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Exodus 40:20 - Ark's sacred contents sealed forever.

Exodus 40:20 - שמות 40:20

Hebrew Text

וַיִּקַּח וַיִּתֵּן אֶת־הָעֵדֻת אֶל־הָאָרֹן וַיָּשֶׂם אֶת־הַבַּדִּים עַל־הָאָרֹן וַיִּתֵּן אֶת־הַכַּפֹּרֶת עַל־הָאָרֹן מִלְמָעְלָה׃

English Translation

And he took and put the Testimony into the ark, and set the poles on the ark, and put the covering above upon the ark:

Transliteration

Vayikach vayiten et-ha'edut el-ha'aron vayasem et-habadim al-ha'aron vayiten et-hakaporet al-ha'aron milma'ala.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיִּקַּ֞ח וַיִּתֵּ֤ן אֶת־הָעֵדֻת֙ אֶל־הָ֣אָרֹ֔ן וַיָּ֥שֶׂם אֶת־הַבַּדִּ֖ים עַל־הָאָרֹ֑ן וַיִּתֵּ֧ן אֶת־הַכַּפֹּ֛רֶת עַל־הָאָרֹ֖ן מִלְמָֽעְלָה׃
וַיִּקַּ֞ח וַיִּתֵּ֤ן אֶת־הָעֵדֻת֙ אֶל־הָ֣אָרֹ֔ן וַיָּ֥שֶׂם אֶת־הַבַּדִּ֖ים עַל־הָאָרֹ֑ן וַיִּתֵּ֧ן אֶת־הַכַּפֹּ֛רֶת עַל־הָאָרֹ֖ן מִלְמָֽעְלָה׃

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Parasha Commentary

The Placement of the Testimony in the Ark

The verse describes Moshe placing the Luchot HaBrit (Tablets of the Covenant) into the Ark, arranging the carrying poles, and placing the Kaporet (Covering) on top. Rashi (Shemot 40:20) explains that the "Testimony" refers specifically to the Luchot, which are called Eidut because they testify to the covenant between Hashem and Bnei Yisrael. The Ramban (Shemot 25:16) adds that the Ark was designed specifically to house the Luchot, emphasizing their centrality in the Mishkan.

The Significance of the Poles

The verse mentions that Moshe placed the poles (Badim) on the Ark. The Talmud (Yoma 72a) teaches that these poles were never to be removed from the Ark, symbolizing that the Torah is always "ready to travel" with Bnei Yisrael wherever they go. The Midrash Tanchuma (Bamidbar 4) further explains that the poles represent the continuous accessibility of Torah, even during times of exile.

The Kaporet (Covering) and Its Symbolism

The Kaporet, made of pure gold with the Keruvim (Cherubim) atop it, served as a spiritual focal point. Rashi (Shemot 25:17) notes that the word Kaporet is related to Kaparah (atonement), indicating its role in facilitating divine mercy. The Rambam (Hilchot Beit HaBechirah 4:2) explains that the Keruvim faced one another when Bnei Yisrael were in Hashem's favor, symbolizing the relationship between the Jewish people and their Creator.

  • Order of Assembly: The sequence—placing the Luchot first, then the poles, and finally the Kaporet—reflects the hierarchy of Torah, its transmission, and divine connection (Sforno, Shemot 40:20).
  • Permanence of the Ark: The poles' placement signifies that the Ark, and by extension the Torah, is never static but always relevant (Malbim, Shemot 25:15).
  • Divine Presence: The Kaporet served as the "throne" for the Shechinah, as the divine voice emanated from between the Keruvim (Zohar, Terumah 2:126a).

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the 'Testimony' mentioned in Exodus 40:20?
A: The 'Testimony' refers to the two tablets of stone containing the Ten Commandments that were given to Moses at Mount Sinai. According to Rashi (Exodus 25:16), these tablets were called the 'Testimony' because they served as a witness to the covenant between G-d and the Jewish people.
Q: Why were the poles placed on the ark in Exodus 40:20?
A: The poles (badim) were attached to the Ark of the Covenant to allow it to be carried during travel, as described in the Torah (Exodus 25:12-15). The Rambam (Hilchot Klei HaMikdash 2:12) explains that these poles were never to be removed, even when the Ark was at rest, as a sign of respect and readiness for service.
Q: What was the purpose of the covering (kaporet) on the Ark?
A: The kaporet (covering) was the golden lid placed on top of the Ark. According to the Talmud (Yoma 54a), it served both a practical purpose of covering the Ark and a spiritual purpose as the place where G-d's presence would communicate with Moses (Exodus 25:22). The cherubim on top of the kaporet symbolized divine protection and the relationship between G-d and Israel.
Q: Why is the order of placing items in/on the Ark important in this verse?
A: The sequence in Exodus 40:20 teaches us about proper respect for holy objects. Rashi (on this verse) notes that first the tablets were placed inside, then the poles were arranged, and finally the covering was placed on top - showing that each step required careful attention to detail when handling sacred items in the Mishkan (Tabernacle).
Q: What lesson can we learn today from how the Ark was prepared?
A: The Midrash (Tanchuma Terumah 11) teaches that just as the Ark contained the Torah and was treated with utmost care, we should similarly cherish Torah study and treat sacred matters with proper respect. The careful preparation reminds us that serving G-d requires attention to both physical details and spiritual intentions in all our actions.