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Exodus 25:10 - Divine dwelling's sacred dimensions

Exodus 25:10 - שמות 25:10

Hebrew Text

וְעָשׂוּ אֲרוֹן עֲצֵי שִׁטִּים אַמָּתַיִם וָחֵצִי אָרְכּוֹ וְאַמָּה וָחֵצִי רָחְבּוֹ וְאַמָּה וָחֵצִי קֹמָתוֹ׃

English Translation

And they shall make an ark of shittim wood: two cubits and a half shall be its length, and a cubit and a half its breadth, and a cubit and a half its height.

Transliteration

Ve'asu aron atzei shitim amatayim va'chetzi arkho, ve'ama va'chetzi rokhbo, ve'ama va'chetzi komato.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְעָשׂ֥וּ אֲר֖וֹן עֲצֵ֣י שִׁטִּ֑ים אַמָּתַ֨יִם וָחֵ֜צִי אׇרְכּ֗וֹ וְאַמָּ֤ה וָחֵ֙צִי֙ רׇחְבּ֔וֹ וְאַמָּ֥ה וָחֵ֖צִי קֹמָתֽוֹ׃
וְעָשׂ֥וּ אֲר֖וֹן עֲצֵ֣י שִׁטִּ֑ים אַמָּתַ֨יִם וָחֵ֜צִי אׇרְכּ֗וֹ וְאַמָּ֤ה וָחֵ֙צִי֙ רׇחְבּ֔וֹ וְאַמָּ֥ה וָחֵ֖צִי קֹמָתֽוֹ׃

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Parasha Commentary

The Construction of the Aron (Ark)

The verse (Shemot 25:10) commands the construction of the Aron HaKodesh (Holy Ark) from atzei shittim (shittim wood), specifying its precise dimensions. This Ark would later house the Luchot HaBrit (Tablets of the Covenant) and serve as the focal point of the Mishkan (Tabernacle).

Material: Shittim Wood (עֲצֵי שִׁטִּים)

Rashi (on Shemot 25:5) identifies atzei shittim as acacia wood, a durable and insect-resistant material. The Midrash (Shemot Rabbah 34:2) explains that Yaakov Avinu prophetically planted these trees in Egypt, anticipating their future use in the Mishkan. This teaches the principle of hachnasat orchim (hospitality)—just as Avraham planted trees for future travelers, Yaakov prepared materials for the Divine service.

Dimensions: Symbolism of the Measurements

  • Length (2.5 cubits): The half-cubit increments (as opposed to whole numbers) symbolize humility—the Ark, representing Torah, teaches that one must "break" their pride to truly acquire wisdom (Talmud Bavli, Ta'anit 7a).
  • Uniform Width and Height (1.5 cubits): The Ark's equal height and breadth reflect the balance required in Torah study—between intellectual rigor (pilpul) and ethical living (derech eretz) (Rambam, Hilchot Talmud Torah 3:1).

Spiritual Significance

The Zohar (Terumah 2:125a) notes that the Ark's dimensions correspond to spiritual realms: its height (1.5 cubits) alludes to the Shalosh Regalim (Three Pilgrimage Festivals), its width (1.5 cubits) to the Shalosh Avot (Three Patriarchs), and its length (2.5 cubits) to the Two Tablets plus the Five Books of Torah. This underscores the Ark as a microcosm of Divine revelation.

Practical Halachic Implications

The Rambam (Hilchot Beit HaBechirah 2:5) derives from these measurements that sacred vessels require precise dimensions to maintain their sanctity. The Talmud (Yoma 72b) further states that the Ark's gold overlay—both inside and outside—teaches that a Torah scholar must embody integrity inwardly and outwardly (tocho k'baro).

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Yoma 72a
The dimensions of the Ark are discussed in relation to the construction of the Tabernacle and its sacred objects.
📖 Shabbat 92a
The verse is referenced in a discussion about the size and shape of the Ark and its significance.
📖 Menachot 98a
The dimensions of the Ark are mentioned in the context of the measurements of various Temple vessels.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why was the Ark made of shittim wood?
A: Shittim wood (acacia wood) was chosen for the Ark because it is durable and does not rot easily, symbolizing the eternal nature of the Torah. Rashi explains that this wood was readily available in the desert where the Israelites traveled, making it practical for construction.
Q: What do the specific dimensions of the Ark represent?
A: The dimensions (2.5 cubits long, 1.5 cubits wide, and 1.5 cubits tall) are precise measurements given by Hashem. The Midrash teaches that these numbers may hint at spiritual concepts, such as the unity of the Jewish people and the balance between physical and divine wisdom.
Q: What was the purpose of the Ark in the Mishkan (Tabernacle)?
A: The Ark housed the Luchot HaBrit (Tablets of the Covenant) and later a Torah scroll, representing the covenant between Hashem and the Jewish people. The Rambam explains that it was the holiest object in the Mishkan, symbolizing the presence of divine wisdom.
Q: Why is the Ark described before other Mishkan vessels in the Torah?
A: Rashi explains that the Ark is mentioned first because it is the most sacred vessel, containing the Torah—the foundation of Jewish life. The Talmud (Yoma 72b) teaches that just as the Ark was central to the Mishkan, Torah must be central to our lives.
Q: Can we learn anything practical from the Ark's construction today?
A: Yes! The Ark teaches us to treat Torah with reverence, just as the Israelites carefully constructed a beautiful and durable container for it. The Talmud (Berachot 8a) also derives from the Ark's dimensions that one should allocate space in their home for Torah study.