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Exodus 39:35 - Ark's sacred journey awaits

Exodus 39:35 - שמות 39:35

Hebrew Text

אֶת־אֲרֹן הָעֵדֻת וְאֶת־בַּדָּיו וְאֵת הַכַּפֹּרֶת׃

English Translation

the ark of the Testimony, and its poles, and the covering,

Transliteration

Et-aron ha'edut ve'et-badav ve'et hakaporet.

Hebrew Leining Text

אֶת־אֲר֥וֹן הָעֵדֻ֖ת וְאֶת־בַּדָּ֑יו וְאֵ֖ת הַכַּפֹּֽרֶת׃
אֶת־אֲר֥וֹן הָעֵדֻ֖ת וְאֶת־בַּדָּ֑יו וְאֵ֖ת הַכַּפֹּֽרֶת׃

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Parasha Commentary

The Ark of the Testimony (אֲרֹן הָעֵדֻת)

The Ark of the Testimony (אֲרֹן הָעֵדֻת) refers to the sacred chest that housed the Luchot HaBrit (Tablets of the Covenant). According to Rashi (Exodus 25:16), it is called the "Ark of the Testimony" because it contained the tablets, which served as a testimony to the covenant between Hashem and the Jewish people. The Rambam (Hilchot Beit HaBechirah 4:1) emphasizes that the Ark was the focal point of the Mishkan (Tabernacle) and later the Beit HaMikdash (Temple), representing the Divine Presence.

The Poles (בַּדָּיו)

The poles (בַּדָּיו) were used to carry the Ark and were never to be removed from their rings (Exodus 25:15). The Talmud (Yoma 72a) explains that these poles symbolize the Torah's enduring accessibility—just as the poles remained attached, so too the Torah must always be within reach of those who seek it. The Midrash Tanchuma (Bamidbar 4) adds that the poles were made of acacia wood overlaid with gold, representing the blending of humility (wood) and majesty (gold) in Torah study.

The Covering (הַכַּפֹּרֶת)

The covering (הַכַּפֹּרֶת) was the golden lid placed atop the Ark, adorned with the two Keruvim (cherubim). Rashi (Exodus 25:17) notes that the word kaporet is related to kaparah (atonement), as the covering played a central role in the Yom Kippur service when the Kohen Gadol would sprinkle blood upon it. The Ramban (Exodus 25:17) teaches that the Keruvim symbolized the relationship between Hashem and the Jewish people—when we fulfilled the Divine will, they faced each other in harmony (Bava Batra 99a).

Spiritual Significance

  • Unity of Torah and Divine Presence: The Ark, its poles, and the covering together represent the inseparable bond between the Jewish people, the Torah, and Hashem.
  • Accessibility of Torah: The permanent poles remind us that Torah must always be carried with us, both physically and spiritually (Devarim 30:12).
  • Atonement and Connection: The covering, especially through the Keruvim, signifies that closeness to Hashem is achieved through repentance and mitzvot.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Yoma 72a
The verse is referenced in a discussion about the construction and components of the Ark of the Covenant, particularly focusing on the poles and the covering.
📖 Menachot 98a
The verse is cited in a discussion about the dimensions and details of the Ark, its poles, and the mercy seat (covering).

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the 'ark of the Testimony' mentioned in Exodus 39:35?
A: The 'ark of the Testimony' (אֲרֹן הָעֵדֻת) refers to the holy Ark that contained the two tablets of the Ten Commandments, which served as testimony to the covenant between G-d and the Jewish people. Rashi explains that it was called the 'ark of the Testimony' because it housed the tablets that testified to the giving of the Torah at Mount Sinai.
Q: Why does the verse mention the poles (badim) of the Ark?
A: The poles (בַּדָּיו) were permanently attached to the Ark and were used to carry it during travel, as the Ark was never meant to be carried directly by hand. The Talmud (Sotah 35a) teaches that these poles miraculously did not take up physical space in the Holy of Holies, demonstrating the supernatural nature of the Mishkan (Tabernacle).
Q: What was the purpose of the covering (kaporet) mentioned in this verse?
A: The covering (כַּפֹּרֶת) was the golden lid placed on top of the Ark, with the two keruvim (cherubim) facing each other. Rambam explains that this was where the Divine Presence would manifest between the keruvim (Hilchot Beit HaBechira 4:1). The word 'kaporet' relates to 'kapara' (atonement), as this was where the Kohen Gadol would sprinkle blood on Yom Kippur for atonement.