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Exodus 30:6 - Divine meeting at ark's veil

Exodus 30:6 - שמות 30:6

Hebrew Text

וְנָתַתָּה אֹתוֹ לִפְנֵי הַפָּרֹכֶת אֲשֶׁר עַל־אֲרֹן הָעֵדֻת לִפְנֵי הַכַּפֹּרֶת אֲשֶׁר עַל־הָעֵדֻת אֲשֶׁר אִוָּעֵד לְךָ שָׁמָּה׃

English Translation

And thou shalt put it before the veil that is by the ark of the Testimony, before the covering that is over the Testimony, where I will meet with thee.

Transliteration

Venatata oto lifnei haparochet asher al-aron ha'edut lifnei hakaporet asher al-ha'edut asher iva'ed lecha shamah.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְנָתַתָּ֤ה אֹתוֹ֙ לִפְנֵ֣י הַפָּרֹ֔כֶת אֲשֶׁ֖ר עַל־אֲרֹ֣ן הָעֵדֻ֑ת לִפְנֵ֣י הַכַּפֹּ֗רֶת אֲשֶׁר֙ עַל־הָ֣עֵדֻ֔ת אֲשֶׁ֛ר אִוָּעֵ֥ד לְךָ֖ שָֽׁמָּה׃
וְנָתַתָּ֤ה אֹתוֹ֙ לִפְנֵ֣י הַפָּרֹ֔כֶת אֲשֶׁ֖ר עַל־אֲרֹ֣ן הָעֵדֻ֑ת לִפְנֵ֣י הַכַּפֹּ֗רֶת אֲשֶׁר֙ עַל־הָ֣עֵדֻ֔ת אֲשֶׁ֛ר אִוָּעֵ֥ד לְךָ֖ שָֽׁמָּה׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Location of the Ark and Divine Communication

The verse (Shemot 30:6) describes the placement of the incense altar in relation to the Ark of the Testimony and the Parochet (veil). Rashi explains that this positioning signifies the importance of the Ketoret (incense) in facilitating divine communication. The phrase "אֲשֶׁר אִוָּעֵד לְךָ שָׁמָּה" ("where I will meet with thee") emphasizes that this is the designated place for Hashem's revelation to Moshe, as further elaborated in Shemot 25:22.

The Significance of the Parochet and Kaporet

Rambam (Hilchot Beit HaBechirah 4:1) discusses the Parochet as a separation between the Kodesh (Holy) and Kodesh HaKodashim (Holy of Holies). The incense altar's placement "before the veil" but outside the Holy of Holies indicates its role in preparing the Kohen Gadol for entry on Yom Kippur. The Midrash Tanchuma (Tetzaveh 15) adds that the Kaporet (covering of the Ark) symbolizes atonement, as the Ketoret atones for lashon hara (evil speech).

The Ark of the Testimony as the Focus

The Talmud (Yoma 52b) teaches that the Ark represents the Torah, and its placement in the Holy of Holies signifies that Torah is the foundation of the relationship between Hashem and Israel. The phrase "עֵדֻת" (Testimony) refers to the Luchot HaBrit (Tablets of the Covenant), as noted by Ibn Ezra, underscoring the eternal covenant between Hashem and His people.

  • Rashi: The incense altar's placement facilitates divine communication, as this is where Hashem speaks to Moshe.
  • Rambam: The Parochet serves as a boundary, with the incense altar positioned strategically for atonement.
  • Talmud Yoma: The Ark's presence signifies Torah as the core of the Mishkan's sanctity.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Yoma 44a
The verse is referenced in the discussion about the placement of the incense altar in relation to the Ark of the Testimony and the veil in the Tabernacle.
📖 Menachot 98a
The verse is cited in the context of discussing the arrangement of the Tabernacle's furnishings and the significance of their placement.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Exodus 30:6 mean?
A: Exodus 30:6 describes where the golden altar for incense was to be placed in the Mishkan (Tabernacle). According to Rashi, it was positioned in front of the Parochet (veil) that separated the Holy Place from the Holy of Holies, near the Ark of the Testimony. This placement symbolizes the importance of prayer (represented by incense) as a means of connecting with Hashem.
Q: Why is the location of the golden altar important?
A: The location is significant because, as the Rambam explains, the golden altar's proximity to the Holy of Holies shows that our prayers (symbolized by the incense) should be directed toward the Divine Presence. The Talmud (Yoma 44a) also teaches that this placement reminds us that proper prayer requires proper intention and focus on holiness.
Q: What can we learn from Exodus 30:6 today?
A: Today, though we no longer have the Mishkan or Temple, the verse teaches us about the sanctity of prayer. The Midrash (Tanchuma, Tetzaveh 14) explains that just as the incense was offered daily before Hashem, we should also approach prayer with consistency and reverence, directing our hearts toward the Divine Presence.
Q: What is the 'Testimony' mentioned in Exodus 30:6?
A: The 'Testimony' refers to the Luchot HaBrit (Tablets of the Covenant) inside the Ark, as Rashi explains. These tablets, inscribed with the Ten Commandments, symbolize the eternal covenant between Hashem and the Jewish people. The golden altar's placement near the Ark emphasizes that prayer is a key part of maintaining that relationship.
Q: How does this verse connect to the Kohen Gadol (High Priest)?
A: The verse states, 'where I will meet with you,' referring to the Divine Presence communicating with Moshe (and later the Kohen Gadol) near the Ark. The Talmud (Zevachim 59a) teaches that this meeting place was especially significant on Yom Kippur, when the Kohen Gadol would enter the Holy of Holies to seek atonement for the nation.