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Exodus 40:18 - Divine dwelling construction complete

Exodus 40:18 - שמות 40:18

Hebrew Text

וַיָּקֶם מֹשֶׁה אֶת־הַמִּשְׁכָּן וַיִּתֵּן אֶת־אֲדָנָיו וַיָּשֶׂם אֶת־קְרָשָׁיו וַיִּתֵּן אֶת־בְּרִיחָיו וַיָּקֶם אֶת־עַמּוּדָיו׃

English Translation

And Moshe erected the tabernacle, and fastened its sockets, and set up its boards, and put in its bars, and reared up its pillars.

Transliteration

Vayakem Moshe et-haMishkan vayiten et-adanav vayasem et-krashav vayiten et-brichav vayakem et-amudav.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיָּ֨קֶם מֹשֶׁ֜ה אֶת־הַמִּשְׁכָּ֗ן וַיִּתֵּן֙ אֶת־אֲדָנָ֔יו וַיָּ֙שֶׂם֙ אֶת־קְרָשָׁ֔יו וַיִּתֵּ֖ן אֶת־בְּרִיחָ֑יו וַיָּ֖קֶם אֶת־עַמּוּדָֽיו׃
וַיָּ֨קֶם מֹשֶׁ֜ה אֶת־הַמִּשְׁכָּ֗ן וַיִּתֵּן֙ אֶת־אֲדָנָ֔יו וַיָּ֙שֶׂם֙ אֶת־קְרָשָׁ֔יו וַיִּתֵּ֖ן אֶת־בְּרִיחָ֑יו וַיָּ֖קֶם אֶת־עַמּוּדָֽיו׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Context in the Torah

The verse (Shemot 40:18) describes Moshe Rabbeinu's role in erecting the Mishkan (Tabernacle) for the first time, following the detailed instructions given in previous parshiyot (Terumah, Tetzaveh, and Ki Tisa). This act marks the culmination of the Mishkan's construction and the beginning of its sacred service.

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi (Shemot 40:18) notes that Moshe personally erected the Mishkan because no one else was capable of lifting the heavy beams due to their immense weight. However, miraculously, Moshe was able to set them up alone—demonstrating divine assistance in this holy task. Rashi further explains that the phrase "וַיָּקֶם מֹשֶׁה" ("And Moshe erected") implies that he did so with strength and precision, fulfilling Hashem's command perfectly.

Symbolism of the Mishkan's Components

  • Adanim (Sockets): The silver sockets (adanim) represent the foundation of Klal Yisrael's spiritual structure, as silver (kesef) alludes to yearning (כיסופין) for closeness to Hashem (based on Midrashic interpretations).
  • Kerashim (Boards): The upright boards symbolize the unity of the Jewish people—standing firmly together like the planks of the Mishkan (Tanchuma, Terumah 9).
  • Brichim (Bars): The horizontal bars that held the structure together signify the Torah, which binds and stabilizes Am Yisrael (Ramban, Shemot 26:15).
  • Amudim (Pillars): The pillars at the entrance represent the strength of emunah (faith), as they supported the curtain (parochet) separating the Kodesh from the Kodesh HaKodashim (Malbim, Shemot 26:32).

The Role of Moshe in the Erection

The Talmud (Sotah 36b) teaches that Moshe's ability to erect the Mishkan alone was a testament to his unique spiritual stature. The Midrash (Bamidbar Rabbah 12:15) adds that this act paralleled Hashem's creation of the world—just as Hashem established the universe alone, Moshe, as Hashem's faithful servant, erected the Mishkan alone.

Practical Halachic Insight

Rambam (Hilchot Beit HaBechirah 1:12) derives from this verse that the construction of a Mikdash (Temple) must follow the exact order prescribed in the Torah. Moshe's meticulous adherence to the sequence—sockets first, then boards, followed by bars and pillars—teaches the importance of precision in divine service.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Shabbat 98b
The verse is referenced in a discussion about the construction of the Tabernacle and the labor involved, particularly in relation to the laws of Shabbat.
📖 Eruvin 2a
The verse is cited in a discussion about the dimensions and structure of the Tabernacle, relating it to the laws of Eruvin.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Exodus 40:18 mean?
A: Exodus 40:18 describes Moshe (Moses) setting up the Mishkan (Tabernacle) according to Hashem's instructions. It details the specific actions he took, such as placing the sockets, boards, bars, and pillars, showing the careful and precise construction of this holy space.
Q: Why is the erection of the Mishkan important?
A: The Mishkan was the portable sanctuary where Hashem's presence dwelled among Bnei Yisrael (the Children of Israel) in the wilderness. Its construction, as described in this verse, marks the fulfillment of Hashem's command and the beginning of a central place for divine service, which later evolved into the Beit HaMikdash (Temple) in Jerusalem.
Q: What can we learn from Moshe's role in setting up the Mishkan?
A: Moshe's active participation teaches us the importance of leadership in spiritual matters. Even though others (like Betzalel) crafted the Mishkan's parts, Moshe personally assembled it to show reverence and dedication to Hashem's commandments. This sets an example for taking personal responsibility in mitzvot (commandments).
Q: How does the Mishkan apply to Jewish life today?
A: While we no longer have the Mishkan, its legacy continues in synagogues and homes, which are considered 'mini-sanctuaries' (mikdash me'at). Just as the Mishkan was built with care and holiness, we are taught to approach prayer, Torah study, and mitzvot with the same reverence in our daily lives.
Q: Why does the verse list the Mishkan's parts in detail?
A: The Torah emphasizes each component to highlight that every part of the Mishkan—down to its sockets and bars—had spiritual significance. Rashi explains that this precision teaches us that even the 'smallest' details in serving Hashem matter, and nothing in divine service should be treated casually.