fresh miraculously, demonstrating Hashem’s blessing on sustenance. The Talmud (Menachos 96b) teaches that the Shulchan atoned for poverty, as bread represents livelihood. Its placement opposite the Menorah (Shemot 26:35) signifies that material wealth must align with Torah wisdom.

The Menorah and Its Illumination

The Menorah, crafted from a single block of gold (Shemot 25:31), symbolizes the unity of Torah and its light to the world. Rashi (Bamidbar 8:2) highlights that its lamps were arranged to face the central stem, teaching that all wisdom must point toward divine truth. The Midrash (Bamidbar Rabbah 15:7) compares the Menorah to the Jewish people, whose mission is to illuminate the world with mitzvos. The daily lighting (Shemot 27:20-21) represents consistency in spiritual growth.

Practical Lessons

  • Order in Avodah: The sequence—Aron, Shulchan, Menorah—teaches that Torah (Aron) must precede material and spiritual pursuits (Ramban, Shemot 40:4).
  • Harmony of Worlds: The Shulchan and Menorah together show that physical sustenance must be elevated through Torah study (Kli Yakar, Shemot 25:23).
  • Light as Guidance: The Menorah’s eternal flame (Vayikra 24:2) reminds us to spread Torah’s light publicly (Talmud, Shabbat 22b).

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Menachot 97a
The verse is discussed in the context of the arrangement of the table and the lighting of the menorah in the Temple.
📖 Shabbat 22b
The verse is referenced in a discussion about the mitzvah of lighting the menorah and its significance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Exodus 40:4 mean?
A: Exodus 40:4 describes the instructions for setting up the Mishkan (Tabernacle). It commands the placement of the Shulchan (Table) with its arranged showbread and the Menorah (Candlestick) with its lamps lit. According to Rashi, this verse emphasizes the orderly arrangement of sacred items in the Mishkan, showing the importance of beauty and precision in divine service.
Q: Why is the Shulchan (Table) mentioned before the Menorah in Exodus 40:4?
A: The Talmud (Menachot 99a) explains that the Shulchan is mentioned before the Menorah to teach that one's material sustenance (symbolized by the table and bread) should precede spiritual light (symbolized by the Menorah). This reflects the Jewish value that basic physical needs must be met before pursuing higher spiritual goals.
Q: What is the significance of lighting the Menorah in Exodus 40:4?
A: The lighting of the Menorah represents the eternal light of Torah and wisdom. Rambam (Hilchot Beit HaBechirah 3:12) explains that the Menorah's light symbolizes the divine presence and the continuous obligation to spread spiritual illumination in the world. The Midrash (Bamidbar Rabbah 15:7) compares the Menorah to the Jewish people's mission to be a 'light unto the nations.'
Q: How does Exodus 40:4 apply to Jewish homes today?
A: Just as the Mishkan had a Shulchan and Menorah, Jewish homes today traditionally have a dining table for meals (like the Shulchan) and light Shabbat and Chanukah candles (like the Menorah). The Chafetz Chaim taught that a Jewish home should mirror the Mishkan's holiness, where the table is used for Torah discussion and the lights bring spiritual warmth.
Q: What does 'setting in order' (עריכת) the Shulchan mean in Exodus 40:4?
A: Rashi explains that 'setting in order' refers to arranging the 12 loaves of showbread on the Shulchan every Shabbat (Vayikra 24:5-8). The Talmud (Menachot 96a) describes how the bread was arranged in two stacks with frankincense, remaining fresh all week as a miracle. This teaches that material blessings become sanctified when used for holy purposes.