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Exodus 39:3 - Divine artistry in sacred garments

Exodus 39:3 - שמות 39:3

Hebrew Text

וַיְרַקְּעוּ אֶת־פַּחֵי הַזָּהָב וְקִצֵּץ פְּתִילִם לַעֲשׂוֹת בְּתוֹךְ הַתְּכֵלֶת וּבְתוֹךְ הָאַרְגָּמָן וּבְתוֹךְ תּוֹלַעַת הַשָּׁנִי וּבְתוֹךְ הַשֵּׁשׁ מַעֲשֵׂה חֹשֵׁב׃

English Translation

And they did beat the gold into thin plates, and cut it into wires, to work it in the blue, and in the purple, and in the scarlet, and in the fine linen, the work of an artist.

Transliteration

Vayrak'u et-pachei hazahav vekitzetz ptillim la'asot betoch hatechelet uvetoch ha'argaman uvetoch tola'at hashani uvetoch hashesh ma'aseh choshev.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַֽיְרַקְּע֞וּ אֶת־פַּחֵ֣י הַזָּהָב֮ וְקִצֵּ֣ץ פְּתִילִם֒ לַעֲשׂ֗וֹת בְּת֤וֹךְ הַתְּכֵ֙לֶת֙ וּבְת֣וֹךְ הָֽאַרְגָּמָ֔ן וּבְת֛וֹךְ תּוֹלַ֥עַת הַשָּׁנִ֖י וּבְת֣וֹךְ הַשֵּׁ֑שׁ מַעֲשֵׂ֖ה חֹשֵֽׁב׃
וַֽיְרַקְּע֞וּ אֶת־פַּחֵ֣י הַזָּהָב֮ וְקִצֵּ֣ץ פְּתִילִם֒ לַעֲשׂ֗וֹת בְּת֤וֹךְ הַתְּכֵ֙לֶת֙ וּבְת֣וֹךְ הָֽאַרְגָּמָ֔ן וּבְת֛וֹךְ תּוֹלַ֥עַת הַשָּׁנִ֖י וּבְת֣וֹךְ הַשֵּׁ֑שׁ מַעֲשֵׂ֖ה חֹשֵֽׁב׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Context and Source

The verse (Exodus 39:3) describes the craftsmanship involved in creating the priestly garments, specifically the choshen (breastplate) and ephod, as part of the Mishkan (Tabernacle) construction. The artisans skillfully prepared gold threads to be interwoven with the dyed wools and fine linen.

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi (Exodus 39:3) explains that the gold was hammered into thin sheets and then cut into fine threads (petilim). These gold threads were woven into the blue (techelet), purple (argaman), scarlet (tola'at shani), and fine linen (shesh) fabrics. The phrase ma'aseh choshev ("work of an artist") refers to the intricate craftsmanship resembling woven patterns on both sides of the fabric.

Rambam's Insight

In Hilchos Klei HaMikdash (9:1), Rambam elaborates that the gold threads were not spun like wool but were physically cut from hammered sheets. This method ensured the gold retained its purity and luster, fulfilling the requirement for the sacred garments.

Midrashic Interpretation

The Midrash Tanchuma (Pekudei 10) connects this verse to the broader theme of unity in Avodas Hashem (Divine service). Just as the gold was harmoniously blended with other materials, the Kohen Gadol's garments symbolized the integration of diverse spiritual qualities—splendor (gold), heavenly connection (techelet), royalty (argaman), and humility (shesh).

Symbolism of Materials

  • Techelet (Blue): Represents the heavens and divine wisdom (Talmud, Menachos 43b).
  • Argaman (Purple): Symbolizes kingship and the elevated status of the Kohen Gadol (Ramban, Exodus 28:2).
  • Tola'at Shani (Scarlet): Alludes to repentance and human vitality (Midrash Rabbah, Bamidbar 4:13).
  • Shesh (Fine Linen): Denotes purity and simplicity (Zohar, Terumah 152a).

Halachic Precision

The Minchas Chinuch (Mitzvah 99) notes that the Torah emphasizes the artisans' meticulous process to teach that even the preparation of materials for sacred objects requires intentionality (kavanah). The gold's transformation into threads mirrors the refinement of raw potential into holy service.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the significance of the gold being beaten into thin plates in Exodus 39:3?
A: According to Rashi, the gold was beaten into thin plates to create delicate threads that could be woven into the fabrics of the Mishkan (Tabernacle). This shows the great skill and care taken in creating holy items for divine service.
Q: Why were blue, purple, and scarlet threads used in the Mishkan's construction?
A: The Talmud (Menachot 43b) explains that these colors represent different spiritual concepts: blue resembles the sea, which resembles the sky, which resembles God's throne. Purple and scarlet were royal colors, showing the majesty of the Mishkan as God's dwelling place on earth.
Q: What does 'the work of an artist' mean in this verse?
A: The Rambam explains this refers to skilled craftsmanship done with wisdom and intention. The artisans didn't just mechanically create these items, but put deep thought and artistry into making them beautiful for their sacred purpose.
Q: How does this verse about the Mishkan's construction apply to us today?
A: The Midrash teaches that just as the Mishkan was made with the finest materials and greatest care, we should approach mitzvot (commandments) with our best efforts and attention to detail. This teaches the importance of hiddur mitzvah - beautifying commandments.
Q: Why was gold used in the Mishkan's fabrics?
A: Gold represents both physical and spiritual purity. The Kli Yakar explains that gold's incorruptibility symbolizes the eternal nature of the Torah and our relationship with God. Its use in the Mishkan showed the permanence of this holy connection.