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Numbers 7:56 - Golden spoon's incense offering?

Numbers 7:56 - במדבר 7:56

Hebrew Text

כַּף אַחַת עֲשָׂרָה זָהָב מְלֵאָה קְטֹרֶת׃

English Translation

one golden spoon of ten shekels, full of incense:

Transliteration

Kaf achat asara zahav mle'a ketoret

Hebrew Leining Text

כַּ֥ף אַחַ֛ת עֲשָׂרָ֥ה זָהָ֖ב מְלֵאָ֥ה קְטֹֽרֶת׃
כַּ֥ף אַחַ֛ת עֲשָׂרָ֥ה זָהָ֖ב מְלֵאָ֥ה קְטֹֽרֶת׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

The Golden Spoon (כַּף זָהָב) in the Temple Service

The verse describes a golden spoon (כַּף זָהָב) weighing ten shekels, filled with incense (קְטֹרֶת), which was used in the Mishkan (Tabernacle) and later in the Beit HaMikdash (Temple). Rashi (Exodus 25:29) explains that this כַּף was a small vessel used for measuring and offering the incense, emphasizing its precise weight and sanctity.

Significance of the Ten Shekels

The weight of ten shekels holds symbolic meaning. The Midrash (Bamidbar Rabbah 14:11) connects this to the Ten Commandments, suggesting that the incense offering, like the Torah, serves as a unifying force for the Jewish people. Rambam (Hilchot Klei HaMikdash 2:4) further elaborates that all Temple vessels had specific measurements to ensure proper service.

The Incense (קְטֹרֶת) and Its Spiritual Meaning

The Ketoret (incense) represents prayer and divine connection, as stated in the Talmud (Yoma 44a): "Why was the incense offered? To atone for lashon hara (evil speech)." The Zohar (Vayikra 14b) adds that the incense's sweet fragrance symbolizes the elevation of Israel's prayers to Hashem.

  • Precision in Service: The exact measurement teaches the importance of precision in avodat Hashem (divine service).
  • Unity: The Ketoret's blend of 11 spices (Keritot 6a) mirrors the unity of Klal Yisrael.
  • Golden Vessel: Gold signifies purity and enduring value, reflecting the eternal nature of the Temple service.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does the golden spoon of incense represent in Numbers 7:56?
A: The golden spoon (kaf) filled with incense represents one of the gifts brought by the tribal leaders during the dedication of the Mishkan (Tabernacle). According to Rashi, the incense symbolizes prayer and devotion, as the verse in Psalms 141:2 compares prayer to incense. The gold shows the preciousness of serving Hashem.
Q: Why was the spoon specifically ten shekels of gold in weight?
A: The weight of ten shekels teaches us about the importance of measurement in Divine service. The Midrash notes that ten is a number representing completeness (like the Ten Commandments). Rambam explains that precise measurements in the Temple service teach us to approach mitzvot with care and exactness.
Q: How does the incense offering in this verse apply to us today?
A: Though we no longer bring incense offerings, the Talmud (Berachot 6b) teaches that our daily prayers replace the Temple service. Just as the incense rose upward, our prayers ascend to Heaven. The golden spoon reminds us to approach prayer with the same preciousness and full devotion as the tribal leaders did in their offerings.