share torah logo

Exodus 26:25 - Divine symmetry in Tabernacle construction

Exodus 26:25 - שמות 26:25

Hebrew Text

וְהָיוּ שְׁמֹנָה קְרָשִׁים וְאַדְנֵיהֶם כֶּסֶף שִׁשָּׁה עָשָׂר אֲדָנִים שְׁנֵי אֲדָנִים תַּחַת הַקֶּרֶשׁ הָאֶחָד וּשְׁנֵי אֲדָנִים תַּחַת הַקֶּרֶשׁ הָאֶחָד׃

English Translation

And they shall be eight boards, and their sockets of silver, sixteen sockets; two sockets under one board, and two sockets under another board.

Transliteration

Ve'hayu shmonah krashim ve'adneihem kesef shisha asar adanim shnei adanim tachat hakeresh ha'echad ushnei adanim tachat hakeresh ha'echad.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְהָיוּ֙ שְׁמֹנָ֣ה קְרָשִׁ֔ים וְאַדְנֵיהֶ֣ם כֶּ֔סֶף שִׁשָּׁ֥ה עָשָׂ֖ר אֲדָנִ֑ים שְׁנֵ֣י אֲדָנִ֗ים תַּ֚חַת הַקֶּ֣רֶשׁ הָאֶחָ֔ד וּשְׁנֵ֣י אֲדָנִ֔ים תַּ֖חַת הַקֶּ֥רֶשׁ הָאֶחָֽד׃
וְהָיוּ֙ שְׁמֹנָ֣ה קְרָשִׁ֔ים וְאַדְנֵיהֶ֣ם כֶּ֔סֶף שִׁשָּׁ֥ה עָשָׂ֖ר אֲדָנִ֑ים שְׁנֵ֣י אֲדָנִ֗ים תַּ֚חַת הַקֶּ֣רֶשׁ הָאֶחָ֔ד וּשְׁנֵ֣י אֲדָנִ֔ים תַּ֖חַת הַקֶּ֥רֶשׁ הָאֶחָֽד׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

The Structure of the Mishkan's Walls

The verse describes the construction of the western wall of the Mishkan (Tabernacle), consisting of eight boards (kerashim) with silver sockets (adanim) as their foundation. Rashi (Exodus 26:25) explains that these eight boards completed the western side, which was narrower than the northern and southern sides (each made of 20 boards). The sockets provided stability, with two sockets per board, totaling sixteen sockets for the eight boards.

Symbolism of the Silver Sockets

The adanim (sockets) were made of silver, which the Midrash (Tanchuma, Terumah 10) connects to the atonement for the sin of the Golden Calf. Silver, representing purity and repentance, formed the foundation of the Mishkan, signifying that proper service to Hashem must be built upon sincere teshuvah (repentance). The Vilna Gaon notes that the dual sockets under each board allude to the dual foundations of Torah and mitzvot, which uphold a Jew's spiritual life.

The Number Eight

The use of eight boards carries significance, as the number eight in Jewish thought represents transcendence beyond nature (symbolized by seven, like the days of creation). The Ramban (Exodus 26:25) suggests this hints at the Mishkan’s role as a dwelling place for the Divine Presence (Shechinah), which transcends physical limitations. The Talmud (Menachot 29a) also associates the number eight with the future redemption, implying the Mishkan foreshadowed the eternal Beit HaMikdash.

Structural Precision

  • Two Sockets per Board: The symmetry of two sockets per board, as emphasized in the verse, reflects the balance required in avodat Hashem (divine service)—combining fear and love of G-d (Rambam, Hilchot Yesodei HaTorah 2:2).
  • Total of Sixteen Sockets: The sixteen sockets correspond to the sixteen ma’alot (steps) in the Beit HaMikdash where the Levites sang (Sukkah 51b), linking the Mishkan’s construction to future Temple worship.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What do the eight boards and silver sockets represent in Exodus 26:25?
A: The eight boards and their silver sockets (Exodus 26:25) were part of the construction of the Mishkan (Tabernacle), the portable sanctuary in the wilderness. According to Rashi, these boards formed the walls of the Mishkan, and the silver sockets (adanim) provided a stable foundation. The number eight symbolizes transcendence beyond nature (seven represents the natural order), hinting at the Mishkan's holiness.
Q: Why were there specifically sixteen silver sockets for the eight boards?
A: Each of the eight boards had two silver sockets (totaling sixteen), as stated in Exodus 26:25. The Talmud (Shekalim 6a) explains that the sockets were made from the half-shekel contributions of the Israelites, emphasizing communal participation in building the Mishkan. The doubling (two per board) signifies strength and stability in holiness.
Q: What lesson can we learn from the silver sockets in the Mishkan?
A: The silver sockets (adanim) teach that a strong foundation is essential for holiness. The Midrash (Tanchuma Terumah 9) compares them to the 'feet' of the Mishkan, showing that just as a person stands firmly on their feet, spiritual growth requires a solid base—such as Torah study and mitzvot—to uphold one's connection to Hashem.
Q: How does the design of the Mishkan's boards apply to us today?
A: The boards and sockets remind us that every detail in the Mishkan had spiritual significance. Rambam (Hilchot Beit HaBechirah 1:12) notes that the Mishkan's precision reflects how our actions must be intentional in serving Hashem. Just as the sockets supported the boards, our mitzvot and community support our spiritual lives.