Exodus 20:22 - Unhewn stones, pure worship

Exodus 20:22 - שמות 20:22

Hebrew Text

וְאִם־מִזְבַּח אֲבָנִים תַּעֲשֶׂה־לִּי לֹא־תִבְנֶה אֶתְהֶן גָּזִית כִּי חַרְבְּךָ הֵנַפְתָּ עָלֶיהָ וַתְּחַלְלֶהָ׃

English Translation

And if thou wilt make me an altar of stone, thou shalt not build it of hewn stone: for if thou lift up thy tool upon it, thou hast defiled it.

Transliteration

Ve-im-mizbach avanim ta'aseh-li lo-tivneh ethen gazit ki charbecha henafta aleiha vatechalleha.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְאִם־מִזְבַּ֤ח אֲבָנִים֙ תַּֽעֲשֶׂה־לִּ֔י לֹֽא־תִבְנֶ֥ה אֶתְהֶ֖ן גָּזִ֑ית כִּ֧י חַרְבְּךָ֛ הֵנַ֥פְתָּ עָלֶ֖יהָ וַתְּחַֽלְלֶֽהָ׃

Parasha Commentary

The Prohibition of Hewn Stones on the Altar

The verse (Shemot 20:22) prohibits constructing an altar from hewn stones (gazit), as using a metal tool (cherev) on the stones would defile them. Rashi explains that the altar's purpose is to lengthen human life, while metal tools (used in weapons) shorten life. Therefore, it is inappropriate to use an instrument of destruction on an object meant for peace and atonement.

Symbolism of Unhewn Stones

Rambam (Hilchot Beit HaBechirah 1:14) elaborates that the stones must remain in their natural state to reflect humility before Hashem. The altar represents service to G-d, which should be unadulterated by human arrogance. The Midrash Tanchuma (Terumah 11) adds that just as the stones are whole, so too should one's devotion be complete and unblemished.

The Defilement of Metal Tools

The Talmud (Middot 3:4) states that even if metal touches the stones without cutting them, it disqualifies them. The Kli Yakar emphasizes that metal, associated with war (as in cherev, sword), introduces a spirit of violence contrary to the altar's sanctity. This aligns with Yeshayahu 2:4, which envisions a future where weapons are repurposed for peace.

Practical Halachic Implications

  • The stones must be quarried without metal tools (Rambam, Hilchot Beit HaBechirah 1:13).
  • If a stone is accidentally cut with metal, it cannot be used (Shulchan Aruch, Orach Chaim 152).
  • The prohibition applies only to the outer altar (mizbach ha'olah), not the inner incense altar (Talmud Yerushalmi, Shekalim 4:4).

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Middot 3:4
The verse is referenced in the discussion about the construction of the altar in the Temple, emphasizing the prohibition against using hewn stones.
📖 Yoma 54a
The verse is cited in the context of discussing the sanctity of the altar and the materials used in its construction.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why does the Torah forbid using hewn stones for the altar?
A: The Torah prohibits using hewn stones for the altar because metal tools, which are used for cutting and shaping stone, are associated with war and destruction (as swords and weapons are made from metal). Since the altar is meant to bring peace and atonement, using a metal tool on it would be inappropriate and 'defile' its sacred purpose (Rashi on Exodus 20:22, based on Mechilta).
Q: What is the deeper meaning behind not using tools on the altar stones?
A: The prohibition teaches that holiness comes from simplicity and natural integrity. Just as the stones must remain untouched by human tools, our service to Hashem should be pure and unaltered by arrogance or artificiality. The Rambam (Hilchot Beit HaBechirah 1:13) explains that this law emphasizes humility before G-d.
Q: How does this verse apply to us today without the Temple?
A: While we no longer build physical altars, the principle applies to our prayers and mitzvot. Just as the altar required unhewn stones, our service to Hashem should be sincere and unpretentious. The Talmud (Berachot 32b) teaches that prayer is the 'service of the heart,' and this verse reminds us to approach G-d with simplicity and truth.
Q: Why is iron specifically mentioned as defiling the altar?
A: Iron symbolizes violence and the shortening of life (as it is used for weapons), while the altar represents mercy and the prolonging of life (through atonement). The Mishnah (Middot 3:4) states that iron was not used in the Temple's construction for this reason, highlighting the incompatibility of destruction and holiness.
Q: What kind of stones were used for the altar if they couldn't be cut?
A: The stones were gathered naturally—either whole stones found in their complete state or stones shaped by breaking them with other stones (not metal tools). The Mechilta explains that even if a stone was accidentally nicked by metal, it could not be used on the altar, showing the strictness of maintaining purity in holy matters.

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