share torah logo

Exodus 40:6 - Altar before Divine Presence

Exodus 40:6 - שמות 40:6

Hebrew Text

וְנָתַתָּה אֵת מִזְבַּח הָעֹלָה לִפְנֵי פֶּתַח מִשְׁכַּן אֹהֶל־מוֹעֵד׃

English Translation

And thou shalt set the altar of the burnt offering before the door of the tabernacle of the Tent of Meeting.

Transliteration

Venatata et mizbeach ha'olah lifnei petach mishkan ohel mo'ed.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְנָ֣תַתָּ֔ה אֵ֖ת מִזְבַּ֣ח הָעֹלָ֑ה לִפְנֵ֕י פֶּ֖תַח מִשְׁכַּ֥ן אֹֽהֶל־מוֹעֵֽד׃
וְנָ֣תַתָּ֔ה אֵ֖ת מִזְבַּ֣ח הָעֹלָ֑ה לִפְנֵ֕י פֶּ֖תַח מִשְׁכַּ֥ן אֹֽהֶל־מוֹעֵֽד׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Placement of the Altar

The verse (Shemot 40:6) commands placing the mizbeach ha'olah (altar of burnt offering) "before the door of the tabernacle of the Tent of Meeting." Rashi explains that this positioning was deliberate—the altar stood directly facing the entrance of the Mishkan, ensuring that those bringing offerings would encounter it immediately upon approaching the sacred space. This placement symbolizes that atonement (achieved through korbanot) is a prerequisite for drawing closer to the Divine Presence.

Symbolism of the Altar's Location

The Midrash (Tanchuma, Terumah 11) elaborates that the altar's proximity to the entrance teaches that one must first rectify their actions (tikun hama'asim) before entering deeper into spiritual service. The Rambam (Hilchot Beit HaBechirah 2:5) further emphasizes that the altar's central role in the Mishkan reflects its function as the focal point of communal and individual repentance.

Halachic Implications

  • Orientation: The Talmud (Zevachim 59a) discusses the precise measurements of the altar's placement, noting it was slightly offset from the exact center to allow space for the kohanim to perform their duties.
  • Spiritual Hierarchy: The Kli Yakar highlights that the altar's position—outside the Mishkan proper but within its courtyard—mirrors the progression from physical service (korbanot) to spiritual elevation (entering the Mishkan).

Connection to the Tent of Meeting

The phrase "Ohel Mo'ed" (Tent of Meeting) underscores the altar's role in facilitating dialogue between Hashem and Bnei Yisrael. As the Sforno notes, the offerings brought on this altar were not merely ritual acts but a means to "meet" the Divine, reinforcing the covenantal relationship.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Zevachim 59a
The verse is discussed in relation to the placement of the altar and its significance in the Tabernacle service.
📖 Menachot 98a
Referenced in a discussion about the positioning of the altar and its proximity to the entrance of the Tabernacle.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the significance of placing the altar before the entrance of the Tabernacle?
A: According to Rashi, placing the altar of burnt offerings before the entrance of the Tabernacle symbolizes that atonement and service to Hashem must come first before entering His presence. The altar represents repentance and dedication, which are prerequisites for spiritual connection.
Q: Why was the altar specifically for burnt offerings placed at the entrance?
A: The Rambam explains in the Mishneh Torah (Hilchot Beit HaBechirah) that the burnt offering (olah) represents complete devotion to Hashem, as the entire offering is consumed on the altar. Placing it at the entrance teaches that total commitment to serving Hashem is the foundation of entering the sacred space of the Tabernacle.
Q: What lesson can we learn today from the placement of the altar?
A: The Midrash Tanchuma teaches that just as the altar stood at the entrance of the Tabernacle, so too should our acts of kindness, prayer, and repentance stand at the 'entrance' of our daily lives—prioritizing our relationship with Hashem before all else. This reminds us to begin each day with spiritual awareness.
Q: How does this verse relate to the structure of the Mishkan (Tabernacle)?
A: The Talmud (Zevachim 59a) discusses how the altar's placement was part of the precise Divine blueprint for the Mishkan. Being directly in front of the entrance created a clear path from atonement (altar) to holiness (inner Mishkan), showing the step-by-step process of drawing closer to Hashem through proper service.