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Exodus 37:16 - Golden vessels for sacred service

Exodus 37:16 - שמות 37:16

Hebrew Text

וַיַּעַשׂ אֶת־הַכֵּלִים אֲשֶׁר עַל־הַשֻּׁלְחָן אֶת־קְעָרֹתָיו וְאֶת־כַּפֹּתָיו וְאֵת מְנַקִּיֹּתָיו וְאֶת־הַקְּשָׂוֺת אֲשֶׁר יֻסַּךְ בָּהֵן זָהָב טָהוֹר׃

English Translation

And he made the vessels which were upon the table, its dishes, and its spoons, and its bowls, and its jars for pouring out, of pure gold.

Transliteration

Va'yaas et-hakelim asher al-hashulchan et-ke'arotav ve'et-kapotav ve'et-menakiyotav ve'et-haksavot asher yusach bahen zahav tahor.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיַּ֜עַשׂ אֶֽת־הַכֵּלִ֣ים <b>׀</b> אֲשֶׁ֣ר עַל־הַשֻּׁלְחָ֗ן אֶת־קְעָרֹתָ֤יו וְאֶת־כַּפֹּתָיו֙ וְאֵת֙ מְנַקִּיֹּתָ֔יו וְאֶ֨ת־הַקְּשָׂוֺ֔ת אֲשֶׁ֥ר יֻסַּ֖ךְ בָּהֵ֑ן זָהָ֖ב טָהֽוֹר׃ <span class="mam-spi-pe">{פ}</span><br>
וַיַּ֜עַשׂ אֶֽת־הַכֵּלִ֣ים ׀ אֲשֶׁ֣ר עַל־הַשֻּׁלְחָ֗ן אֶת־קְעָרֹתָ֤יו וְאֶת־כַּפֹּתָיו֙ וְאֵת֙ מְנַקִּיֹּתָ֔יו וְאֶ֨ת־הַקְּשָׂוֺ֔ת אֲשֶׁ֥ר יֻסַּ֖ךְ בָּהֵ֑ן זָהָ֖ב טָהֽוֹר׃ {פ}

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Parasha Commentary

Explanation of the Vessels on the Shulchan (Table)

The verse describes the crafting of the vessels for the Shulchan (the Table of Showbread) in the Mishkan (Tabernacle). According to Rashi (Exodus 25:29), these vessels served specific functions related to the Lechem HaPanim (Showbread), which was arranged on the Table every Shabbat. The vessels mentioned are:

  • קְעָרֹתָיו (Ke'arotav) – Dishes: Used to hold the bread when it was placed on the Table.
  • כַּפֹּתָיו (Kapotav) – Spoons: Likely referring to the frankincense spoons (Ketoret) placed alongside the bread, as explained in Menachot 97a.
  • מְנַקִּיֹּתָיו (Menakiyotav) – Bowls: Possibly used for collecting crumbs or as libation vessels, as discussed in Rambam, Hilchot Klei HaMikdash 2:8.
  • הַקְּשָׂוֺת (Kesavot) – Jars for Pouring: These were likely used for wine libations (Nesachim), as the Table also had a connection to the wine offerings, per Shekalim 6:4.

Significance of Pure Gold

The verse emphasizes that these vessels were made of זָהָב טָהוֹר (pure gold). The Kli Yakar (Exodus 25:29) explains that gold symbolizes purity and permanence, reflecting the sanctity of the vessels used in divine service. The Midrash Tanchuma (Terumah 11) further notes that gold represents the highest level of dedication to Hashem, as it does not tarnish, paralleling the eternal nature of the Temple service.

Spiritual Lessons from the Shulchan’s Vessels

The Or HaChaim (Exodus 25:29) teaches that the vessels of the Shulchan symbolize the material blessings that sustain the Jewish people, provided they are used in holiness. Just as the bread was arranged before Hashem, so too must our physical sustenance be directed toward divine service. The Malbim adds that the gold vessels remind us that even mundane acts—like eating—can be elevated when performed with spiritual intent.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What vessels were made for the Shulchan (Table) in the Mishkan?
A: The verse lists four vessels made for the Shulchan (Table) in the Mishkan: the dishes (קְעָרֹתָיו), spoons (כַּפֹּתָיו), bowls (מְנַקִּיֹּתָיו), and jars for pouring (הַקְּשָׂוֺת). These were all made from pure gold, as described in Exodus 37:16.
Q: Why were the vessels on the Shulchan made of pure gold?
A: The vessels on the Shulchan were made of pure gold because gold symbolizes purity and holiness. The Mishkan and its vessels were meant to reflect the sanctity of Hashem's presence. Rashi explains that the use of gold emphasizes the importance of these vessels in the divine service.
Q: What was the purpose of the vessels on the Shulchan?
A: The vessels on the Shulchan were used for the Lechem HaPanim (Showbread), which was placed on the table every Shabbat. The dishes held the bread, the spoons were likely for the frankincense, the bowls may have been for wine libations, and the jars were for pouring. The Rambam (Hilchos Beis HaBechirah 3:13) discusses their functions in the Temple service.
Q: What lesson can we learn from the detailed description of the Shulchan's vessels?
A: The detailed description teaches us the importance of hiddur mitzvah (beautifying commandments). Just as the vessels were made with care and the finest materials, we should perform mitzvos with beauty and attention to detail. The Midrash (Shemos Rabbah 34:2) highlights that every aspect of the Mishkan's construction reflects devotion to Hashem.
Q: Do the vessels of the Shulchan have any significance today?
A: While the Temple is not standing today, the vessels remind us of the importance of kevod Shamayim (honoring Heaven) in our daily lives. Just as the Shulchan and its vessels were treated with reverence, we should approach mitzvos—such as setting a beautiful Shabbat table—with similar respect. The Talmud (Menachos 29a) discusses how the vessels symbolize spiritual ideals that remain relevant.