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Exodus 40:16 - Moshe's perfect obedience demonstrated.

Exodus 40:16 - שמות 40:16

Hebrew Text

וַיַּעַשׂ מֹשֶׁה כְּכֹל אֲשֶׁר צִוָּה יְהוָה אֹתוֹ כֵּן עָשָׂה׃

English Translation

Thus did Moshe: according to all that the Lord commanded him, so he did.

Transliteration

Va'ya'as Moshe ke'chol asher tziva Adonai oto ken asa.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיַּ֖עַשׂ מֹשֶׁ֑ה כְּ֠כֹ֠ל אֲשֶׁ֨ר צִוָּ֧ה יְהֹוָ֛ה אֹת֖וֹ כֵּ֥ן עָשָֽׂה׃ <span class="mam-spi-samekh">{ס}</span>        
וַיַּ֖עַשׂ מֹשֶׁ֑ה כְּ֠כֹ֠ל אֲשֶׁ֨ר צִוָּ֧ה יְהֹוָ֛ה אֹת֖וֹ כֵּ֥ן עָשָֽׂה׃ {ס}        

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi (Exodus 40:16) emphasizes that Moshe fulfilled every detail of Hashem's command without deviation. He notes that the repetition of the phrase "כֵּן עָשָׂה" ("so he did") underscores Moshe's complete and precise adherence to the divine instructions regarding the Mishkan (Tabernacle). This teaches us the importance of meticulousness in fulfilling mitzvot.

Rambam's Perspective

In Mishneh Torah (Hilchot Beit HaBechirah 1:12), Rambam derives from this verse a fundamental principle: כְּכֹל אֲשֶׁר צִוָּה ("according to all that the Lord commanded") implies that Moshe did not alter even the smallest detail of the divine blueprint. This serves as a model for all generations in the construction of sacred spaces and the performance of mitzvot.

Midrashic Insight

The Midrash Tanchuma (Pekudei 11) highlights that Moshe's exact fulfillment demonstrated his humility and obedience. Despite being the greatest prophet, he did not presume to modify any aspect of Hashem's command. The Midrash contrasts this with later generations who sometimes took liberties in divine service.

Talmudic Application

  • In Zevachim 19b, the Sages derive from this verse that proper intent (kavanah) is essential when performing Temple service, just as Moshe performed every action with complete focus on fulfilling Hashem's will.
  • Yoma 28b cites this verse as proof that Moshe was the most faithful of all prophets in transmitting and executing divine commands exactly as received.

Chassidic Interpretation

The Sefat Emet (Parshat Pekudei) explains that Moshe's complete alignment with divine will created a perfect vessel for the Shechinah's dwelling. The double language ("וַיַּעַשׂ... כֵּן עָשָׂה") represents both outer action and inner intention being in harmony with Hashem's command.

Contemporary Lesson

Rabbi Samson Raphael Hirsch notes that this verse establishes the principle of shleimut (wholeness) in mitzvah observance - that we must strive to fulfill commandments in their entirety, not selecting only those aspects that appeal to us. Moshe's example challenges us to serve Hashem with complete devotion.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

The verse is cited in a discussion about the meticulousness with which Moses carried out God's commandments, particularly in relation to the construction of the Tabernacle.
📖 Menachot 29a
This verse is referenced in the context of discussing the precision required in fulfilling divine commandments, drawing a parallel between Moses' actions and the requirements for proper ritual observance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Exodus 40:16 mean when it says Moshe did 'according to all that the Lord commanded him'?
A: This verse emphasizes Moshe's complete obedience to Hashem's instructions regarding the construction of the Mishkan (Tabernacle). Rashi explains that Moshe didn't deviate in any way from the exact details commanded by Hashem, showing his perfect faithfulness in fulfilling the divine will.
Q: Why is Moshe's precise obedience in Exodus 40:16 important?
A: The Talmud (Berachos 55a) teaches that Moshe's exact fulfillment of Hashem's commands sets an example for all Jews in performing mitzvos. Just as Moshe didn't add or subtract from the instructions, we too must follow Torah commandments precisely as transmitted through our tradition.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Moshe's actions in this verse?
A: The Midrash (Shemos Rabbah 51:3) derives from this verse that we should perform mitzvos with complete dedication and attention to detail. Moshe didn't rush or cut corners in fulfilling Hashem's command, teaching us the importance of doing mitzvos properly and with care.
Q: How does Exodus 40:16 apply to our lives today?
A: The Rambam (Mishneh Torah, Hilchos De'os 1:6) explains that we should emulate Moshe's example by performing mitzvos with the same completeness and precision. Whether it's prayer, Shabbat observance, or any other commandment, we should strive to fulfill it exactly as the Torah requires.
Q: Why does the Torah repeat 'so he did' at the end of the verse?
A: Rashi notes that the repetition emphasizes Moshe's immediate and complete fulfillment of the command. The Sforno adds that this teaches us Moshe didn't delay in performing Hashem's will, showing his eagerness to serve G-d without hesitation.