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Exodus 39:38 - Golden altar's sacred purpose?

Exodus 39:38 - שמות 39:38

Hebrew Text

וְאֵת מִזְבַּח הַזָּהָב וְאֵת שֶׁמֶן הַמִּשְׁחָה וְאֵת קְטֹרֶת הַסַּמִּים וְאֵת מָסַךְ פֶּתַח הָאֹהֶל׃

English Translation

and the golden altar, and the anointing oil, and the incense of spices, and the screen for the tabernacle door,

Transliteration

Ve'et mizbach hazahav ve'et shemen hamishcha ve'et ketoret hasamim ve'et masach petach ha'ohel.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְאֵת֙ מִזְבַּ֣ח הַזָּהָ֔ב וְאֵת֙ שֶׁ֣מֶן הַמִּשְׁחָ֔ה וְאֵ֖ת קְטֹ֣רֶת הַסַּמִּ֑ים וְאֵ֕ת מָסַ֖ךְ פֶּ֥תַח הָאֹֽהֶל׃
וְאֵת֙ מִזְבַּ֣ח הַזָּהָ֔ב וְאֵת֙ שֶׁ֣מֶן הַמִּשְׁחָ֔ה וְאֵ֖ת קְטֹ֣רֶת הַסַּמִּ֑ים וְאֵ֕ת מָסַ֖ךְ פֶּ֥תַח הָאֹֽהֶל׃

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Parasha Commentary

The Golden Altar (מִזְבַּח הַזָּהָב)

Rashi (Exodus 30:1) explains that this refers to the inner altar used exclusively for burning incense, distinct from the copper altar in the courtyard for animal sacrifices. The Rambam (Hilchot Temidin u'Musafin 3:1) notes its sanctity, as it was plated with pure gold, symbolizing spiritual refinement. The Midrash Tanchuma (Tetzaveh 14) teaches that its golden material represents the preciousness of prayer, paralleling the incense offerings.

The Anointing Oil (שֶׁמֶן הַמִּשְׁחָה)

According to Rambam (Hilchot Klei HaMikdash 1:3), this specially prepared oil was used to consecrate the Mishkan's vessels and Aharon and his sons as Kohanim. The Talmud (Keritot 5b) details its 11 ingredients, with Rashi noting that the precise recipe was a Divine secret (Exodus 30:32). The Sforno emphasizes that its sanctity required strict prohibitions against replication or misuse.

The Incense of Spices (קְטֹרֶת הַסַּמִּים)

The Talmud (Yoma 44a) describes the incense as containing 11 spices, including the rare chelbana (galbanum), which Rashi (Exodus 30:34) explains was intentionally included despite its foul odor to teach that we must include sinners in our communal prayers. The Rambam (Hilchot Kelei HaMikdash 2:3-4) details the precise preparation method, emphasizing its daily offering as a constant atonement.

The Screen for the Tabernacle Door (מָסַךְ פֶּתַח הָאֹהֶל)

Rashi (Exodus 26:36) identifies this as the outermost curtain separating the Kodesh (Holy) from the courtyard. The Rambam (Hilchot Beit HaBechirah 1:8) notes its function as a boundary marker, while the Midrash (Bamidbar Rabbah 12:4) compares it to a bridal veil, representing the modest separation required when approaching holiness. The Talmud (Yoma 54a) teaches it was woven with sky-blue, purple, and crimson wool, symbolizing the heavens and Divine connection.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the golden altar mentioned in Exodus 39:38?
A: The golden altar (מִזְבַּח הַזָּהָב) refers to the inner altar in the Mishkan (Tabernacle) used for burning incense. According to Rashi, it was made of acacia wood and overlaid with pure gold. This altar symbolizes the constant connection between the Jewish people and Hashem through prayer, as incense represents the sweetness of devotion.
Q: Why was the anointing oil (שֶׁמֶן הַמִּשְׁחָה) important?
A: The anointing oil was a special mixture used to consecrate the vessels of the Mishkan and to anoint the Kohanim (priests) and kings. The Rambam explains that it was made with specific spices as described in Exodus 30:22-25. Its sanctity was so great that it was forbidden to replicate it for personal use (Keritot 5a).
Q: What was the purpose of the incense (קְטֹרֶת הַסַּמִּים) in the Mishkan?
A: The incense offered twice daily on the golden altar served to atone for sins and create a pleasing aroma before Hashem (Exodus 30:7-8). The Talmud (Yoma 44a) teaches that the incense also symbolized unity, as its blend of spices represents how different types of Jews come together in service of G-d.
Q: What does the screen (מָסַךְ) at the Tabernacle entrance represent?
A: The screen at the entrance of the Ohel Moed (Tabernacle) served as a separation between the holy space and the outside world. Rashi notes that it was made of fine linen with colorful embroidery, teaching us about the importance of creating boundaries for holiness in our lives.
Q: How do these Temple items relate to us today?
A: While we no longer have the Mishkan, our Sages teach that these items correspond to spiritual concepts we can apply daily: prayer replaces sacrifices (Berachot 26b), kindness is like incense (Ketubot 10a), and Torah study is compared to anointing oil (Song of Songs Rabbah 1:3). The screen reminds us to create holy spaces in our homes.