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Exodus 40:35 - Divine presence blocks entry.

Exodus 40:35 - שמות 40:35

Hebrew Text

וְלֹא־יָכֹל מֹשֶׁה לָבוֹא אֶל־אֹהֶל מוֹעֵד כִּי־שָׁכַן עָלָיו הֶעָנָן וּכְבוֹד יְהוָה מָלֵא אֶת־הַמִּשְׁכָּן׃

English Translation

And Moshe was not able to enter the Tent of Meeting, because the cloud rested on it, and the glory of the Lord filled the tabernacle.

Transliteration

Velo yachol Moshe lavo el-ohel moed ki shachan alav he'anan uchvod Adonai male et-hamishkan.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְלֹא־יָכֹ֣ל מֹשֶׁ֗ה לָבוֹא֙ אֶל־אֹ֣הֶל מוֹעֵ֔ד כִּֽי־שָׁכַ֥ן עָלָ֖יו הֶעָנָ֑ן וּכְב֣וֹד יְהֹוָ֔ה מָלֵ֖א אֶת־הַמִּשְׁכָּֽן׃
וְלֹא־יָכֹ֣ל מֹשֶׁ֗ה לָבוֹא֙ אֶל־אֹ֣הֶל מוֹעֵ֔ד כִּֽי־שָׁכַ֥ן עָלָ֖יו הֶעָנָ֑ן וּכְב֣וֹד יְהֹוָ֔ה מָלֵ֖א אֶת־הַמִּשְׁכָּֽן׃

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Parasha Commentary

The Cloud and the Glory of Hashem

The verse (Shemot 40:35) describes Moshe's inability to enter the Ohel Moed (Tent of Meeting) due to the divine cloud and the glory of Hashem filling the Mishkan. Rashi explains that this cloud was the same Anan HaKavod (Cloud of Glory) that rested upon Har Sinai during Matan Torah (Shmot 24:16). The presence of the Shechinah was so intense that even Moshe, who regularly communed with Hashem, could not enter at this moment.

Moshe's Unique Relationship with the Shechinah

Ramban (Nachmanides) notes that this was not a permanent state, as Moshe later entered the Mishkan to receive prophecy (Vayikra 1:1). The Talmud (Yoma 4b) teaches that the Shechinah's presence in the Mishkan mirrored its revelation at Sinai—both were accompanied by a cloud covering the area for six days before Hashem spoke to Moshe on the seventh. This parallel underscores the Mishkan as a continuation of Sinai's holiness.

The Significance of the Cloud

  • Divine Protection: The Midrash (Shemot Rabbah 45:6) compares the cloud to a chuppah, symbolizing Hashem's embrace of the Jewish people through the Mishkan.
  • Barrier of Holiness: The Sforno explains that the cloud acted as a boundary, emphasizing that even the greatest prophet must recognize the limits of approaching the Divine Presence.
  • Preparation for Prophecy: The Ohr HaChaim suggests that Moshe's temporary exclusion was a preparatory stage, allowing him to later enter with greater spiritual readiness.

Kabbalistic Insight

The Zohar (Terumah 159a) teaches that the cloud represents the Sefirah of Malchut, the divine attribute through which Hashem's glory becomes manifest in the physical world. The filling of the Mishkan with the Divine Presence symbolizes the ultimate purpose of creation—to make a dwelling place for Hashem below (Midrash Tanchuma, Naso 16).

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Yoma 4a
The verse is referenced in a discussion about the cloud of glory and its significance in relation to the Tent of Meeting and the Divine Presence.
📖 Sotah 5a
The verse is cited in a discussion about the humility of Moses and the honor bestowed upon him by the Divine Presence.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why couldn't Moshe enter the Tent of Meeting in Exodus 40:35?
A: According to Rashi, Moshe couldn't enter because the Divine Presence (Shechinah) and the cloud of glory were so intensely present in the Mishkan (Tabernacle) that even Moshe, who had a close relationship with Hashem, couldn't enter at that moment. This shows the overwhelming holiness of the space when filled with G-d's presence.
Q: What does the cloud represent in Exodus 40:35?
A: The cloud represents the Divine Presence (Shechinah) of Hashem, as explained in traditional Jewish sources. The Midrash teaches that this cloud was a visible sign of G-d's glory and protection over the Mishkan, similar to how a cloud guided the Israelites in the desert.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Moshe not being able to enter the Mishkan?
A: The Rambam teaches that this teaches us humility and respect for holy spaces. Even Moshe, the greatest prophet, had to wait until the Divine Presence allowed entry. This reminds us to approach places of worship and Torah study with proper reverence and awareness of G-d's holiness.
Q: How does Exodus 40:35 relate to the dedication of the Mishkan?
A: The Talmud (Shabbat 30a) explains that this verse describes the climax of the Mishkan's dedication - the moment when G-d's presence fully dwelled within it. The fact that even Moshe couldn't enter shows the successful completion of the Mishkan's construction according to divine will.
Q: Does this verse mean Moshe was never allowed in the Mishkan?
A: No, as Rashi explains, this was a temporary situation during the initial dedication. Later, when the cloud lifted slightly (as described in Numbers 7:89), Moshe was able to enter and communicate with Hashem in the Mishkan. This shows that G-d's presence had different levels of intensity at different times.