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Exodus 39:43 - Divine command perfectly fulfilled.

Exodus 39:43 - שמות 39:43

Hebrew Text

וַיַּרְא מֹשֶׁה אֶת־כָּל־הַמְּלָאכָה וְהִנֵּה עָשׂוּ אֹתָהּ כַּאֲשֶׁר צִוָּה יְהוָה כֵּן עָשׂוּ וַיְבָרֶךְ אֹתָם מֹשֶׁה׃

English Translation

And Moshe saw all the work, and, behold, they had done it as the Lord had commanded, even so had they done it: and Moshe blessed them.

Transliteration

Va'yar Moshe et kol ha'melacha ve'hineh asu otah ka'asher tzivah Adonai ken asu va'yevarech otam Moshe.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיַּ֨רְא מֹשֶׁ֜ה אֶת־כׇּל־הַמְּלָאכָ֗ה וְהִנֵּה֙ עָשׂ֣וּ אֹתָ֔הּ כַּאֲשֶׁ֛ר צִוָּ֥ה יְהֹוָ֖ה כֵּ֣ן עָשׂ֑וּ וַיְבָ֥רֶךְ אֹתָ֖ם מֹשֶֽׁה׃ <span class="mam-spi-pe">{פ}</span><br>
וַיַּ֨רְא מֹשֶׁ֜ה אֶת־כׇּל־הַמְּלָאכָ֗ה וְהִנֵּה֙ עָשׂ֣וּ אֹתָ֔הּ כַּאֲשֶׁ֛ר צִוָּ֥ה יְהֹוָ֖ה כֵּ֣ן עָשׂ֑וּ וַיְבָ֥רֶךְ אֹתָ֖ם מֹשֶֽׁה׃ {פ}

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Parasha Commentary

Understanding the Verse in Context

The verse (Shemot 39:43) describes Moshe's inspection of the Mishkan (Tabernacle) after its completion and his subsequent blessing of Bnei Yisrael for their meticulous work. This moment marks the culmination of the detailed instructions given in previous parshiyot regarding the construction of the Mishkan.

Rashi's Commentary

Rashi explains that Moshe saw the completed work and recognized that it was executed exactly as Hashem had commanded. He notes that the double language of "כַּאֲשֶׁר צִוָּה יְהוָה כֵּן עָשׂוּ" ("as the Lord had commanded, even so had they done it") emphasizes the precision and faithfulness of Bnei Yisrael in fulfilling the divine instructions without deviation.

The Nature of Moshe's Blessing

The Midrash (Tanchuma, Pekudei 11) elaborates on Moshe's blessing, stating that he said: "יְהִי רָצוֹן שֶׁתִּשְׁרֶה שְׁכִינָה בְּמַעֲשֵׂה יְדֵיכֶם" ("May it be His will that the Divine Presence rests upon the work of your hands"). This reflects the ultimate purpose of the Mishkan—to serve as a dwelling place for the Shechinah.

Rambam's Perspective on Divine Service

Rambam (Hilchot Beit HaBechirah 1:12) draws from this verse a broader principle about avodat Hashem (divine service): Just as Bnei Yisrael followed the exact specifications in building the Mishkan, so too must all mitzvot be performed with precision and attention to detail, as prescribed by halacha.

Lessons from the Verse

  • Hiddur Mitzvah: The careful execution of the Mishkan's construction teaches the importance of beautifying mitzvot (Sifrei, Devarim 15).
  • Unity in Purpose: The collective effort of Bnei Yisrael highlights the power of communal unity in fulfilling divine commandments (Midrash Aggadah, Shemot 39:43).
  • Divine Approval: Moshe's blessing signifies divine approval when mitzvot are performed with sincerity and exactness (Malbim on Shemot 39:43).

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Exodus 39:43 mean?
A: Exodus 39:43 describes how Moshe (Moses) inspected the work of building the Mishkan (Tabernacle) and saw that the Jewish people had completed it exactly as Hashem commanded. Satisfied with their obedience and attention to detail, Moshe blessed them. Rashi explains that the blessing was for their future work to be similarly blessed.
Q: Why is it important that the Mishkan was built exactly as commanded?
A: The precise construction of the Mishkan was crucial because it was a dwelling place for the Divine Presence (Shechinah). The Talmud (Eruvin 2a) teaches that every detail in the Mishkan had spiritual significance. Following Hashem's instructions exactly showed the people's devotion and readiness to serve Him properly.
Q: What can we learn from Moshe blessing the people in this verse?
A: We learn the importance of acknowledging and encouraging others when they fulfill mitzvot (commandments) properly. The Midrash (Shemot Rabbah 51:4) teaches that Moshe's blessing set an example for leaders to praise their communities for their spiritual achievements, fostering continued growth in Torah observance.
Q: How does the concept of 'as Hashem commanded' apply today?
A: Just as the Israelites carefully followed Hashem's commands in building the Mishkan, we must strive to observe mitzvot with precision and sincerity today. The Rambam (Hilchot Me'ilah 8:8) derives from this that all divine service - whether in the Mishkan or daily mitzvot - must be performed exactly as prescribed by Torah law.
Q: What was special about the people completing the Mishkan?
A: The completion of the Mishkan represented the Jewish people's repentance and renewed commitment after the sin of the Golden Calf. The Midrash Tanchuma (Pekudei 11) notes that their exact fulfillment of the command showed they had fully returned to Hashem. This teaches that sincere repentance can lead to greater spiritual accomplishments.