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Exodus 39:39 - Altar's sacred vessels detailed

Exodus 39:39 - שמות 39:39

Hebrew Text

אֵת מִזְבַּח הַנְּחֹשֶׁת וְאֶת־מִכְבַּר הַנְּחֹשֶׁת אֲשֶׁר־לוֹ אֶת־בַּדָּיו וְאֶת־כָּל־כֵּלָיו אֶת־הַכִּיֹּר וְאֶת־כַּנּוֹ׃

English Translation

the brass altar, and its grate of brass, its poles, and all its vessels, the laver and its pedestal,

Transliteration

Et mizbach hanechoshet ve'et-michbar hanechoshet asher-lo et-badav ve'et-kol-kelav et-hakiyor ve'et-kano.

Hebrew Leining Text

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Parasha Commentary

The Brass Altar and Its Components

The verse (Exodus 35:16) lists several key components of the Mishkan (Tabernacle), focusing on the מִזְבַּח הַנְּחֹשֶׁת (brass altar) and its accompanying vessels. Rashi explains that this refers to the מִזְבַּח הָעוֹלָה (Altar of Burnt Offerings), which was used for animal sacrifices. The brass material symbolizes durability and strength, as brass does not easily corrode, representing the enduring nature of the sacrificial service.

The Grate and Its Purpose

The מִכְבַּר הַנְּחֹשֶׁת (brass grate) was a mesh-like structure placed within the altar. According to the Rambam (Hilchot Beit HaBechirah 2:6), the grate served a functional purpose—allowing ashes to fall through while keeping the sacrifices atop the fire. The Midrash (Shemot Rabbah 35:12) adds that the grate also symbolized refinement, as it separated the pure from the impure, much like the process of atonement through sacrifice.

The Poles and Vessels

The בַּדָּיו (poles) were used to carry the altar, as the Mishkan was portable. The Talmud (Zevachim 59b) notes that these poles were never removed, unlike those of the Ark, teaching that the altar’s sanctity remained constant. The כֵּלָיו (vessels) included shovels, basins, and forks (Exodus 27:3), each with a specific role in the sacrificial process, as detailed in Menachot 11a.

The Laver and Its Pedestal

The כִּיֹּר (laver) and its כַּן (pedestal) were used by the Kohanim for ritual washing before service. Rashi (on Exodus 30:18) emphasizes that this act of purification was essential, teaching that one must prepare spiritually before approaching divine service. The Talmud (Yoma 30a) further states that neglecting this washing invalidated the Kohen’s service, underscoring the importance of purity in avodat Hashem.

Symbolic Lessons

  • The brass altar’s durability teaches the permanence of repentance and divine service.
  • The grate’s function reflects the need to separate and elevate the sacred.
  • The immovable poles signify the unchanging sanctity of the altar.
  • The laver’s requirement for washing reminds us of the necessity for spiritual preparation.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the significance of the brass altar mentioned in Exodus 39:39?
A: The brass altar (מִזְבַּח הַנְּחֹשֶׁת) was used for animal sacrifices in the Mishkan (Tabernacle). According to Rashi, its brass construction symbolized durability and strength, as brass does not rust. The altar was central to the service of Hashem, representing atonement and the connection between the Jewish people and G-d.
Q: Why was the laver (כִּיֹּר) mentioned alongside the altar in this verse?
A: The laver (כִּיֹּר) was a basin used by the Kohanim (priests) to wash their hands and feet before performing service in the Mishkan. The Rambam explains that this purification was necessary to approach the altar with proper reverence. Its inclusion here highlights the importance of spiritual preparation before serving Hashem.
Q: What do the poles (בַּדָּיו) of the altar represent?
A: The poles (בַּדָּיו) were used to carry the altar during the travels of the Jewish people in the wilderness. The Midrash teaches that these poles symbolize the idea that the service of Hashem is not confined to one place—it must be carried with us wherever we go, making holiness accessible at all times.
Q: How does the description of the Mishkan's vessels apply to us today?
A: Although we no longer have the Mishkan or Beit HaMikdash (Temple), the Talmud (Berachot 55a) teaches that the vessels represent different aspects of avodat Hashem (divine service). The altar reminds us of prayer as a substitute for sacrifices, and the laver teaches the importance of purity in our daily mitzvot.