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Exodus 40:19 - Divine blueprint completed perfectly.

Exodus 40:19 - שמות 40:19

Hebrew Text

וַיִּפְרֹשׂ אֶת־הָאֹהֶל עַל־הַמִּשְׁכָּן וַיָּשֶׂם אֶת־מִכְסֵה הָאֹהֶל עָלָיו מִלְמָעְלָה כַּאֲשֶׁר צִוָּה יְהוָה אֶת־מֹשֶׁה׃

English Translation

And he spread the tent over the tabernacle, and put the covering of the tent above upon it; as the Lord commanded Moshe.

Transliteration

Vayifros et-ha'ohel al-hamishkan vayasem et-michseh ha'ohel alav milma'ela ka'asher tzivah Adonai et-Moshe.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיִּפְרֹ֤שׂ אֶת־הָאֹ֙הֶל֙ עַל־הַמִּשְׁכָּ֔ן וַיָּ֜שֶׂם אֶת־מִכְסֵ֥ה הָאֹ֛הֶל עָלָ֖יו מִלְמָ֑עְלָה כַּאֲשֶׁ֛ר צִוָּ֥ה יְהֹוָ֖ה אֶת־מֹשֶֽׁה׃ <span class="mam-spi-samekh">{ס}</span>        
וַיִּפְרֹ֤שׂ אֶת־הָאֹ֙הֶל֙ עַל־הַמִּשְׁכָּ֔ן וַיָּ֜שֶׂם אֶת־מִכְסֵ֥ה הָאֹ֛הֶל עָלָ֖יו מִלְמָ֑עְלָה כַּאֲשֶׁ֛ר צִוָּ֥ה יְהֹוָ֖ה אֶת־מֹשֶֽׁה׃ {ס}        

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Parasha Commentary

Context in the Construction of the Mishkan

The verse (Shemot 40:19) describes Moshe's meticulous fulfillment of Hashem's command in assembling the Mishkan (Tabernacle). Rashi explains that this act of spreading the tent and placing its covering was part of the final stages of erecting the Mishkan, emphasizing Moshe's exact adherence to the divine instructions. The repetition of "ka'asher tzivah Hashem et Moshe" ("as the Lord commanded Moshe") underscores that every detail was performed precisely according to the heavenly blueprint.

The Layers of the Mishkan's Coverings

The Talmud (Shabbat 28a) and Midrash (Shemot Rabbah 35:6) discuss the multiple coverings of the Mishkan. The "ohel" (tent) refers to the goats' hair covering, while the "michseh ha'ohel" (covering of the tent) refers to the outermost layer made of ram skins dyed red and tachash skins (a mysterious animal). Ramban (Nachmanides) notes that these layers symbolized both physical protection and spiritual elevation, with each material representing different aspects of kedushah (holiness).

Moshe's Unique Role

Rashi and the Midrash Tanchuma (Pekudei 11) highlight that Moshe personally performed this task, unlike other parts of the Mishkan's assembly where Betzalel and others participated. This demonstrates Moshe's unique role as the intermediary between Hashem and Israel, ensuring the Mishkan's construction matched the divine vision perfectly. The Sforno adds that Moshe's involvement here mirrored his role in receiving the Torah—directly from Hashem, without human intermediaries.

Symbolism of the Coverings

  • Goats' Hair (Ohel): The Zohar (Terumah 161a) associates this with the attribute of gevurah (strength/judgment), as goats were used in sin offerings (Vayikra 16).
  • Ram Skins Dyed Red: The Maharal (Gur Aryeh) connects this to mesirut nefesh (self-sacrifice), recalling the Akeidah (Binding of Yitzchak), where a ram was substituted.
  • Tachash Skins: The Talmud (Shabbat 28b) describes this as a rare, multicolored creature, symbolizing the diversity and unity of Klal Yisrael under divine protection.

Practical and Spiritual Lessons

The Kli Yakar emphasizes that the Mishkan's physical structure teaches about spiritual discipline: just as the coverings protected the inner sanctum, so must one guard their inner holiness from external influences. The repetition of "ka'asher tzivah Hashem" reminds us that divine service requires unwavering adherence to halachah (Jewish law) in both visible and hidden details.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Exodus 40:19 mean?
A: This verse describes Moshe setting up the Mishkan (Tabernacle) exactly as Hashem commanded. It shows Moshe's careful attention to detail in covering the Mishkan with its proper tent and outer covering, fulfilling the divine instructions precisely.
Q: Why is the detail about the Mishkan's covering important?
A: The covering protected the holy Mishkan and symbolized Hashem's protection over the Jewish people. Rashi explains that every detail of the Mishkan's construction teaches us about serving Hashem with precision and devotion.
Q: What can we learn from Moshe's actions in this verse?
A: We learn the importance of following mitzvot exactly as commanded. The Talmud (Eruvin 54a) derives from this that we must perform mitzvot with the same care and completeness as Moshe did when erecting the Mishkan.
Q: How does this verse apply to us today?
A: Just as the Mishkan was a dwelling place for the Shechinah (Divine Presence), our homes and synagogues can become places of holiness when we serve Hashem properly. The Rambam teaches that this verse reminds us to approach mitzvot with seriousness and attention to detail.
Q: Why does the verse emphasize 'as Hashem commanded Moshe'?
A: This teaches that Moshe didn't add or subtract anything from Hashem's command. The Midrash (Shemot Rabbah 52:4) explains this shows Moshe's humility and exactness in fulfilling the divine will, setting an example for all generations.