share torah logo

Exodus 25:40 - Divine blueprint for Mishkan?

Exodus 25:40 - שמות 25:40

Hebrew Text

וּרְאֵה וַעֲשֵׂה בְּתַבְנִיתָם אֲשֶׁר־אַתָּה מָרְאֶה בָּהָר׃

English Translation

And look that thou make them after their pattern, which was shown thee in the mountain.

Transliteration

Ure ve'ase betavnitam asher-ata mare ba'har.

Hebrew Leining Text

וּרְאֵ֖ה וַעֲשֵׂ֑ה בְּתַ֨בְנִיתָ֔ם אֲשֶׁר־אַתָּ֥ה מׇרְאֶ֖ה בָּהָֽר׃ <span class="mam-spi-samekh">{ס}</span>        
וּרְאֵ֖ה וַעֲשֵׂ֑ה בְּתַ֨בְנִיתָ֔ם אֲשֶׁר־אַתָּ֥ה מׇרְאֶ֖ה בָּהָֽר׃ {ס}        

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Context of the Verse

The verse (Shemot 25:40) is part of Hashem's instructions to Moshe regarding the construction of the Mishkan (Tabernacle) and its vessels, particularly the Menorah. The phrase "וּרְאֵה וַעֲשֵׂה בְּתַבְנִיתָם" emphasizes the precision required in replicating the divine blueprint shown to Moshe on Har Sinai.

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi explains that Moshe was shown a "vision" (mar'eh) of the Menorah in fire, as he struggled to understand its intricate design. The term תַבְנִיתָם (their pattern) refers to the exact specifications revealed to Moshe, indicating that even the smallest details were divinely ordained and not subject to human interpretation.

Rambam's Perspective

In Moreh Nevuchim (3:45), Rambam teaches that the Mishkan and its vessels were symbolic representations of deeper spiritual truths. The command to build "after their pattern" underscores that every element had a metaphysical purpose, aligning the physical structure with heavenly wisdom.

Talmudic and Midrashic Insights

  • Menachot 29a: The Talmud recounts that Moshe had difficulty grasping the Menorah's design until Hashem instructed him to cast it into fire, from which it emerged fully formed. This highlights the divine assistance required to fulfill mitzvot with precision.
  • Midrash Tanchuma (Terumah 8): The Midrash compares the Mishkan's construction to the creation of the universe, suggesting that just as the world was made according to a divine plan, so too must the Mishkan reflect heavenly order.

Theological Significance

The command to adhere strictly to the divine pattern teaches that mitzvot must be performed exactly as prescribed, without deviation. This principle extends beyond the Mishkan to all halachic observance, emphasizing fidelity to Torah as transmitted at Sinai.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Menachot 29a
The verse is referenced in the discussion about the construction of the Temple and its vessels, emphasizing the importance of following the divine pattern shown to Moses.
📖 Eruvin 4b
The verse is cited in a discussion about the precise measurements and designs required for sacred objects, highlighting the need for exactitude as commanded in the Torah.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Exodus 25:40 mean when it says 'make them after their pattern'?
A: This verse refers to the commandment to build the Mishkan (Tabernacle) and its vessels exactly as shown to Moshe (Moses) on Har Sinai (Mount Sinai). Rashi explains that Moshe was shown a heavenly model to ensure every detail matched Hashem's design. This teaches the importance of precision in fulfilling mitzvot (commandments).
Q: Why was it important for the Mishkan to be made exactly as shown on the mountain?
A: The Rambam teaches that every detail of the Mishkan had deep spiritual significance. Making it precisely according to the divine pattern ensured it would function as a proper dwelling place for the Shechinah (Divine Presence). The Midrash Tanchuma adds that this teaches us that mitzvot must be performed with exactness, not adding or subtracting from Hashem's commandments.
Q: What lesson can we learn today from Exodus 25:40?
A: The Talmud (Menachot 29a) derives from this verse that we must follow Torah traditions exactly as transmitted. Just as Moshe couldn't alter the Mishkan's design, we must preserve Torah observance without innovation. This applies to all mitzvot - we perform them as taught by our sages, maintaining the chain of tradition back to Sinai.
Q: What was Moshe shown on the mountain according to Jewish tradition?
A: The Midrash (Shemot Rabbah 33:4) explains Moshe was shown a fiery model of the Mishkan and its vessels. Rashi notes he was shown this repeatedly to fully grasp every detail. The Ramban adds that this heavenly model represented spiritual concepts that the physical Mishkan would manifest in this world.
Q: How does this verse relate to the concept of 'hiddur mitzvah' (beautifying commandments)?
A: While the verse emphasizes exactness in form, the Talmud (Shabbat 133b) derives from 'see and make' that we should perform mitzvot beautifully within the prescribed forms. For example: making beautiful sukkot or nice tefillin cases - but always within the halachic requirements, just as the Mishkan had to be both exact and magnificent.