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Exodus 39:33 - Tabernacle's completion presented to Moshe

Exodus 39:33 - שמות 39:33

Hebrew Text

וַיָּבִיאוּ אֶת־הַמִּשְׁכָּן אֶל־מֹשֶׁה אֶת־הָאֹהֶל וְאֶת־כָּל־כֵּלָיו קְרָסָיו קְרָשָׁיו בריחו [בְּרִיחָיו] וְעַמֻּדָיו וַאֲדָנָיו׃

English Translation

And they brought the tabernacle to Moshe, the Tent, and all its furniture, its clasps, its boards, its bars, and its pillars, and its sockets,

Transliteration

Vayavi'u et-hamishkan el-moshe et-ha'ohel ve'et-kol-kelav krasav krashav berichav ve'amudav va'adanav.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיָּבִ֤יאוּ אֶת־הַמִּשְׁכָּן֙ אֶל־מֹשֶׁ֔ה אֶת־הָאֹ֖הֶל וְאֶת־כׇּל־כֵּלָ֑יו קְרָסָ֣יו קְרָשָׁ֔יו <span class="mam-kq-trivial">בְּרִיחָ֖ו</span> וְעַמֻּדָ֥יו וַאֲדָנָֽיו׃
וַיָּבִ֤יאוּ אֶת־הַמִּשְׁכָּן֙ אֶל־מֹשֶׁ֔ה אֶת־הָאֹ֖הֶל וְאֶת־כׇּל־כֵּלָ֑יו קְרָסָ֣יו קְרָשָׁ֔יו בְּרִיחָ֖ו וְעַמֻּדָ֥יו וַאֲדָנָֽיו׃

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Parasha Commentary

Context in the Torah

The verse (Shemot 39:33) describes the completion of the Mishkan (Tabernacle) by the Israelites and its presentation to Moshe Rabbeinu. This marks the culmination of the detailed instructions given in Parshiyot Terumah and Tetzaveh, where Hashem commanded the construction of the Mishkan and its vessels.

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi (Shemot 39:33) explains that the phrase "וַיָּבִיאוּ אֶת־הַמִּשְׁכָּן אֶל־מֹשֶׁה" ("And they brought the Tabernacle to Moshe") indicates that the artisans were unable to erect the Mishkan themselves due to its immense weight. Only Moshe, with divine assistance, had the strength to assemble it. This teaches us that Moshe’s role was unique in establishing the dwelling place of the Shechinah (Divine Presence).

Symbolism of the Components

  • The Tent (הָאֹהֶל): Represents the covering of the Mishkan, symbolizing protection and sanctity. The Midrash (Tanchuma, Pekudei 11) connects it to the heavens, reflecting the divine blueprint.
  • Clasps (קְרָסָיו): Rashi notes these were made of gold, unifying the curtains, symbolizing unity among the Jewish people.
  • Boards (קְרָשָׁיו): The upright beams, made of acacia wood overlaid with gold, represent the steadfastness of Torah and its enduring values (Rambam, Hilchot Beit HaBechirah).
  • Bars (בְּרִיחָיו): These horizontal beams held the structure together, alluding to the interconnectedness of mitzvot (Sforno).
  • Pillars and Sockets (עַמֻּדָיו וַאֲדָנָיו): The foundation of the Mishkan, teaching that spiritual growth requires a stable base (Malbim).

Lessons from the Verse

The Talmud (Berachot 55a) derives from this verse that even when one possesses wisdom and skill (as the artisans did), humility before Torah leadership (Moshe) is essential. Additionally, the Ramban (Shemot 39:33) emphasizes that the Mishkan’s assembly by Moshe reflects the principle that divine service must be conducted with purity of intent and under proper guidance.

Midrashic Insight

The Midrash Rabbah (Shemot 52:4) states that the presentation of the Mishkan to Moshe parallels the giving of the Torah at Har Sinai—both required complete unity and submission to divine will. Just as the Mishkan became a microcosm of divine presence, so too does the study of Torah bring the Shechinah into one’s life.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the significance of bringing the Mishkan (Tabernacle) to Moshe?
A: According to Rashi (Exodus 39:33), the Mishkan was brought to Moshe because he was unable to assemble it himself due to its heavy components. The people brought it to him so he could inspect their work and then erect it with Divine assistance, showing that even a leader like Moshe needed the participation of the entire community in holy work.
Q: Why does the verse list all the parts of the Mishkan in detail?
A: The detailed listing, as explained in the Midrash (Tanchuma, Pekudei 11), teaches that every component of the Mishkan had spiritual significance. Each part—the curtains, boards, bars, and sockets—represented different aspects of serving Hashem, showing that every detail in Divine service matters.
Q: What lesson can we learn from the assembly of the Mishkan?
A: The Talmud (Berachos 55a) derives from this verse that unity is essential in holy endeavors. Just as all the parts of the Mishkan were brought together to form a complete structure, so too must the Jewish people work together to create a dwelling place for the Divine Presence in this world.
Q: Why did Moshe need to inspect the Mishkan?
A: The Ramban (Exodus 39:33) explains that Moshe, as the leader, had to verify that everything was made exactly according to Hashem’s instructions. This teaches the importance of precision and care in fulfilling mitzvos, ensuring that every detail aligns with Torah law.
Q: How does the Mishkan relate to us today?
A: The Sforno (Exodus 39:33) teaches that just as the Mishkan was a microcosm of holiness, every Jewish home can become a 'mini-Mishkan' by filling it with Torah, mitzvos, and kindness. The detailed craftsmanship reminds us to beautify our mitzvos and create sanctity in our daily lives.