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Exodus 38:30 - Tabernacle's sacred copper foundation

Exodus 38:30 - שמות 38:30

Hebrew Text

וַיַּעַשׂ בָּהּ אֶת־אַדְנֵי פֶּתַח אֹהֶל מוֹעֵד וְאֵת מִזְבַּח הַנְּחֹשֶׁת וְאֶת־מִכְבַּר הַנְּחֹשֶׁת אֲשֶׁר־לוֹ וְאֵת כָּל־כְּלֵי הַמִּזְבֵּחַ׃

English Translation

And with that he made the sockets to the door of the Tent of Meeting, and the brazen altar, and the brazen grate for it, and all the vessels of the altar,

Transliteration

Va'ya'as bah et-adnei petach ohel mo'ed ve'et mizbach ha'nechoshet ve'et michbar ha'nechoshet asher-lo ve'et kol-klei hamizbe'ach.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיַּ֣עַשׂ בָּ֗הּ אֶת־אַדְנֵי֙ פֶּ֚תַח אֹ֣הֶל מוֹעֵ֔ד וְאֵת֙ מִזְבַּ֣ח הַנְּחֹ֔שֶׁת וְאֶת־מִכְבַּ֥ר הַנְּחֹ֖שֶׁת אֲשֶׁר־ל֑וֹ וְאֵ֖ת כׇּל־כְּלֵ֥י הַמִּזְבֵּֽחַ׃
וַיַּ֣עַשׂ בָּ֗הּ אֶת־אַדְנֵי֙ פֶּ֚תַח אֹ֣הֶל מוֹעֵ֔ד וְאֵת֙ מִזְבַּ֣ח הַנְּחֹ֔שֶׁת וְאֶת־מִכְבַּ֥ר הַנְּחֹ֖שֶׁת אֲשֶׁר־ל֑וֹ וְאֵ֖ת כׇּל־כְּלֵ֥י הַמִּזְבֵּֽחַ׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Context and Overview

This verse (Exodus 38:30) describes the final use of the donated copper (נְחֹשֶׁת) in the construction of the Mishkan (Tabernacle). After completing the copper laver (כִּיּוֹר) and its stand (Exodus 38:8), Betzalel utilized the remaining copper to craft essential components for the Mishkan's entrance and the sacrificial altar.

Key Components Made from Copper

  • אַדְנֵי פֶּתַח אֹהֶל מוֹעֵד - The sockets for the entrance of the Tent of Meeting: Rashi explains these were the bases that supported the beams at the entrance of the Mishkan, providing structural stability.
  • מִזְבַּח הַנְּחֹשֶׁת - The copper altar: This refers to the outer altar used for animal sacrifices (Mizbeach HaOlah). The Rambam (Hilchot Beit HaBechirah 2:1) notes its central role in the sacrificial service.
  • מִכְבַּר הַנְּחֹשֶׁת - The copper grate: According to the Talmud (Zevachim 54a), this was a mesh-like structure placed within the altar to allow ashes to fall through while containing the fire.
  • כְּלֵי הַמִּזְבֵּחַ - The altar vessels: The Midrash (Tanchuma, Pekudei 11) enumerates these as including firepans, basins, and other implements necessary for the sacrificial service.

Symbolic Significance of Copper

The Kli Yakar highlights that copper (נְחֹשֶׁת) symbolizes judgment (דִּין), as it was used for components related to atonement and sacrifice. The altar's copper construction served as a constant reminder of the need for spiritual refinement (כַּפָּרָה) and the transformative power of the sacrificial service.

Structural Precision

Rabbeinu Bachya emphasizes that every item was made according to exact Divine specifications (Exodus 25:9), demonstrating the principle that holiness requires meticulous attention to detail. The reuse of all remaining copper (as noted in Exodus 38:29) teaches the importance of avoiding waste when engaged in sacred work (Bal Tashchit).

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the significance of the brazen altar mentioned in Exodus 38:30?
A: The brazen altar (מִזְבַּח הַנְּחֹשֶׁת) was a central part of the Mishkan (Tabernacle), where sacrifices were offered to Hashem. According to Rashi, it was called 'brazen' because it was covered with copper (נְחֹשֶׁת), symbolizing durability and the importance of atonement. The altar represents our commitment to serving Hashem through korbanot (sacrifices), which today is replaced by prayer and repentance (Talmud Berachot 26b).
Q: Why does the verse mention the 'sockets to the door of the Tent of Meeting'?
A: The sockets (אַדְנֵי פֶּתַח) were the foundation pieces that held up the entrance to the Ohel Moed (Tent of Meeting). The Midrash (Shemot Rabbah 35:4) teaches that the entrance represents the gateway to holiness—just as the sockets supported the structure, our mitzvot (commandments) support our spiritual connection to Hashem. Without a strong foundation, the entire structure would be unstable.
Q: What was the purpose of the 'brazen grate' (מִכְבַּר הַנְּחֹשֶׁת) mentioned in this verse?
A: The brazen grate was a mesh-like structure placed within the altar to hold the burning wood and sacrifices. Rambam (Hilchot Beit HaBechirah 2:8) explains that it ensured proper airflow for the fire, allowing the offerings to be consumed completely. This teaches us that our service to Hashem must be thorough and wholehearted, leaving nothing incomplete.
Q: How does this verse relate to our lives today without the Mishkan?
A: Although we no longer have the Mishkan or sacrifices, the Talmud (Menachot 110a) teaches that prayer (תְּפִלָּה) and Torah study (תַּלְמוּד תּוֹרָה) now take the place of korbanot. Just as the vessels of the altar were used for sacred service, we must dedicate our actions—like prayer, charity, and kindness—as offerings to Hashem in our daily lives.