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Exodus 40:29 - Altar's placement: Divine command fulfilled.

Exodus 40:29 - שמות 40:29

Hebrew Text

וְאֵת מִזְבַּח הָעֹלָה שָׂם פֶּתַח מִשְׁכַּן אֹהֶל־מוֹעֵד וַיַּעַל עָלָיו אֶת־הָעֹלָה וְאֶת־הַמִּנְחָה כַּאֲשֶׁר צִוָּה יְהוָה אֶת־מֹשֶׁה׃

English Translation

And he put the altar of burnt offering by the door of the tabernacle of the Tent of Meeting, and offered upon it the burnt offering and the meal offering; as the Lord commanded Moshe.

Transliteration

Ve'et mizbeach ha'olah sam petach mishkan ohel-mo'ed vaya'al alav et-ha'olah ve'et-hamincha ka'asher tzivah Adonai et-Moshe.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְאֵת֙ מִזְבַּ֣ח הָעֹלָ֔ה שָׂ֕ם פֶּ֖תַח מִשְׁכַּ֣ן אֹֽהֶל־מוֹעֵ֑ד וַיַּ֣עַל עָלָ֗יו אֶת־הָעֹלָה֙ וְאֶת־הַמִּנְחָ֔ה כַּאֲשֶׁ֛ר צִוָּ֥ה יְהֹוָ֖ה אֶת־מֹשֶֽׁה׃ <span class="mam-spi-samekh">{ס}</span>        
וְאֵת֙ מִזְבַּ֣ח הָעֹלָ֔ה שָׂ֕ם פֶּ֖תַח מִשְׁכַּ֣ן אֹֽהֶל־מוֹעֵ֑ד וַיַּ֣עַל עָלָ֗יו אֶת־הָעֹלָה֙ וְאֶת־הַמִּנְחָ֔ה כַּאֲשֶׁ֛ר צִוָּ֥ה יְהֹוָ֖ה אֶת־מֹשֶֽׁה׃ {ס}        

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Parasha Commentary

Placement of the Altar

The verse states that the altar of burnt offering was placed at the entrance of the Mishkan (Tabernacle). Rashi (Exodus 40:6) explains that this positioning was deliberate—placing the altar outside the Mishkan proper, yet near its entrance, symbolized that sacrifices serve as a preparatory step before entering the sacred space. The altar's location teaches that one must first atone and draw close to Hashem through korbanot (offerings) before approaching deeper levels of holiness.

The Offerings: Olah and Mincha

The verse mentions two offerings: the olah (burnt offering) and the mincha (meal offering). The Rambam (Hilchot Maaseh HaKorbanot 1:3) explains that the olah is entirely consumed on the altar, representing complete devotion to Hashem. The mincha, made of fine flour, signifies humility and gratitude, as it is a modest offering compared to animal sacrifices. Together, they reflect different aspects of divine service—total commitment and humble acknowledgment of Hashem's benevolence.

Fulfillment of Divine Command

The phrase "as the Lord commanded Moshe" underscores the precision required in avodat Hashem (divine service). The Midrash Tanchuma (Pekudei 11) emphasizes that every detail of the Mishkan's construction and service was executed exactly as instructed, demonstrating Moshe's unwavering obedience and the importance of adhering to halachah (Jewish law) without deviation. This principle applies to all mitzvot, teaching that fulfillment must align precisely with divine will.

Symbolism of the Altar's Position

  • Gateway to Holiness: The altar at the entrance signifies that korbanot are a means of spiritual purification before entering the Mishkan (Sforno, Exodus 40:6).
  • Accessibility: Placing it outside ensured that all could approach, reflecting that repentance and atonement are available to every Jew (Malbim, Exodus 40:29).
  • Separation of Sacred Spaces: The outer altar distinguished between the courtyard (where sacrifices occurred) and the inner sanctum (reserved for higher levels of kedushah, holiness) (Zohar, Terumah 165a).

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the significance of placing the altar at the entrance of the Tabernacle?
A: According to Rashi (Exodus 40:29), the altar was placed at the entrance of the Tabernacle to teach that sacrifices must be brought with proper intention and focus as one enters the sacred space. The location serves as a reminder that coming close to Hashem requires preparation and sincerity.
Q: Why does the verse mention both the burnt offering (olah) and the meal offering (mincha)?
A: The burnt offering (olah) and meal offering (mincha) represent different aspects of service to Hashem. The olah is entirely consumed on the altar, symbolizing complete dedication, while the mincha (made of flour) represents gratitude and humility. Together, they show the balance between devotion and thankfulness in serving Hashem (based on Rambam's teachings in Hilchot Maaseh HaKorbanot).
Q: What lesson can we learn from the phrase 'as Hashem commanded Moshe' in this verse?
A: The repetition of 'as Hashem commanded Moshe' emphasizes the importance of following divine instructions precisely, especially in matters of holiness. The Talmud (Eruvin 54a) teaches that Moshe's exact fulfillment of Hashem's commands sets an example for all Jews to adhere meticulously to Torah laws and traditions.
Q: How does this verse relate to prayer today, since we no longer have the Tabernacle?
A: The Midrash (Tanchuma Tzav 14) explains that after the Temple's destruction, prayer replaced sacrifices. Just as the altar was placed at the entrance to the Tabernacle, we prepare our hearts when beginning prayer (like the 'korban olah'), and express gratitude (like the 'mincha'). The verse teaches that our prayers should be offered with the same focus and devotion as the original sacrifices.