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Leviticus 8:10 - Sanctifying the sacred space

Leviticus 8:10 - ויקרא 8:10

Hebrew Text

וַיִּקַּח מֹשֶׁה אֶת־שֶׁמֶן הַמִּשְׁחָה וַיִּמְשַׁח אֶת־הַמִּשְׁכָּן וְאֶת־כָּל־אֲשֶׁר־בּוֹ וַיְקַדֵּשׁ אֹתָם׃

English Translation

And Moshe took the anointing oil, and anointed the tabernacle and all that was in it, and sanctified them.

Transliteration

Vayikach Moshe et-shemen hamishcha vayimshach et-hamishkan ve'et kol asher-bo vayekadesh otam.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיִּקַּ֤ח מֹשֶׁה֙ אֶת־שֶׁ֣מֶן הַמִּשְׁחָ֔ה וַיִּמְשַׁ֥ח אֶת־הַמִּשְׁכָּ֖ן וְאֶת־כׇּל־אֲשֶׁר־בּ֑וֹ וַיְקַדֵּ֖שׁ אֹתָֽם׃
וַיִּקַּ֤ח מֹשֶׁה֙ אֶת־שֶׁ֣מֶן הַמִּשְׁחָ֔ה וַיִּמְשַׁ֥ח אֶת־הַמִּשְׁכָּ֖ן וְאֶת־כׇּל־אֲשֶׁר־בּ֑וֹ וַיְקַדֵּ֖שׁ אֹתָֽם׃

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Parasha Commentary

The Significance of Anointing the Mishkan

The verse (Shemot 40:9) describes Moshe anointing the Mishkan and its vessels with the shemen hamishchah (anointing oil) to sanctify them. According to Rashi, this act of anointing was a symbolic dedication, marking the transition of these objects from ordinary use to sacred service for Hashem. The Rambam (Hilchot Klei HaMikdash 1:5) explains that anointing with this special oil was a one-time event, reserved exclusively for the Mishkan, its vessels, and the Kohanim during their inauguration.

The Purpose of the Anointing Oil

The Midrash (Shemot Rabbah 35:1) teaches that the anointing oil was prepared with specific spices as commanded in Shemot 30:22-25, symbolizing the divine wisdom and spiritual elevation required for the Mishkan's service. The Talmud (Horayot 11b) notes that the oil was used sparingly, yet its sanctity was so great that it lasted for generations, even being used to anoint kings like David (see I Shmuel 16:13).

Moshe's Unique Role in the Anointing

Rashi (on Shemot 40:9) highlights that Moshe himself performed this anointing, emphasizing his unique role as the one who erected the Mishkan and initiated its service. The Ramban adds that Moshe acted as a malach (divine agent) in this process, ensuring that the sanctification was performed with the utmost precision according to Hashem's command. This act mirrored the divine presence descending upon the Mishkan, as described in the following verses.

Lessons from the Anointing Process

  • Kedushah Requires Preparation: The anointing teaches that sanctity is not automatic—it requires intentional action, as seen in Moshe's meticulous application of the oil (based on Sforno).
  • Leadership in Sanctification: Just as Moshe personally oversaw the Mishkan's inauguration, spiritual leaders must actively facilitate kedushah in their communities (derived from the Netziv's commentary).
  • Enduring Holiness: The lasting power of the anointing oil symbolizes that true kedushah, once established, has a perpetual impact (as discussed in Zohar Terumah 152a).

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Horayot 11b
The verse is cited in a discussion about the sanctification of the Tabernacle and its vessels, emphasizing the role of Moses in the anointing process.
📖 Keritot 5b
Referenced in the context of discussing the anointing oil and its use in consecrating the Tabernacle and its contents.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does it mean that Moshe anointed the Mishkan (Tabernacle) with oil?
A: The anointing oil (shemen hamishchah) was a special mixture used to consecrate holy objects and people for service to Hashem. By anointing the Mishkan and its vessels, Moshe sanctified them, setting them apart for holy use in the Divine service. This follows Hashem's command in Exodus 40:9-11.
Q: Why was anointing oil used for the Mishkan?
A: The oil represents wisdom and distinction (Rashi on Exodus 30:31). Anointing with oil showed that the Mishkan and its vessels were elevated to a higher spiritual level, ready to be used in avodat Hashem (service to G-d). The Rambam (Hilchot Klei HaMikdash 1:3) explains this was part of their inauguration process.
Q: What can we learn from Moshe anointing the Mishkan?
A: We learn the importance of preparing and sanctifying objects (and ourselves) before engaging in holy matters. Just as the Mishkan needed special preparation to become a dwelling place for the Divine Presence, we too must prepare properly when approaching mitzvot and spiritual matters (based on Midrash Tanchuma, Tzav 14).
Q: Does anointing with oil have significance today?
A: While we no longer have the original anointing oil, the concept remains important. We see echoes of this when we use oil for Chanukah candles (symbolizing sanctity), and in some communities for special occasions like weddings. The deeper message is about dedicating objects and ourselves to holiness (based on Talmud Bavli, Horayot 11b).
Q: What was in the special anointing oil?
A: The Torah (Exodus 30:22-25) describes it as containing olive oil mixed with four special spices: mor (myrrh), ketzia (cassia), shechelet (onycha), and kiddah (aromatic bark). The Talmud (Keritot 5a) discusses its unique preparation. This special blend could never be replicated for personal use (Exodus 30:32-33).