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Exodus 40:33 - Completion of sacred space

Exodus 40:33 - שמות 40:33

Hebrew Text

וַיָּקֶם אֶת־הֶחָצֵר סָבִיב לַמִּשְׁכָּן וְלַמִּזְבֵּחַ וַיִּתֵּן אֶת־מָסַךְ שַׁעַר הֶחָצֵר וַיְכַל מֹשֶׁה אֶת־הַמְּלָאכָה׃

English Translation

And he erected the court round about the tabernacle and the altar, and set up the screen of the court gate. So Moshe finished the work.

Transliteration

Vayakem et-hachetsev saviv lamishkan velamizbe'ach vayiten et-masach sha'ar hachetsev vayechal Moshe et-hamelacha.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיָּ֣קֶם אֶת־הֶחָצֵ֗ר סָבִיב֙ לַמִּשְׁכָּ֣ן וְלַמִּזְבֵּ֔חַ וַיִּתֵּ֕ן אֶת־מָסַ֖ךְ שַׁ֣עַר הֶחָצֵ֑ר וַיְכַ֥ל מֹשֶׁ֖ה אֶת־הַמְּלָאכָֽה׃ <span class="mam-spi-pe">{פ}</span><br>
וַיָּ֣קֶם אֶת־הֶחָצֵ֗ר סָבִיב֙ לַמִּשְׁכָּ֣ן וְלַמִּזְבֵּ֔חַ וַיִּתֵּ֕ן אֶת־מָסַ֖ךְ שַׁ֣עַר הֶחָצֵ֑ר וַיְכַ֥ל מֹשֶׁ֖ה אֶת־הַמְּלָאכָֽה׃ {פ}

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Parasha Commentary

Completion of the Mishkan's Construction

The verse (Shemot 40:33) describes Moshe Rabbeinu's final actions in erecting the Mishkan, emphasizing the completion of the sacred work. Rashi explains that the phrase "וַיְכַל מֹשֶׁה אֶת־הַמְּלָאכָה" ("So Moshe finished the work") parallels the language used in Bereishit 2:2 regarding Hashem's completion of Creation. This parallel teaches that just as Creation was brought to perfection by Hashem, so too was the Mishkan—a microcosm of the universe—completed with divine precision through Moshe.

The Significance of the Courtyard

The חָצֵר (courtyard) served as a boundary between the sacred space of the Mishkan and the outside world. Rambam (Hilchot Beit HaBechira 1:12) notes that the courtyard's enclosure symbolized separation for kedusha (holiness), ensuring that only those who were ritually pure could enter. The מָסַךְ שַׁעַר (screen of the court gate) further reinforced this distinction, acting as a physical and spiritual threshold.

Moshe's Role in the Mishkan's Erection

Midrash Tanchuma (Pekudei 11) highlights that Moshe personally erected the Mishkan, despite the involvement of Betzalel and Oholiav in its construction. This demonstrates Moshe's unique role as the intermediary between Hashem and Bnei Yisrael. The Talmud (Sotah 9a) adds that Moshe's completion of the work was accompanied by a bracha, akin to the sanctification of a mitzvah upon its fulfillment.

  • Symbolism of the Altar's Placement: The altar was positioned in the courtyard, signifying that korbanot (offerings) were a bridge between the physical and spiritual realms (Malbim).
  • Unity in Construction: The phrase "וַיְכַל מֹשֶׁה" underscores that the Mishkan's completion was a collective achievement, with Moshe unifying the contributions of all of Klal Yisrael (Ohr HaChaim).

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Exodus 40:33 mean?
A: Exodus 40:33 describes how Moshe completed the construction of the Mishkan (Tabernacle) by setting up the surrounding courtyard, the altar, and the screen for the courtyard gate. According to Rashi, this verse emphasizes that Moshe personally oversaw and completed every detail of the Mishkan as commanded by Hashem.
Q: Why is the completion of the Mishkan important?
A: The completion of the Mishkan is significant because it became the dwelling place for the Divine Presence (Shechinah) among the Israelites during their travels in the wilderness. The Rambam (Maimonides) teaches that the Mishkan served as a constant reminder of Hashem's closeness and the importance of serving Him with devotion.
Q: What can we learn from Moshe finishing the work of the Mishkan?
A: We learn from Moshe's actions the importance of fulfilling mitzvot (commandments) with precision and dedication. The Talmud (Sotah 9a) notes that Moshe's careful completion of the Mishkan teaches us that even great leaders must pay attention to every detail when performing Hashem's will.
Q: How does the Mishkan apply to us today?
A: While we no longer have the Mishkan, its lessons remain relevant. The Midrash (Tanchuma, Terumah 8) explains that just as the Mishkan was a place for holiness, every Jew should strive to make their home and heart a 'mikdash me'at' (a small sanctuary) for serving Hashem through Torah and mitzvot.
Q: What was the purpose of the courtyard screen mentioned in Exodus 40:33?
A: The screen (masach) at the courtyard gate served as a boundary to separate the holy space of the Mishkan from the outside. Rashi explains that this separation emphasized the sanctity of the area and ensured that only those who were ritually pure and properly prepared could enter to bring offerings or serve in the Mishkan.