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Exodus 37:10 - Divine Table for Sacred Offerings

Exodus 37:10 - שמות 37:10

Hebrew Text

וַיַּעַשׂ אֶת־הַשֻּׁלְחָן עֲצֵי שִׁטִּים אַמָּתַיִם אָרְכּוֹ וְאַמָּה רָחְבּוֹ וְאַמָּה וָחֵצִי קֹמָתוֹ׃

English Translation

And he made the table of shittim wood: two cubits was its length, and a cubit its breadth, and a cubit and a half its height:

Transliteration

Va'ya'as et-hashulchan atzei shitim amatayim orcho ve'ama rochbo ve'ama va'chetzi komato.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיַּ֥עַשׂ אֶת־הַשֻּׁלְחָ֖ן עֲצֵ֣י שִׁטִּ֑ים אַמָּתַ֤יִם אׇרְכּוֹ֙ וְאַמָּ֣ה רׇחְבּ֔וֹ וְאַמָּ֥ה וָחֵ֖צִי קֹמָתֽוֹ׃
וַיַּ֥עַשׂ אֶת־הַשֻּׁלְחָ֖ן עֲצֵ֣י שִׁטִּ֑ים אַמָּתַ֤יִם אׇרְכּוֹ֙ וְאַמָּ֣ה רׇחְבּ֔וֹ וְאַמָּ֥ה וָחֵ֖צִי קֹמָתֽוֹ׃

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Parasha Commentary

The Construction of the Shulchan (Table)

The verse describes the dimensions and material of the Shulchan (Table) in the Mishkan (Tabernacle), which was made of shittim wood (acacia wood) and measured two cubits in length, one cubit in width, and one and a half cubits in height. This table held the Lechem HaPanim (Showbread), which was arranged weekly as an offering to Hashem.

Symbolism of the Shulchan

According to Rashi (Exodus 25:23), the Shulchan symbolizes material prosperity, as bread represents sustenance. The placement of the Shulchan in the north of the Mishkan (as per Talmud Bava Batra 25b) corresponds to the direction associated with wealth, as the north wind brings rain and fertility to the land.

Dimensions and Their Meaning

  • Length (2 cubits): The Midrash Tanchuma (Terumah 9) explains that the number two alludes to the dual sustenance of man—physical nourishment (bread) and spiritual nourishment (Torah).
  • Width (1 cubit): Represents the unity of Hashem as the sole provider of all sustenance (Rambam, Guide for the Perplexed 3:45).
  • Height (1.5 cubits): The Zohar (Terumah 152a) teaches that this intermediate height signifies that material blessings should elevate, not dominate, a person’s spiritual pursuits.

The Material: Shittim Wood

The use of shittim wood is significant, as it was also used for the Ark and the Altar. Rabbeinu Bachya (Exodus 25:10) explains that this wood, which grows in arid conditions, symbolizes resilience and humility—qualities necessary for those who benefit from material blessings without becoming arrogant.

Halachic Significance

The Talmud (Menachot 96b) discusses the precise measurements of the Shulchan, emphasizing that every detail in the Mishkan’s construction had halachic precision. The table’s dimensions were not arbitrary but reflected divine wisdom in structuring sacred space.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Menachot 97a
The verse is referenced in a discussion about the dimensions and construction of the Table in the Temple, comparing it to other Temple vessels.
📖 Yoma 33b
The verse is cited in a discussion about the arrangement and placement of the Table in the Temple.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the significance of the table (Shulchan) described in Exodus 37:10?
A: The table (Shulchan) was one of the sacred vessels in the Mishkan (Tabernacle), used to hold the 'Lechem HaPanim' (Showbread). According to Rashi and the Talmud (Menachot 96b), it symbolizes material sustenance and G-d's blessings, showing that even physical needs are sanctified when used in service of Hashem.
Q: Why was the table made from shittim (acacia) wood?
A: Shittim wood was chosen because it was durable and readily available in the wilderness. The Midrash (Shemot Rabbah 35:2) teaches that Yaakov Avinu prophetically planted these trees in Egypt so Bnei Yisrael would have materials for the Mishkan. Its use also represents humility, as wood is less 'glamorous' than gold but still essential.
Q: What do the specific measurements of the table teach us?
A: The precise measurements (2 cubits long, 1 cubit wide, 1.5 cubits tall) teach the importance of order and exactness in divine service (Rambam, Hilchot Beit HaBechirah 3:14). The Talmud (Chagigah 26b) also notes that the height (1.5 cubits) matched the Mizbeach HaKetoret (Incense Altar), showing harmony between physical and spiritual aspects of worship.
Q: How does the Shulchan apply to our lives today?
A: The Shulchan reminds us to elevate mundane acts like eating by using them for holiness—such as making blessings, sharing meals with guests (hachnasat orchim), or supporting Torah scholars (Talmud Berachot 55a). Just as the table held sacred bread, our tables can become 'mizbeachot' (altars) when used with proper intentions.