Exodus 40:21 - Ark veiled, fulfilling Divine command.

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Hebrew Text

וַיָּבֵא אֶת־הָאָרֹן אֶל־הַמִּשְׁכָּן וַיָּשֶׂם אֵת פָּרֹכֶת הַמָּסָךְ וַיָּסֶךְ עַל אֲרוֹן הָעֵדוּת כַּאֲשֶׁר צִוָּה יְהוָה אֶת־מֹשֶׁה׃

English Translation

and he brought the ark into the tabernacle, and set up the veil of the screen, and screened the ark of the Testimony; as the Lord commanded Moshe.

Transliteration

Vayave et-ha'aron el-hamishkan vayasem et parochet hamasach vayasech al aron ha'edut ka'asher tziva Adonai et-Moshe.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיָּבֵ֣א אֶת־הָאָרֹן֮ אֶל־הַמִּשְׁכָּן֒ וַיָּ֗שֶׂם אֵ֚ת פָּרֹ֣כֶת הַמָּסָ֔ךְ וַיָּ֕סֶךְ עַ֖ל אֲר֣וֹן הָעֵד֑וּת כַּאֲשֶׁ֛ר צִוָּ֥ה יְהֹוָ֖ה אֶת־מֹשֶֽׁה׃ {ס}

Parasha Commentary

Context of the Verse

This verse (Shemot 40:21) describes Moshe's actions in completing the Mishkan (Tabernacle) according to Hashem's command. The placement of the Aron HaEdut (Ark of the Testimony) behind the Parochet (veil) signifies the sanctity and separation of the innermost chamber, the Kodesh HaKodashim (Holy of Holies).

Rashi's Commentary

Rashi explains that the phrase "וַיָּשֶׂם אֵת פָּרֹכֶת הַמָּסָךְ" ("and set up the veil of the screen") refers to Moshe hanging the Parochet to separate between the Kodesh (Holy) and the Kodesh HaKodashim. He emphasizes that this was done precisely "כַּאֲשֶׁר צִוָּה יְהוָה אֶת־מֹשֶׁה" ("as Hashem commanded Moshe"), highlighting Moshe's exact adherence to divine instruction.

Rambam's Perspective

In Hilchot Beit HaBechirah (Laws of the Temple), Rambam discusses the significance of the Parochet as a barrier that maintains the sanctity of the Aron. Only the Kohen Gadol (High Priest) could pass beyond it, and only on Yom Kippur, underscoring the Aron's supreme holiness.

Midrashic Insights

Shemot Rabbah (52:5): The Midrash teaches that the Parochet symbolized the separation between the physical and spiritual realms, much like the heavens are a "curtain" separating humanity from the divine presence.
Tanchuma (Pekudei 11): The placement of the Aron behind the Parochet reflects the idea that Torah (represented by the Aron) is both revealed and concealed—accessible yet deeply sacred.

Halachic Implications

The Talmud (Yoma 51b-52a) derives from this verse that the Parochet must be hung before placing the Aron inside the Kodesh HaKodashim, teaching a principle about the order of sanctifying sacred spaces. This halachah emphasizes the importance of proper preparation before introducing objects of kedushah (holiness).

Symbolism of the Aron and Parochet

The Aron, containing the Luchot (Tablets), represents the divine covenant, while the Parochet acts as a reminder of the boundaries between human and divine realms. The Vilna Gaon notes that this mirrors the relationship between Torah study (revealed wisdom) and Kabbalah (hidden wisdom), both protected and accessed with reverence.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Yoma 54a

The verse is referenced in the discussion about the placement of the Ark in the Tabernacle and the subsequent practices in the Temple.

📖 Sotah 35a

The verse is cited in the context of discussing the commandments given to Moses regarding the Ark and the Tabernacle.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the significance of bringing the Ark into the Tabernacle in Exodus 40:21?
A: According to Rashi and the Midrash, bringing the Ark into the Tabernacle symbolized the completion of the Mishkan (Tabernacle) as a dwelling place for the Divine Presence (Shechinah). This act fulfilled Hashem's command and demonstrated the importance of following divine instructions precisely.

Q: Why was the Ark covered by the 'parochet' (veil) as mentioned in Exodus 40:21?
A: The parochet served as a separation between the Holy of Holies (where the Ark was placed) and the rest of the Mishkan. The Talmud (Yoma 51b) explains that this separation emphasized the sanctity of the Ark and the area where the Divine Presence rested, teaching us to approach sacred spaces with reverence.

Q: What does 'as the Lord commanded Moshe' teach us in this verse?
A: Rambam (Maimonides) emphasizes in his works that this phrase highlights the importance of meticulous obedience to divine commandments. The Torah repeats this idea to show that every detail of the Mishkan's construction and arrangement was done exactly as instructed, teaching us the value of precision in fulfilling mitzvot.

Q: How does the placement of the Ark apply to us today?
A: While we no longer have the physical Ark or Mishkan, the Talmud (Berachot 8a) teaches that synagogues and study halls are considered 'miniature sanctuaries.' Just as the Ark was treated with utmost respect, we must approach our places of prayer and Torah study with similar reverence and mindfulness of Hashem's presence.

Q: What was inside the 'Ark of the Testimony' mentioned in this verse?
A: The Mishnah (Yoma 5:2) and Rashi explain that the Ark contained the second set of Tablets (Luchot) given at Mount Sinai, as well as the broken Tablets from the first set. This teaches us about the value of both complete and 'broken' Torah—symbolizing that even when we stumble, our spiritual journey remains sacred.