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Exodus 27:8 - Divine blueprint for Mishkan's altar

Exodus 27:8 - שמות 27:8

Hebrew Text

נְבוּב לֻחֹת תַּעֲשֶׂה אֹתוֹ כַּאֲשֶׁר הֶרְאָה אֹתְךָ בָּהָר כֵּן יַעֲשׂוּ׃

English Translation

Hollow with boards shalt thou make it: as it was shown thee in the mountain, so shall they make it.

Transliteration

Nevuv luchot ta'aseh oto ka'asher her'ah otcha bahar ken ya'asu.

Hebrew Leining Text

נְב֥וּב לֻחֹ֖ת תַּעֲשֶׂ֣ה אֹת֑וֹ כַּאֲשֶׁ֨ר הֶרְאָ֥ה אֹתְךָ֛ בָּהָ֖ר כֵּ֥ן יַעֲשֽׂוּ׃ <span class="mam-spi-samekh">{ס}</span>        
נְב֥וּב לֻחֹ֖ת תַּעֲשֶׂ֣ה אֹת֑וֹ כַּאֲשֶׁ֨ר הֶרְאָ֥ה אֹתְךָ֛ בָּהָ֖ר כֵּ֥ן יַעֲשֽׂוּ׃ {ס}        

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Context of the Verse

The verse (Exodus 25:9) is part of Hashem's instructions to Moshe regarding the construction of the Mishkan (Tabernacle). The phrase "נְבוּב לֻחֹת תַּעֲשֶׂה אֹתוֹ" refers to the Aron HaKodesh (Holy Ark), which was to be made with hollow boards, lined inside and outside with gold.

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi explains that "נְבוּב לֻחֹת" means the Ark was constructed from three boxes—an inner gold box, a middle wooden box, and an outer gold box—fitting one inside the other. This ensured the Ark was hollow, as the verse specifies. Rashi cites the Talmud (Yoma 72b), which describes this layered construction.

Rambam's Perspective

In Hilchot Beit HaBechirah (3:2), the Rambam emphasizes that the Ark's dimensions and structure had to precisely follow the divine blueprint shown to Moshe on Har Sinai ("כַּאֲשֶׁר הֶרְאָה אֹתְךָ בָּהָר"). This underscores the principle that every detail of the Mishkan's construction was divinely ordained and not subject to human deviation.

Midrashic Insights

  • The Midrash Tanchuma (Terumah 10) connects the Ark's hollow structure to Torah scholarship: just as the Ark was empty inside to hold the Luchot, a Torah scholar must be free of arrogance to properly contain wisdom.
  • The Sifrei notes that the phrase "כֵּן יַעֲשׂוּ" implies this design was binding for future generations, not just for Moshe's time.

Symbolism of the Construction

The Or HaChaim highlights that the wooden core sandwiched between gold layers symbolizes how Torah must permeate all aspects of life—material (wood) and spiritual (gold). The hollow interior represents humility, a prerequisite for receiving Torah.

Halachic Implications

The Mishnah in Menachot (98a) derives from this verse that sacred vessels must be made exactly as prescribed, establishing a principle for all future Temple implements. The Ramban adds that this precision reflects the cosmic significance of the Mishkan's structure.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Shabbat 28b
The verse is referenced in a discussion about the construction of the Tabernacle and the materials used, emphasizing the divine instruction for its creation.
📖 Menachot 98b
The verse is cited in a discussion about the dimensions and structure of the Tabernacle, highlighting the importance of following the exact specifications as shown on the mountain.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Exodus 27:8 mean when it says 'Hollow with boards shalt thou make it'?
A: This verse refers to the construction of the Mizbeach (altar) in the Mishkan (Tabernacle). Rashi explains that it was to be made hollow with wooden boards covered in copper, not solid, to allow for proper ventilation when sacrifices were burned. This design was shown to Moshe on Har Sinai as the ideal way to build it.
Q: Why was it important that the altar be made exactly 'as shown on the mountain'?
A: The Rambam teaches that every detail of the Mishkan's construction had divine significance. By making it exactly as shown on Har Sinai, we learn the importance of following divine instructions precisely in avodas Hashem (service of G-d), without adding or subtracting from what was commanded.
Q: What practical lesson can we learn from Exodus 27:8 today?
A: The Talmud (Eruvin 13b) derives from this verse that we must be careful to follow Torah instructions exactly as taught by our sages. Just as the Mishkan's construction required precise adherence to divine commands, our mitzvah observance today must follow halachic details transmitted through authentic Torah tradition.
Q: Why does the verse say 'so shall they make it' instead of 'you shall make it'?
A: The Midrash (Tanchuma Teruma 11) explains this teaches that not only Moshe, but all future generations must uphold Torah's commandments. The plural language includes all of Israel in the responsibility to properly construct and maintain the Mishkan's sanctity according to Torah's specifications.