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Exodus 31:8 - Tabernacle's sacred vessels detailed

Exodus 31:8 - שמות 31:8

Hebrew Text

וְאֶת־הַשֻּׁלְחָן וְאֶת־כֵּלָיו וְאֶת־הַמְּנֹרָה הַטְּהֹרָה וְאֶת־כָּל־כֵּלֶיהָ וְאֵת מִזְבַּח הַקְּטֹרֶת׃

English Translation

and the table and its furniture, and the pure candlestick with all its furniture, and the altar of incense,

Transliteration

Ve'et-hashulchan ve'et-kelav ve'et-hamenorah hatehora ve'et-kol-kelehah ve'et mizbe'ah haketoret.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְאֶת־הַשֻּׁלְחָן֙ וְאֶת־כֵּלָ֔יו וְאֶת־הַמְּנֹרָ֥ה הַטְּהֹרָ֖ה וְאֶת־כׇּל־כֵּלֶ֑יהָ וְאֵ֖ת מִזְבַּ֥ח הַקְּטֹֽרֶת׃
וְאֶת־הַשֻּׁלְחָן֙ וְאֶת־כֵּלָ֔יו וְאֶת־הַמְּנֹרָ֥ה הַטְּהֹרָ֖ה וְאֶת־כׇּל־כֵּלֶ֑יהָ וְאֵ֖ת מִזְבַּ֥ח הַקְּטֹֽרֶת׃

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Parasha Commentary

The Table (Shulchan) and Its Vessels

The verse mentions "the table and its furniture" (וְאֶת־הַשֻּׁלְחָן וְאֶת־כֵּלָיו), referring to the Shulchan in the Mishkan (Tabernacle). According to Rashi (Shemot 25:23), the table was made of acacia wood overlaid with pure gold and held the Lechem HaPanim (Showbread), which was arranged in two stacks of six loaves each. The Rambam (Hilchot Beit HaBechirah 3:13) explains that the table symbolized material sustenance, reminding us that all blessings come from Hashem.

The Pure Menorah and Its Vessels

The "pure candlestick" (הַמְּנֹרָה הַטְּהֹרָה) refers to the golden Menorah, which was made from a single block of gold (Shemot 25:31). Rashi notes that the term "pure" (טְהֹרָה) emphasizes that it was made of pure gold without any alloy. The Menorah represents wisdom and the light of Torah (Talmud, Bava Batra 25b), and its seven branches allude to the seven wisdoms of the world (Midrash Bamidbar Rabbah 15:7). The Rambam (Hilchot Beit HaBechirah 3:10) details its intricate design, highlighting its role in illuminating the Mishkan.

The Altar of Incense (Mizbach HaKetoret)

The "altar of incense" (מִזְבַּח הַקְּטֹרֶת) was used for burning the sacred Ketoret (incense) twice daily. Rashi (Shemot 30:1) explains that this altar was smaller than the outer altar and was placed before the Parochet (veil). The Ketoret symbolizes prayer, as the verse states, "Let my prayer be set forth as incense before You" (Tehillim 141:2). The Talmud (Keritot 6b) teaches that the incense atoned for Lashon Hara (evil speech), demonstrating the power of refined speech in divine service.

Spiritual Significance

  • Shulchan: Represents physical sustenance and gratitude to Hashem for our material needs.
  • Menorah: Symbolizes the light of Torah and wisdom, guiding us in spiritual growth.
  • Mizbach HaKetoret: Reflects the sanctity of prayer and the importance of proper speech in serving Hashem.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Menachot 98b
The verse is referenced in a discussion about the furnishings of the Tabernacle, particularly focusing on the purity and arrangement of the menorah and other sacred items.
📖 Yoma 33b
The verse is cited in the context of discussing the order of services in the Temple, emphasizing the importance of the table, menorah, and altar of incense in the daily rituals.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the 'pure candlestick' mentioned in Exodus 31:8?
A: The 'pure candlestick' (מְנֹרָה הַטְּהֹרָה) refers to the golden Menorah that stood in the Tabernacle. According to Rashi, it was called 'pure' because it was made of pure gold (Exodus 25:31). The Menorah had seven branches and was lit daily by the Kohanim (priests) as part of the Temple service.
Q: Why does the verse list specific items like the table, Menorah, and altar of incense?
A: These items were essential vessels of the Tabernacle (Mishkan) used in Divine service. The table held the 'showbread,' the Menorah provided light, and the altar of incense was used for daily offerings. Rambam explains (Hilchot Beit HaBechirah 3:1-3) that each item had a sacred purpose in connecting the Jewish people to Hashem through the Temple service.
Q: What is the significance of the 'altar of incense' in this verse?
A: The altar of incense (מִזְבַּח הַקְּטֹרֶת) was used to burn the Ketoret (incense) twice daily in the Tabernacle. The Talmud (Keritot 6b) teaches that the incense brought atonement and symbolized the prayers of Israel rising to Heaven. Its precise ingredients and preparation were considered extremely sacred.
Q: How does this verse apply to Jews today without the Temple?
A: While we no longer have the physical Temple, the Talmud (Berachot 26b) teaches that prayer replaces the Temple service. Additionally, the Menorah is symbolically represented by the Chanukah menorah, and the showbread is commemorated in the Shabbat challah covers. Rambam (Hilchot Melachim 11:1) also emphasizes that these vessels will be restored in the future Third Temple.