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Exodus 35:16 - Tabernacle's sacred altar details

Exodus 35:16 - שמות 35:16

Hebrew Text

אֵת מִזְבַּח הָעֹלָה וְאֶת־מִכְבַּר הַנְּחֹשֶׁת אֲשֶׁר־לוֹ אֶת־בַּדָּיו וְאֶת־כָּל־כֵּלָיו אֶת־הַכִּיֹּר וְאֶת־כַּנּוֹ׃

English Translation

the altar of burnt offering, with its brazen grate, its poles, and all its vessels, the laver and its pedestal,

Transliteration

Et mizbach ha'olah ve'et-michbar hanechoshet asher-lo et-badav ve'et-kol-kelav et-hakiyor ve'et-kano.

Hebrew Leining Text

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Parasha Commentary

Overview of the Verse

The verse describes key components of the Mishkan (Tabernacle), specifically the altar of burnt offering (מִזְבַּח הָעֹלָה) and the laver (הַכִּיֹּר). These items were essential for the avodah (service) performed by the Kohanim (priests). The detailed enumeration underscores the importance of each vessel in facilitating divine service.

The Altar of Burnt Offering

Rashi (Exodus 38:30) explains that the altar of burnt offering was made of acacia wood overlaid with copper, symbolizing durability and purity. The brazen grate (מִכְבַּר הַנְּחֹשֶׁת) was a copper mesh placed within the altar to hold the sacrificial offerings, as noted by the Rambam in Hilchot Beit HaBechirah (2:5). The poles (בַּדָּיו) were used for transporting the altar, emphasizing the portability of the Mishkan.

The Laver and Its Pedestal

The laver (הַכִּיֹּר) was a copper basin used by the Kohanim for ritual washing before service, as derived from Exodus 30:18-21. The Midrash Tanchuma (Pekudei 11) teaches that the laver was made from the mirrors of the righteous women of Israel, symbolizing purity and devotion. Its pedestal (כַּנּוֹ) provided stability, representing the foundation of proper avodah.

Symbolic Significance

  • Copper Materials: The use of copper (נְחֹשֶׁת) for the altar and laver signifies strength and atonement, as copper is associated with the concept of kaparah (atonement) in Jewish thought (Zohar, Terumah 2:152a).
  • Ritual Purity: The juxtaposition of the altar and laver highlights the necessity of purity before engaging in divine service, as taught in Yoma 30a.
  • Divine Order: The precise listing of vessels reflects the Torah’s emphasis on structured worship, as Ramban (Exodus 38:30) notes that every detail of the Mishkan mirrors heavenly wisdom.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the 'altar of burnt offering' mentioned in Exodus 35:16?
A: The 'altar of burnt offering' (מִזְבַּח הָעֹלָה) was the large copper altar in the Tabernacle courtyard where animal sacrifices were offered. According to Rashi, it was called the 'burnt offering altar' because it was primarily used for the korban olah (burnt offering), which was completely consumed by fire in service to Hashem.
Q: Why does the verse mention the 'brazen grate' of the altar?
A: The brazen grate (מִכְבַּר הַנְּחֹשֶׁת) was a copper mesh network inside the altar where the sacrifices were placed to burn. The Talmud (Zevachim 59b) explains this allowed ashes to fall through while keeping the sacrifice in place, showing how every detail of the Mishkan's construction had a practical spiritual purpose.
Q: What was the purpose of the laver (כִּיּוֹר) mentioned in this verse?
A: The laver was a copper washbasin where the Kohanim (priests) would wash their hands and feet before performing service in the Mishkan. Rambam (Hilchot Beit HaBechirah 5:7) explains this teaches us the importance of approaching holy service with purity and proper preparation.
Q: Why does the Torah list all these vessels in such detail?
A: The Midrash (Tanchuma Terumah 11) teaches that each vessel in the Mishkan corresponds to different aspects of serving Hashem. The detailed listing shows that every element of Divine service - from the large altar to the smallest vessel - is significant and requires our full attention and intention.
Q: How do these Temple vessels relate to us today?
A: While we don't have the physical Temple today, the Sages teach that our homes can become 'mini-sanctuaries' (mikdash me'at). Just as the vessels were dedicated to holy purposes, we can dedicate our possessions and actions to serving Hashem (based on Rambam, Mishneh Torah, Hilchot Beit HaBechirah 1:1).