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Exodus 39:5 - Priestly garments' sacred golden belt

Exodus 39:5 - שמות 39:5

Hebrew Text

וְחֵשֶׁב אֲפֻדָּתוֹ אֲשֶׁר עָלָיו מִמֶּנּוּ הוּא כְּמַעֲשֵׂהוּ זָהָב תְּכֵלֶת וְאַרְגָּמָן וְתוֹלַעַת שָׁנִי וְשֵׁשׁ מָשְׁזָר כַּאֲשֶׁר צִוָּה יְהוָה אֶת־מֹשֶׁה׃

English Translation

And the finely wrought girdle of the efod, that was upon it, was of the same, according to its work; of gold, blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine twined linen; as the Lord commanded Moshe.

Transliteration

Ve'kheshev afudato asher alav mimenu hu k'ma'asehu zahav tekhelet ve'argaman vetola'at shani veshesh mashzar ka'asher tzivah Adonai et-Moshe.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְחֵ֨שֶׁב אֲפֻדָּת֜וֹ אֲשֶׁ֣ר עָלָ֗יו מִמֶּ֣נּוּ הוּא֮ כְּמַעֲשֵׂ֒הוּ֒ זָהָ֗ב תְּכֵ֧לֶת וְאַרְגָּמָ֛ן וְתוֹלַ֥עַת שָׁנִ֖י וְשֵׁ֣שׁ מׇשְׁזָ֑ר כַּאֲשֶׁ֛ר צִוָּ֥ה יְהֹוָ֖ה אֶת־מֹשֶֽׁה׃ <span class="mam-spi-samekh">{ס}</span>        
וְחֵ֨שֶׁב אֲפֻדָּת֜וֹ אֲשֶׁ֣ר עָלָ֗יו מִמֶּ֣נּוּ הוּא֮ כְּמַעֲשֵׂ֒הוּ֒ זָהָ֗ב תְּכֵ֧לֶת וְאַרְגָּמָ֛ן וְתוֹלַ֥עַת שָׁנִ֖י וְשֵׁ֣שׁ מׇשְׁזָ֑ר כַּאֲשֶׁ֛ר צִוָּ֥ה יְהֹוָ֖ה אֶת־מֹשֶֽׁה׃ {ס}        

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

The חֵשֶׁב (Cheshev) of the אֵפוֹד (Efod)

The verse describes the חֵשֶׁב אֲפֻדָּתוֹ (cheshev afudato), the "finely wrought girdle" of the Efod, which was an integral part of the Kohen Gadol's priestly garments. Rashi (Shemot 28:8) explains that this girdle was woven into the Efod itself, serving both as a belt and a means to fasten the Efod securely to the Kohen Gadol's body. The materials—gold, blue (techelet), purple (argaman), scarlet (tola'at shani), and fine twined linen (shesh moshzar)—mirror those used in the Efod, emphasizing unity in the garment's construction.

Symbolism of the Materials

The choice of materials carries deep symbolic meaning, as elaborated by the Rambam (Hilchot Klei HaMikdash 8:13) and Midrash Tanchuma (Tetzaveh 10):

  • Gold (זָהָב): Represents the splendor and sanctity of the Kehunah (priesthood).
  • Techelet (תְּכֵלֶת): Symbolizes the heavens and divine wisdom, as techelet resembles the sea and the sky (Chullin 89a).
  • Argaman (אַרְגָּמָן): Signifies royalty, reflecting the Kohen Gadol's elevated role.
  • Tola'at Shani (תּוֹלַעַת שָׁנִי): Represents atonement and the vibrancy of life (Yoma 67b).
  • Shesh Moshzar (שֵׁשׁ מָשְׁזָר): Linen denotes purity, as it is a material resistant to contamination (Vayikra Rabbah 16:4).

Unity of the Efod and Its Girdle

The phrase "מִמֶּנּוּ הוּא" ("of the same, according to its work") teaches that the girdle was not a separate piece but intrinsically connected to the Efod. The Talmud (Zevachim 19a) derives from this that the Kohen Gadol could not perform the Avodah (Temple service) if the girdle was missing or improperly attached, as it was essential to the garment's completeness.

Divine Command and Precision

The concluding phrase, "כַּאֲשֶׁר צִוָּה יְהוָה אֶת־מֹשֶׁה" ("as the Lord commanded Moshe"), underscores the principle of exact adherence to divine instruction in the construction of the Mishkan and its vessels. The Sforno (Shemot 28:8) emphasizes that every detail of the priestly garments was designed to inspire reverence and reflect the divine presence, requiring meticulous fulfillment of Hashem's command.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Yoma 72a
The verse is discussed in the context of the priestly garments, particularly the efod and its girdle, emphasizing the materials and craftsmanship as commanded by God.
📖 Zevachim 88b
The verse is referenced in a discussion about the priestly garments and their significance in the Temple service, highlighting the divine command to Moshe.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the 'efod' mentioned in Exodus 39:5?
A: The 'efod' was a special garment worn by the Kohen Gadol (High Priest) during service in the Mishkan (Tabernacle). According to Rashi, it was an apron-like garment made of fine materials, including gold, blue, purple, and scarlet wool, as well as fine linen. It was an essential part of the priestly garments commanded by Hashem.
Q: Why were the colors gold, blue, purple, and scarlet used in the efod?
A: These colors were chosen because they represent royalty, holiness, and divine service. The Midrash teaches that each color symbolizes different spiritual concepts: blue (techelet) resembles the sea and heaven, reminding us of Hashem's presence; purple (argaman) represents majesty; scarlet (tola'at shani) recalls atonement; and gold signifies the splendor of the Divine service.
Q: What is the significance of the girdle (חֵשֶׁב) in Exodus 39:5?
A: The girdle (חֵשֶׁב) was a belt-like part of the efod that held the garment in place. The Talmud (Zevachim 19a) teaches that it served as a reminder of humility—even though the Kohen Gadol wore majestic garments, he needed to 'gird himself' with modesty and devotion in serving Hashem.
Q: How does this verse relate to following Hashem's commandments?
A: The verse ends with 'as Hashem commanded Moshe,' emphasizing that every detail of the Mishkan was made exactly according to Divine instruction. The Rambam (Maimonides) teaches that this teaches us the importance of precision in fulfilling mitzvot—just as the Kohen Gadol’s garments had to be made exactly as commanded, we must strive to observe mitzvot carefully and faithfully.
Q: Can we learn anything from this verse about craftsmanship and dedication?
A: Yes! The verse highlights the intricate craftsmanship ('כְּמַעֲשֵׂהוּ') involved in making the priestly garments. The Midrash explains that Betzalel, the chief artisan, was Divinely inspired with wisdom to create these holy items. This teaches us that when we dedicate our skills to holy purposes, even mundane tasks like weaving can become elevated and meaningful.