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Exodus 40:26 - Golden altar's sacred placement revealed?

Exodus 40:26 - שמות 40:26

Hebrew Text

וַיָּשֶׂם אֶת־מִזְבַּח הַזָּהָב בְּאֹהֶל מוֹעֵד לִפְנֵי הַפָּרֹכֶת׃

English Translation

And he put the golden altar in the Tent of Meeting before the veil:

Transliteration

Vayasem et-mizbach hazahav b'ohel mo'ed lifnei haparochet.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיָּ֛שֶׂם אֶת־מִזְבַּ֥ח הַזָּהָ֖ב בְּאֹ֣הֶל מוֹעֵ֑ד לִפְנֵ֖י הַפָּרֹֽכֶת׃
וַיָּ֛שֶׂם אֶת־מִזְבַּ֥ח הַזָּהָ֖ב בְּאֹ֣הֶל מוֹעֵ֑ד לִפְנֵ֖י הַפָּרֹֽכֶת׃

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Parasha Commentary

Placement of the Golden Altar

The verse (Shemot 40:26) describes the placement of the golden altar (mizbach hazahav) inside the Tent of Meeting (Ohel Moed), specifically before the veil (parochet) that separated the Holy Place (Kodesh) from the Holy of Holies (Kodesh HaKodashim). This positioning is significant in the structure of the Mishkan, as the golden altar was used exclusively for burning incense (ketoret), a service performed daily by the Kohanim.

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi (on Shemot 30:6) clarifies that the golden altar was placed in the Holy Place, adjacent to the parochet, but not inside the Holy of Holies. He emphasizes that its placement was precise—close enough to the parochet that the Kohen Gadol could reach it on Yom Kippur when he entered the Holy of Holies with the incense. This positioning symbolizes the connection between the daily service of the Kohanim and the innermost sanctity of the Mishkan.

Symbolism of the Golden Altar

  • Representation of Prayer: The Midrash (Tanchuma, Tetzaveh 15) compares the incense offering to prayer, as the verse states, "Let my prayer be set forth as incense before You" (Tehillim 141:2). The placement before the parochet signifies that sincere prayer reaches the Divine Presence.
  • Connection to the Ark: The Talmud (Yoma 44b) teaches that the golden altar atoned for lashon hara (evil speech), while the Ark contained the Torah. Their proximity suggests that proper speech and Torah study must go hand in hand.

Halachic Significance

The Rambam (Hilchot Temidin uMusafin 3:1-2) details the laws of the incense offering, emphasizing that the golden altar was only used for this purpose. Unlike the outer copper altar, which was for animal sacrifices, the golden altar's exclusive function highlights the sanctity of the inner service—a reminder that closeness to the Divine requires purity of intention and action.

Spiritual Lessons

The placement of the golden altar teaches that even in the physical structure of the Mishkan, every detail carries deeper meaning. Its position before the parochet serves as a reminder that our external service (prayer, mitzvot) must be directed inward, toward the innermost connection with Hashem.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the golden altar mentioned in Exodus 40:26?
A: The golden altar, also known as the 'Mizbe'ach HaZahav' or 'Altar of Incense,' was a small altar made of acacia wood overlaid with pure gold. It was used exclusively for burning the daily ketoret (incense) in the Mishkan (Tabernacle) and later in the Beit HaMikdash (Temple). Rashi explains that it was placed inside the Ohel Mo'ed (Tent of Meeting) before the parochet (veil) that separated the Holy Place from the Holy of Holies.
Q: Why was the golden altar placed before the veil in the Tabernacle?
A: The golden altar was placed before the parochet (veil) to symbolize that the service of the ketoret (incense) was a bridge between the outer service of the Mishkan and the innermost sanctity of the Holy of Holies. The Rambam teaches that the incense atoned for lashon hara (evil speech) and represented the prayers of the Jewish people ascending to Hashem, as hinted in Tehillim (Psalms) 141:2.
Q: What can we learn from the placement of the golden altar in our lives today?
A: The placement of the golden altar teaches us the importance of preparing our hearts before approaching deeper spiritual connection. Just as the priests had to pass the altar of incense before reaching the Holy of Holies, we too must refine our speech and intentions (like the ketoret) before seeking closeness to Hashem. The Midrash Tanchuma emphasizes that proper speech and prayer are prerequisites for divine connection.
Q: Why was the altar made of gold in Exodus 40:26?
A: Gold represents purity and permanence in Jewish tradition. The golden overlay on the altar showed the enduring value of the incense service and the importance of the prayers it represented. The Kli Yakar explains that gold was chosen because its unchanging nature reflects the eternal covenant between Hashem and the Jewish people through avodah (service) and tefillah (prayer).