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Exodus 40:22 - Northward table's sacred placement?

Exodus 40:22 - שמות 40:22

Hebrew Text

וַיִּתֵּן אֶת־הַשֻּׁלְחָן בְּאֹהֶל מוֹעֵד עַל יֶרֶךְ הַמִּשְׁכָּן צָפֹנָה מִחוּץ לַפָּרֹכֶת׃

English Translation

And he put the table in the Tent of Meeting, upon the side of the tabernacle northward, outside the veil.

Transliteration

Vayiten et-hashulchan b'ohel mo'ed al yerech hamishkan tzafona michutz laparochet.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיִּתֵּ֤ן אֶת־הַשֻּׁלְחָן֙ בְּאֹ֣הֶל מוֹעֵ֔ד עַ֛ל יֶ֥רֶךְ הַמִּשְׁכָּ֖ן צָפֹ֑נָה מִח֖וּץ לַפָּרֹֽכֶת׃
וַיִּתֵּ֤ן אֶת־הַשֻּׁלְחָן֙ בְּאֹ֣הֶל מוֹעֵ֔ד עַ֛ל יֶ֥רֶךְ הַמִּשְׁכָּ֖ן צָפֹ֑נָה מִח֖וּץ לַפָּרֹֽכֶת׃

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Parasha Commentary

Placement of the Shulchan in the Mishkan

The verse (Shemot 40:22) describes the placement of the Shulchan (Table) in the northern part of the Ohel Moed (Tent of Meeting), outside the Parochet (veil) that separated the Kodesh (Holy) from the Kodesh HaKodashim (Holy of Holies). Rashi explains that the Shulchan was placed on the northern side, opposite the Menorah, which stood on the southern side, creating a balance in the Mishkan's layout.

Symbolism of the Shulchan's Position

The Midrash (Bamidbar Rabbah 4:16) teaches that the placement of the Shulchan in the north carries deeper meaning. The north is associated with material wealth (based on Yeshayahu 14:13, where "the sides of the north" symbolize grandeur). The Shulchan, which held the Lechem HaPanim (Showbread), represents sustenance and physical blessings. This placement reminds us that material prosperity comes from Hashem and must be used for holiness.

The Shulchan's Relationship to the Menorah

  • The Ramban (Shemot 25:23) notes that the Shulchan and Menorah were placed opposite each other to symbolize the balance between physical sustenance (Shulchan) and spiritual enlightenment (Menorah).
  • The Talmud (Bava Batra 25b) states that one who desires wisdom should face south (toward the Menorah), while one who desires wealth should face north (toward the Shulchan).

Outside the Parochet

The Shulchan's placement outside the Parochet, in the Kodesh rather than the Kodesh HaKodashim, teaches that while material blessings are holy when used properly, they are secondary to the pure spirituality represented by the Aron in the innermost sanctum. The Kli Yakar (Shemot 26:35) explains that this arrangement shows that physicality must always be directed toward higher spiritual purposes.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Menachot 98b
The verse is referenced in a discussion about the placement of the table in the Tabernacle and its significance in relation to other sacred items.
📖 Yoma 33b
The verse is cited in the context of discussing the arrangement and order of service in the Temple, particularly the positioning of the table.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Exodus 40:22 mean by placing the table on the north side of the Tabernacle?
A: According to Rashi and the Talmud (Menachot 98b), the north side was designated for the Shulchan (Table) because it symbolizes material blessing and sustenance. The table held the Lechem HaPanim (Showbread), representing G-d's constant provision for His people. The north direction is associated with wealth in Jewish thought (Bava Batra 25b).
Q: Why was the table placed outside the Parochet (veil) in the Tabernacle?
A: The Shulchan was placed in the Kodesh (Holy Place), outside the Parochet separating the Kodesh HaKodashim (Holy of Holies), because it served a communal function. The Rambam explains (Hilchot Beit HaBechirah 3:14) that the Lechem HaPanim was accessible to the Kohanim (priests) who would replace it weekly, demonstrating that holiness is meant to sustain daily life.
Q: What practical lesson can we learn from the placement of the Shulchan in the Tabernacle?
A: The Midrash (Tanchuma Terumah 9) teaches that the Shulchan's placement reminds us to direct our material blessings (symbolized by bread/north) toward sacred purposes. Just as the Lechem HaPanim was consecrated in the Mishkan, we should elevate our physical sustenance through mitzvot like hachnasat orchim (hospitality) and supporting Torah study.
Q: How does the concept of the Shulchan apply to Jewish homes today?
A: The Shulchan becomes a model for the Jewish dining table - a place of both physical and spiritual nourishment. The Talmud (Berachot 55a) states that one's table is like a small altar when Torah is discussed during meals. This is why many have the custom to cover bread with a cloth during kiddush, emulating the Lechem HaPanim covered with bowls (Menachot 96a).