share torah logo

Exodus 27:21 - Eternal light before the Testimony?

Exodus 27:21 - שמות 27:21

Hebrew Text

בְּאֹהֶל מוֹעֵד מִחוּץ לַפָּרֹכֶת אֲשֶׁר עַל־הָעֵדֻת יַעֲרֹךְ אֹתוֹ אַהֲרֹן וּבָנָיו מֵעֶרֶב עַד־בֹּקֶר לִפְנֵי יְהוָה חֻקַּת עוֹלָם לְדֹרֹתָם מֵאֵת בְּנֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל׃

English Translation

In the Tent of Meeting outside the veil, which is before the Testimony, Aharon and his sons shall order it from evening to morning before the Lord: it shall be a statute for ever to their generations on behalf of the children of Yisra᾽el.

Transliteration

Be'ohel mo'ed michutz laparochet asher al-ha'edut ya'aroch oto Aharon uvanav me'erev ad-boker lifnei Adonai chukat olam ledorotam me'et bnei Yisrael.

Hebrew Leining Text

בְּאֹ֣הֶל מוֹעֵד֩ מִח֨וּץ לַפָּרֹ֜כֶת אֲשֶׁ֣ר עַל־הָעֵדֻ֗ת יַעֲרֹךְ֩ אֹת֨וֹ אַהֲרֹ֧ן וּבָנָ֛יו מֵעֶ֥רֶב עַד־בֹּ֖קֶר לִפְנֵ֣י יְהֹוָ֑ה חֻקַּ֤ת עוֹלָם֙ לְדֹ֣רֹתָ֔ם מֵאֵ֖ת בְּנֵ֥י יִשְׂרָאֵֽל׃ <span class="mam-spi-samekh">{ס}</span>        
בְּאֹ֣הֶל מוֹעֵד֩ מִח֨וּץ לַפָּרֹ֜כֶת אֲשֶׁ֣ר עַל־הָעֵדֻ֗ת יַעֲרֹךְ֩ אֹת֨וֹ אַהֲרֹ֧ן וּבָנָ֛יו מֵעֶ֥רֶב עַד־בֹּ֖קֶר לִפְנֵ֣י יְהֹוָ֑ה חֻקַּ֤ת עוֹלָם֙ לְדֹ֣רֹתָ֔ם מֵאֵ֖ת בְּנֵ֥י יִשְׂרָאֵֽל׃ {ס}        

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Context in the Torah

This verse (Shemot 27:21) describes the mitzvah of the Ner Tamid (the continual lamp) in the Mishkan (Tabernacle). It instructs Aharon and his sons, the Kohanim, to arrange the menorah's lighting from evening until morning before Hashem, outside the Parochet (veil) that conceals the Aron HaEdut (Ark of the Testimony).

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi clarifies that the phrase "יערוך אותו" ("shall order it") refers to arranging the wicks and oil of the menorah so that it burns continuously. He notes that this mitzvah applies specifically "מערב עד בוקר" ("from evening to morning")—meaning the menorah must be lit at dusk and remain burning until dawn.

Rambam's Perspective

In Hilchot Temidin uMusafin (3:10-12), the Rambam elaborates that this mitzvah is a chukat olam (eternal statute) binding for all generations. Even after the destruction of the Beit HaMikdash, the Ner Tamid is symbolically maintained in synagogues, reflecting the original commandment.

Midrashic Insights

  • The Midrash Tanchuma (Beha'alotcha 5) teaches that the Ner Tamid symbolizes the eternal light of Torah and the Divine Presence among Bnei Yisrael.
  • The Sforno adds that the placement "מחוץ לפרוכת" ("outside the veil") signifies that while the Aron represents hidden wisdom (Torah sheba'al peh), the menorah represents revealed wisdom (Torah shebichtav), accessible to all.

Halachic Implications

The Shulchan Aruch (Orach Chaim 154) rules that synagogues should have a Ner Tamid lit at all times, emulating the menorah in the Mishkan. This practice reinforces the idea that the sanctity of the Beit HaMikdash extends to batei knesset (synagogues) as "mikdash me'at" (miniature sanctuaries).

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Yoma 33a
The verse is referenced in the discussion about the arrangement of the menorah and the duties of the priests in the Temple.
📖 Menachot 89b
The verse is cited in the context of discussing the perpetual nature of the commandment regarding the menorah and its lighting.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Exodus 27:21 mean?
A: Exodus 27:21 describes the commandment for Aharon (Aaron) and his sons, the Kohanim (priests), to tend to the Menorah (lamp) in the Mishkan (Tabernacle) from evening until morning. This was a perpetual obligation, ensuring that the light would always burn before Hashem as a symbol of divine presence and service.
Q: Why is the Menorah in the Mishkan important?
A: The Menorah represents wisdom, divine light, and the continuous service of the Jewish people to Hashem. The Rambam (Maimonides) explains that its light symbolizes the illumination of Torah and mitzvot in the world. Keeping it lit was a sign of devotion and a reminder of Hashem's presence among Bnei Yisrael (the Children of Israel).
Q: What can we learn from the commandment to keep the Menorah lit?
A: We learn the importance of consistency in serving Hashem—just as the Kohanim tended to the Menorah every night without fail, we too must commit to our spiritual obligations with dedication. The Midrash teaches that the light also represents the Jewish people’s role in bringing moral and spiritual enlightenment to the world.
Q: How does this verse apply today without the Mishkan?
A: Although we no longer have the Mishkan or Temple, the lesson of the Menorah continues through the mitzvah of Nerot Shabbat (Sabbath candles) and the Chanukah lights. Rashi explains that these practices help us remember the original Menorah’s light and our ongoing connection to Hashem’s commandments.
Q: Why was the Menorah placed outside the Parochet (veil)?
A: The Menorah was positioned outside the Parochet (which separated the Holy of Holies) to symbolize that its light was meant to illuminate not just the sacred inner space but also guide the Kohanim and the people in their service. The Talmud (Menachot 86b) discusses its placement as a reminder that holiness must radiate outward into daily life.