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Exodus 20:21 - Where is God's presence felt?

Exodus 20:21 - שמות 20:21

Hebrew Text

מִזְבַּח אֲדָמָה תַּעֲשֶׂה־לִּי וְזָבַחְתָּ עָלָיו אֶת־עֹלֹתֶיךָ וְאֶת־שְׁלָמֶיךָ אֶת־צֹאנְךָ וְאֶת־בְּקָרֶךָ בְּכָל־הַמָּקוֹם אֲשֶׁר אַזְכִּיר אֶת־שְׁמִי אָבוֹא אֵלֶיךָ וּבֵרַכְתִּיךָ׃

English Translation

An altar of earth thou shalt make to me, and thou shalt sacrifice on it thy burnt offerings, and thy peace offerings, thy sheep, and thy oxen: in all places where I cause my name to be pronounced, I will come to thee, and I will bless thee.

Transliteration

Mizbeach adamah ta'aseh-li v'zavachta alav et-olotecha v'et-shlamecha et-tzoncha v'et-bkarecha b'chol-hamakom asher azkir et-shmi avo eilecha u'verachticha.

Hebrew Leining Text

מִזְבַּ֣ח אֲדָמָה֮ תַּעֲשֶׂה־לִּי֒ וְזָבַחְתָּ֣ עָלָ֗יו אֶת־עֹלֹתֶ֙יךָ֙ וְאֶת־שְׁלָמֶ֔יךָ אֶת־צֹֽאנְךָ֖ וְאֶת־בְּקָרֶ֑ךָ בְּכׇל־הַמָּקוֹם֙ אֲשֶׁ֣ר אַזְכִּ֣יר אֶת־שְׁמִ֔י אָב֥וֹא אֵלֶ֖יךָ וּבֵרַכְתִּֽיךָ׃
מִזְבַּ֣ח אֲדָמָה֮ תַּעֲשֶׂה־לִּי֒ וְזָבַחְתָּ֣ עָלָ֗יו אֶת־עֹלֹתֶ֙יךָ֙ וְאֶת־שְׁלָמֶ֔יךָ אֶת־צֹֽאנְךָ֖ וְאֶת־בְּקָרֶ֑ךָ בְּכׇל־הַמָּקוֹם֙ אֲשֶׁ֣ר אַזְכִּ֣יר אֶת־שְׁמִ֔י אָב֥וֹא אֵלֶ֖יךָ וּבֵרַכְתִּֽיךָ׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

The Command to Build an Earthen Altar

The verse (Shemot 20:21) commands the construction of an altar made of earth. Rashi explains that this refers to an altar built from compacted earth or unhewn stones, as elaborated in Shemot 20:22. The Rambam (Hilchot Beit HaBechirah 1:13) notes that this reflects the temporary nature of altars before the establishment of the permanent Beit HaMikdash, where sacrifices could be offered on simple earthen altars in various locations.

The Types of Offerings

The verse specifies two categories of sacrifices to be brought on this altar:

  • Olot (Burnt Offerings): Completely consumed by fire, symbolizing total devotion to Hashem (Vayikra Rabbah 7:3).
  • Shlamim (Peace Offerings): Shared between the altar, the kohanim, and the offerer, representing harmony between man and Hashem (Ramban on Vayikra 3:1).

The Inclusion of Sheep and Cattle

The mention of "thy sheep and thy oxen" teaches that these species are the primary animals fit for sacrifice, as derived from the earlier offerings of Hevel and Kayin (Bereishit 4:4). The Talmud (Chullin 28a) establishes that only domesticated animals are valid for korbanot, excluding wild animals.

The Sanctity of Multiple Locations

The phrase "in all places where I cause My name to be pronounced" refers to the era before the centralization of worship in Jerusalem. The Mechilta explains that during the wilderness years and subsequent conquest, temporary altars were permitted at various sites of Divine revelation. This temporary allowance ended when the Beit HaMikdash was established (Devarim 12:13-14).

Divine Promise of Presence and Blessing

The concluding promise "I will come to you and bless you" is interpreted by Sforno as assurance that proper sacrificial service brings Divine favor. The Kli Yakar emphasizes that this blessing is contingent upon proper intent (kavanah) in worship, not merely the physical act of sacrifice.

Halachic Implications

  • The Rambam (Hilchot Beit HaBechirah 1:2) rules that this commandment applied specifically before the selection of Jerusalem.
  • The Talmud (Zevachim 112b) discusses how this verse authorized multiple altars during certain historical periods.
  • Rabbeinu Bachya notes that the earthen altar symbolizes humility before Hashem, contrasting with the elaborate altars of pagan worship.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Zevachim 116b
The verse is discussed in the context of the laws regarding the construction and use of altars for sacrifices, particularly focusing on the permissibility of building altars outside the Temple under certain conditions.
📖 Mekhilta d'Rabbi Yishmael Masekhta d'Bachodesh, Parasha 11
The verse is referenced in a discussion about the sanctity of places where God's name is invoked, relating to the broader themes of worship and divine presence.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does the verse mean by 'an altar of earth'?
A: Rashi explains that this refers to an altar made simply from the ground itself, without elaborate construction. The Torah emphasizes humility and simplicity in serving Hashem, showing that even a basic earthen altar is acceptable when offered with sincerity.
Q: Why does the verse mention sacrificing sheep and oxen specifically?
A: Sheep and oxen represent common livestock that people owned in biblical times. The Rambam teaches that sacrifices were meant to be from one's possessions, showing devotion to Hashem. These animals were also among the kosher species permitted for offerings (based on Leviticus 1:2).
Q: What does 'in all places where I cause My name to be pronounced' mean?
A: The Talmud (Zevachim 119a) explains that this refers to designated places where Hashem would later command sacrifices to be brought, primarily the Mishkan (Tabernacle) and later the Beit HaMikdash (Temple) in Jerusalem. It teaches that proper worship must follow Torah guidelines.
Q: How does the promise 'I will come to you and bless you' apply today?
A: While we no longer bring physical sacrifices, the Midrash teaches that our prayers (Tehillim 141:2) and Torah study now replace the altar service. When we serve Hashem with sincerity in our designated places of worship (synagogues), we merit Divine blessing just as in ancient times.
Q: What lesson can we learn from this verse about serving Hashem?
A: The verse teaches two key principles: 1) Serving Hashem doesn't require extravagance - even simple earthen altars were acceptable when offered properly (as Rashi notes). 2) Hashem promises to respond to sincere worship with blessing, showing the reciprocal nature of our relationship with the Divine.