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Exodus 40:17 - Tabernacle rises, Divine presence dwells

Exodus 40:17 - שמות 40:17

Hebrew Text

וַיְהִי בַּחֹדֶשׁ הָרִאשׁוֹן בַּשָּׁנָה הַשֵּׁנִית בְּאֶחָד לַחֹדֶשׁ הוּקַם הַמִּשְׁכָּן׃

English Translation

And it came to pass in the first month in the second year, on the first day of the month, that the tabernacle was erected.

Transliteration

Vayehi bachodesh harishon bashana hashniah be'echad lachodesh hukam hamishkan.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיְהִ֞י בַּחֹ֧דֶשׁ הָרִאשׁ֛וֹן בַּשָּׁנָ֥ה הַשֵּׁנִ֖ית בְּאֶחָ֣ד לַחֹ֑דֶשׁ הוּקַ֖ם הַמִּשְׁכָּֽן׃
וַיְהִ֞י בַּחֹ֧דֶשׁ הָרִאשׁ֛וֹן בַּשָּׁנָ֥ה הַשֵּׁנִ֖ית בְּאֶחָ֣ד לַחֹ֑דֶשׁ הוּקַ֖ם הַמִּשְׁכָּֽן׃

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Parasha Commentary

The Timing of the Mishkan's Erection

The verse (Shemot 40:17) states that the Mishkan was erected on the first day of the first month (Nissan) in the second year after the Exodus. Rashi explains that this date was significant because it marked the beginning of a new era for Bnei Yisrael—the Shechinah would now dwell among them in the Mishkan. The first of Nissan was also the day when the laws of the Mishkan's service were first given, as detailed in the preceding chapters.

Symbolism of the First of Nissan

According to the Midrash (Tanchuma, Pekudei 11), the first of Nissan was a day of great joy, comparable to the day of Creation. Just as the world was completed and Hashem's presence was revealed at Creation, so too was the Mishkan completed, allowing the Divine Presence to dwell among Israel. The Ramban adds that this date was chosen to parallel the dedication of the Mishkan with the renewal of time—Nissan being the first month of the Jewish calendar, as stated in Shemot 12:2.

The Order of Erection

The Talmud (Shabbat 87b) notes that Moshe Rabbeinu personally erected the Mishkan on this day, despite its immense weight, as a demonstration of his unique spiritual strength. The Sforno explains that this act symbolized Moshe's role as the intermediary between Hashem and the people, ensuring that the Mishkan was established with the utmost sanctity.

  • Rashi: Emphasizes the date's connection to the completion of the Mishkan's construction and the beginning of its service.
  • Ramban: Highlights the parallel between the first of Nissan and the renewal of the Jewish calendar, marking a new spiritual beginning.
  • Midrash Tanchuma: Compares the day to Creation, underscoring its cosmic significance.
  • Sforno: Focuses on Moshe's unique role in erecting the Mishkan, demonstrating his unparalleled devotion.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the significance of the tabernacle being erected on the first day of the month?
A: According to Rashi, the first day of the month (Rosh Chodesh) is a time of renewal and dedication. Erecting the Mishkan (Tabernacle) on this day symbolizes a fresh start for the Jewish people in their service to Hashem, marking the beginning of a new spiritual era.
Q: Why is the date of the tabernacle's erection mentioned so precisely in the Torah?
A: The Rambam explains that the Torah provides exact dates for significant events to emphasize their importance. The precise date (1st of Nissan, second year) shows that the Mishkan's construction was a monumental event in Jewish history, as it became the center of Divine worship and connection with Hashem.
Q: What can we learn from the tabernacle being set up in the second year after the Exodus?
A: The Midrash teaches that the timing shows spiritual growth. The first year was for receiving the Torah at Sinai and repenting from the sin of the Golden Calf. Only after this preparation could the Jewish people properly build a dwelling place for Hashem's presence among them.
Q: How does the erection of the tabernacle apply to us today?
A: The Talmud (Berachot 8a) explains that while we no longer have the Mishkan, our synagogues and study halls are considered 'miniature sanctuaries.' Just as the Mishkan was central to Jewish life, we must make Torah study and prayer central to our daily lives.
Q: Why is the tabernacle called 'Mishkan' in Hebrew?
A: Rashi explains that 'Mishkan' comes from the Hebrew root meaning 'dwelling,' as it was the place where the Divine Presence (Shechinah) dwelled among the Jewish people. This teaches that Hashem desires to reside within the midst of the Jewish nation when they follow His commandments.