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Numbers 7:50 - Golden spoon's incense mystery

Numbers 7:50 - במדבר 7:50

Hebrew Text

כַּף אַחַת עֲשָׂרָה זָהָב מְלֵאָה קְטֹרֶת׃

English Translation

one golden spoon of ten shekels, full of incense:

Transliteration

Kaf achat asara zahav mle'a ketoret

Hebrew Leining Text

כַּ֥ף אַחַ֛ת עֲשָׂרָ֥ה זָהָ֖ב מְלֵאָ֥ה קְטֹֽרֶת׃
כַּ֥ף אַחַ֛ת עֲשָׂרָ֥ה זָהָ֖ב מְלֵאָ֥ה קְטֹֽרֶת׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

The Golden Spoon (Kaf Achas) in the Temple Service

The verse describes a golden spoon (kaf achas) weighing ten shekels, filled with incense (ketoret). This utensil was used in the Beit HaMikdash (Holy Temple) as part of the sacred service. Rashi (on Shemot 25:29) explains that the kaf was a shallow vessel used for measuring and offering the incense, emphasizing its precise weight and sanctity.

Significance of the Ten Shekels

The weight of ten shekels holds symbolic meaning. The Midrash (Bamidbar Rabbah 14:11) connects this to the Ten Commandments, suggesting that the incense offering parallels the acceptance of Torah. Rambam (Hilchot Klei HaMikdash 2:4) notes that all Temple vessels had specific measurements, reflecting divine precision in avodah (service).

The Incense (Ketoret) and Its Spiritual Meaning

The ketoret represents unity and atonement. The Talmud (Keritot 6b) teaches that the incense atoned for lashon hara (evil speech), as its rising smoke symbolizes prayers ascending to heaven. The Zohar (II:218b) further elaborates that the blending of its ingredients reflects harmony among the Jewish people.

  • Material: Gold signifies purity and enduring value, as the kaf was used daily (Menachot 88a).
  • Measure: Ten shekels allude to completeness, echoing the ten spheres of holiness (Sefer Yetzirah 1:4).
  • Function: The spoon’s exclusive use for incense teaches the importance of designated holiness in divine service (Malbim on Bamidbar 7:14).

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does the 'golden spoon full of incense' represent in Numbers 7:50?
A: According to Rashi (Numbers 7:14), the golden spoon (kaf) and incense (ketoret) were part of the offerings brought by the tribal leaders during the dedication of the Mishkan (Tabernacle). The incense symbolizes prayer and devotion, as our Sages teach that the ketoret was especially beloved before Hashem (Talmud Yoma 44a).
Q: Why was the spoon made of gold in this verse?
A: Gold represents purity and holiness in Jewish tradition. The Rambam (Hilchot Klei HaMikdash 1:2) explains that vessels used in divine service were made from gold to reflect their sacred purpose. The golden spoon holding incense shows the importance of serving Hashem with the finest materials available.
Q: What practical lesson can we learn from the incense offering in Numbers 7:50?
A: The Midrash (Bamidbar Rabbah 13:14) teaches that just as the incense rises upward, our prayers and good deeds should ascend to Heaven. The verse reminds us that our service to Hashem - like the incense - should be complete ('full') and offered with beautiful vessels (gold), meaning we should serve with our best efforts and full devotion.