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Exodus 40:38 - Divine presence guides Israel

Exodus 40:38 - שמות 40:38

Hebrew Text

כִּי עֲנַן יְהוָה עַל־הַמִּשְׁכָּן יוֹמָם וְאֵשׁ תִּהְיֶה לַיְלָה בּוֹ לְעֵינֵי כָל־בֵּית־יִשְׂרָאֵל בְּכָל־מַסְעֵיהֶם׃

English Translation

For the cloud of the Lord was upon the tabernacle by day, and fire was on it by night, in the sight of all the house of Yisra᾽el, throughout all their journeys.

Transliteration

Ki anan Adonai al-hamishkan yomam ve'esh tihyeh laila bo le'einei kol-beit-Yisrael bechol-masa'ehem.

Hebrew Leining Text

כִּי֩ עֲנַ֨ן יְהֹוָ֤ה עַֽל־הַמִּשְׁכָּן֙ יוֹמָ֔ם וְאֵ֕שׁ תִּהְיֶ֥ה לַ֖יְלָה בּ֑וֹ לְעֵינֵ֥י כׇל־בֵּֽית־יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל בְּכׇל־מַסְעֵיהֶֽם׃
כִּי֩ עֲנַ֨ן יְהֹוָ֤ה עַֽל־הַמִּשְׁכָּן֙ יוֹמָ֔ם וְאֵ֕שׁ תִּהְיֶ֥ה לַ֖יְלָה בּ֑וֹ לְעֵינֵ֥י כׇל־בֵּֽית־יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל בְּכׇל־מַסְעֵיהֶֽם׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

The Divine Presence in the Mishkan

The verse (Shemot 40:38) describes the constant manifestation of Hashem's presence over the Mishkan—a cloud by day and fire by night. Rashi explains that this was a visible sign of divine favor, demonstrating that the Shechinah rested among Bnei Yisrael throughout their journeys in the wilderness. The cloud and fire were not merely symbolic but served practical purposes:

  • Cloud by day: Provided shade and protection from the harsh desert sun (Midrash Tanchuma, Beha'alotcha 6).
  • Fire by night: Illuminated the camp and symbolized divine warmth and guidance (Ramban on Shemot 13:21).

Continuity of Divine Guidance

The phrase "בְּכָל־מַסְעֵיהֶם" ("throughout all their journeys") emphasizes that this divine presence was unceasing. The Sforno teaches that this was a reassurance—even during travel, when the Mishkan was dismantled, the cloud and fire remained, signifying that Hashem's protection never waned. The Talmud (Shabbat 22b) further notes that the fire was not merely atop the Mishkan but "לְעֵינֵי כָל־בֵּית־יִשְׂרָאֵל" ("in the sight of all Israel"), ensuring collective awareness of the divine presence.

Symbolism of Cloud and Fire

The Zohar (Terumah 2:131a) interprets the duality of cloud and fire as representing different attributes of divine interaction:

  • Cloud (ענן): Reflects chesed (kindness), enveloping Bnei Yisrael in divine mercy.
  • Fire (אש): Represents gevurah (strength), purifying and protecting them from external threats.

This balance, as the Rambam notes in Moreh Nevuchim (3:45), was a tangible lesson in relying on Hashem's providence in all circumstances.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Yoma 75a
The verse is referenced in a discussion about the divine protection and guidance provided to the Israelites during their travels in the wilderness.
📖 Sotah 35a
The verse is mentioned in the context of discussing the miracles and divine presence that accompanied the Israelites in the desert.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does the cloud and fire over the Mishkan (Tabernacle) symbolize?
A: According to Rashi and other commentators, the cloud by day and fire by night over the Mishkan symbolized Hashem's constant presence and protection over the Israelites during their travels in the wilderness. The cloud provided shade and guidance by day, while the fire provided light and warmth by night, showing that Hashem's care was continuous.
Q: Why was it important for all of Israel to see the cloud and fire?
A: The Torah emphasizes that the cloud and fire were visible to 'all the house of Israel' to strengthen their faith and trust in Hashem. As Rambam explains, visible miracles like these were meant to inspire awe and reinforce the belief that Hashem was guiding them on their journey, both physically and spiritually.
Q: How does this verse apply to us today?
A: While we no longer have the Mishkan with a visible cloud or fire, the Midrash teaches that the lesson remains: Hashem's presence is always with us, even if not visibly. Just as the Israelites trusted in divine guidance, we too must have faith that Hashem is leading us, whether through the Torah, mitzvot, or the wisdom of our sages.
Q: What can we learn from the fact that the cloud and fire were present 'throughout all their journeys'?
A: The Talmud (Sukkah 11b) derives from this that Hashem's protection is constant—not just in major events but in every step of life. Whether the Israelites were encamped or traveling, the divine presence was unwavering. This teaches us that Hashem's guidance is with us in all phases of life, big and small.
Q: Why did the cloud appear by day and the fire by night?
A: Rashi explains that the cloud by day served a practical purpose—shielding the people from the desert sun—while the fire at night provided light and warmth. Symbolically, the Zohar teaches that the cloud represents divine mercy (chesed) and the fire represents divine judgment (gevurah), showing that Hashem's relationship with Israel balances both attributes.