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Exodus 25:23 - Divine dining table's dimensions revealed?

Exodus 25:23 - שמות 25:23

Hebrew Text

וְעָשִׂיתָ שֻׁלְחָן עֲצֵי שִׁטִּים אַמָּתַיִם אָרְכּוֹ וְאַמָּה רָחְבּוֹ וְאַמָּה וָחֵצִי קֹמָתוֹ׃

English Translation

Thou shalt also make a table of shittim wood: two cubits shall be its length, and a cubit its breadth, and a cubit and a half its height.

Transliteration

Ve'asita shulchan atzei shitim amatayim orko ve'amah rochbo ve'amah va'chetzi komato.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְעָשִׂ֥יתָ שֻׁלְחָ֖ן עֲצֵ֣י שִׁטִּ֑ים אַמָּתַ֤יִם אׇרְכּוֹ֙ וְאַמָּ֣ה רׇחְבּ֔וֹ וְאַמָּ֥ה וָחֵ֖צִי קֹמָתֽוֹ׃
וְעָשִׂ֥יתָ שֻׁלְחָ֖ן עֲצֵ֣י שִׁטִּ֑ים אַמָּתַ֤יִם אׇרְכּוֹ֙ וְאַמָּ֣ה רׇחְבּ֔וֹ וְאַמָּ֥ה וָחֵ֖צִי קֹמָתֽוֹ׃

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Parasha Commentary

The Shulchan (Table) in the Mishkan

The verse (Shemot 25:23) commands the construction of the Shulchan (Table) for the Mishkan, specifying its dimensions and material. The table was made of shittim (acacia) wood, measuring 2 cubits in length, 1 cubit in width, and 1.5 cubits in height.

Material: Shittim Wood

Rashi (ad loc.) explains that shittim wood was chosen because it is a durable and non-fruit-bearing tree, symbolizing the Torah's eternal nature and its distinction from worldly pursuits. The Midrash (Shemot Rabbah 34:2) adds that the wood was from trees planted by Yaakov Avinu in Egypt, hinting at the continuity of Avodat Hashem from the Patriarchs.

Dimensions and Symbolism

  • Length (2 cubits): Represents the two tablets of the covenant (Luchot), as the Shulchan held the Lechem HaPanim (Showbread), symbolizing sustenance from Hashem (Menachot 96b).
  • Width (1 cubit): Signifies the unity of Klal Yisrael in receiving Divine blessing (Rambam, Hilchot Beit HaBechirah 3:14).
  • Height (1.5 cubits): Alludes to the elevation of physical sustenance when used for holiness (Kli Yakar).

Function and Spiritual Meaning

The Shulchan held the 12 loaves of Lechem HaPanim, representing the 12 tribes. The Talmud (Chagigah 26b) teaches that the table was a source of blessing, demonstrating that material sustenance is sanctified when used in service of Hashem. The Ramban (Shemot 25:23) emphasizes that the Shulchan paralleled the Mizbe'ach (Altar), showing that even mundane acts like eating can be elevated to Divine service.

Gold Overlay

Though not mentioned in this verse, Rashi (Shemot 25:24) notes that the Shulchan was overlaid with pure gold, teaching that material wealth must be "covered" with holiness—used for noble purposes rather than indulgence (Sforno).

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Menachot 96b
The verse is discussed in relation to the dimensions and construction of the Table in the Temple, as part of a broader discussion on Temple furnishings.
📖 Yoma 33b
The verse is referenced in the context of the daily arrangement of the showbread on the Table, highlighting its ritual significance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the significance of the Shulchan (Table) in the Mishkan?
A: The Shulchan (Table) in the Mishkan (Tabernacle) held the 12 loaves of showbread (Lechem HaPanim), which were replaced every Shabbat. According to Rashi and the Talmud (Menachot 96b), the table symbolizes material sustenance and G-d’s blessing, showing that physical needs are also sanctified when used in service of Hashem.
Q: Why was the Table made of shittim (acacia) wood?
A: Shittim wood was used because it was durable and readily available in the wilderness. The Midrash (Shemot Rabbah 34:2) teaches that the Jewish people planted acacia trees in Egypt knowing they would need them later for the Mishkan. This shows foresight and trust in Hashem’s plan.
Q: What do the dimensions of the Shulchan (2 cubits long, 1 cubit wide, 1.5 cubits high) represent?
A: The Rambam (Hilchos Beis HaBechirah 3:14) explains that the precise measurements teach us the importance of order and exactness in divine service. The height (1.5 cubits) made it convenient for the Kohanim (priests) to arrange the showbread, showing that mitzvos should be performed practically and thoughtfully.
Q: How does the Shulchan apply to us today?
A: The Shulchan teaches that even mundane acts like eating can be elevated when done with holiness. Just as the table in the Mishkan was sanctified, we sanctify our tables through Birkat Hamazon (grace after meals), Torah discussions, and hospitality (based on Talmud, Berachos 55a).
Q: Why was the Shulchan placed in the Mishkan's northern side?
A: The Talmud (Yoma 33b) states the Shulchan was placed in the north, opposite the Menorah in the south. Rashi explains this symbolizes that material wealth (represented by the table) should be balanced with spiritual light (the Menorah), teaching that prosperity must be used for Torah and mitzvos.