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Exodus 38:9 - Tabernacle's sacred boundary revealed

Exodus 38:9 - שמות 38:9

Hebrew Text

וַיַּעַשׂ אֶת־הֶחָצֵר לִפְאַת נֶגֶב תֵּימָנָה קַלְעֵי הֶחָצֵר שֵׁשׁ מָשְׁזָר מֵאָה בָּאַמָּה׃

English Translation

And he made the court: on the south side southward the hangings of the court were of fine twined linen, a hundred cubits:

Transliteration

Va'ya'as et-hekhatzer lif'at negev teimanah kla'ei hekhatzer shesh mashzar me'ah ba'amah.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיַּ֖עַשׂ אֶת־הֶחָצֵ֑ר לִפְאַ֣ת&thinsp
וַיַּ֖עַשׂ אֶת־הֶחָצֵ֑ר לִפְאַ֣ת&thinsp

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Explanation of the Verse

The verse describes the construction of the southern side of the courtyard (חָצֵר) of the Mishkan (Tabernacle), specifying that its hangings (קַלְעֵי הֶחָצֵר) were made of fine twined linen (שֵׁשׁ מָשְׁזָר) and measured one hundred cubits in length.

Rashi's Commentary

Rashi (Exodus 38:9) explains that the hangings of the courtyard were woven from twisted linen threads, emphasizing the quality and durability of the material. He notes that the term שֵׁשׁ מָשְׁזָר refers to linen that was spun with six threads, indicating its strength and fineness.

Rambam's Perspective

In Hilchot Beit HaBechirah (Laws of the Temple), the Rambam (Maimonides) discusses the significance of the courtyard's dimensions and materials. He highlights that the precise measurements reflect the divine command (צִוּוּי הַשֵּׁם) and the importance of adhering to exact specifications in sacred construction.

Midrashic Insights

The Midrash (Shemot Rabbah 35:5) connects the hangings of the courtyard to broader spiritual themes. It suggests that the linen hangings symbolize purity (טָהֳרָה), as linen is associated with righteousness and ethical conduct. The southward direction (נֶגֶב תֵּימָנָה) is also linked to wisdom, as the south is traditionally associated with the attribute of wisdom (חָכְמָה) in Jewish thought.

Symbolism of the Materials

  • Fine Twined Linen (שֵׁשׁ מָשְׁזָר): Represents spiritual refinement and the separation between the sacred and the mundane.
  • One Hundred Cubits: Signifies completeness and perfection, as the number 100 often denotes wholeness in Torah symbolism.

Halachic Implications

The Talmud (Yoma 72a) discusses the halachic requirements for the materials used in the Mishkan, noting that the linen hangings served as a barrier to maintain the sanctity of the sacred space. This teaches the broader principle of creating boundaries (גְּדֵרוֹת) to protect spiritual integrity.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Exodus 38:9 mean when it describes the hangings of the courtyard?
A: Exodus 38:9 describes the construction of the courtyard (חָצֵר) of the Mishkan (Tabernacle). The south side had hangings made of fine twined linen (שֵׁשׁ מָשְׁזָר), 100 cubits long. According to Rashi, these hangings served as partitions to enclose the sacred space, separating it from the outside world.
Q: Why was the courtyard of the Mishkan important?
A: The courtyard was essential because it created a designated holy space where the Kohanim (priests) performed sacred duties, including sacrifices. The Rambam explains in Mishneh Torah (Hilchot Beit HaBechirah) that boundaries in holiness help elevate a person’s awareness of being in G-d’s presence.
Q: What can we learn from the materials used in the courtyard hangings?
A: The fine twined linen (שֵׁשׁ מָשְׁזָר) symbolizes purity and dignity. The Midrash (Shemot Rabbah) teaches that the materials of the Mishkan reflect spiritual qualities—linen represents humility and righteousness, reminding us to sanctify our actions with integrity.
Q: How does the concept of a sacred courtyard apply today?
A: While we no longer have the Mishkan, the idea of creating boundaries for holiness remains. The Talmud (Berachot 8a) compares the synagogue to a 'miniature sanctuary,' teaching us to designate spaces—and times—for prayer and spiritual focus, just as the courtyard separated the sacred from the ordinary.