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Numbers 7:80 - Golden spoon's incense mystery?

Numbers 7:80 - במדבר 7:80

Hebrew Text

כַּף אַחַת עֲשָׂרָה זָהָב מְלֵאָה קְטֹרֶת׃

English Translation

one golden spoon of ten shekels, full of incense:

Transliteration

Kaf achat asara zahav mele'a ktoret

Hebrew Leining Text

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

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Explanation of the Verse

The verse "כַּף אַחַת עֲשָׂרָה זָהָב מְלֵאָה קְטֹרֶת" (one golden spoon of ten shekels, full of incense) appears in the context of the offerings brought by the tribal leaders (נשיאי ישראל) during the dedication of the Mishkan (Tabernacle), as recorded in Bamidbar (Numbers 7:14). This was part of the gifts brought by Nachshon ben Aminadav, the prince of the tribe of Yehudah.

Symbolism of the Golden Spoon (כַּף זָהָב)

Rashi explains that the כַּף (spoon) was a vessel used for holding the קטרת (incense). The fact that it was made of gold signifies the preciousness of the service in the Mishkan. The Ramban adds that gold represents purity and enduring value, reflecting the eternal nature of the Divine service.

Weight of Ten Shekels (עֲשָׂרָה זָהָב)

The weight of the spoon—ten shekels—carries symbolic meaning. The number ten is significant in Jewish tradition, representing completeness, as seen in:

  • The Ten Commandments (עשרת הדברות)
  • The Ten Utterances of Creation (עשרה מאמרות)
  • The Ten Tests of Avraham (עשרה נסיונות של אברהם)

The Midrash Tanchuma suggests that the ten shekels allude to the Ten Sefirot (Divine emanations) through which Hashem governs the world.

The Incense (קְטֹרֶת)

The ketoret (incense) was a sacred blend of spices offered daily in the Mishkan and later in the Beit HaMikdash. The Talmud (Keritot 6b) teaches that the ketoret had the power to atone for sins, particularly lashon hara (evil speech), as the word קטרת shares a root with "כתר" (crown), symbolizing elevation and spiritual refinement.

Spiritual Lessons

The Kli Yakar highlights that the spoon being full of incense teaches that our service to Hashem must be complete and wholehearted, without any lack. Additionally, the Sforno notes that the incense represents the hidden, inner devotion of a person, as its fragrance ascends quietly, unlike the visible smoke of other offerings.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does the golden spoon with incense represent in Numbers 7:80?
A: The golden spoon (כַּף זָהָב) filled with incense (קְטֹרֶת) was part of the offerings brought by the tribal leaders during the dedication of the Mishkan (Tabernacle). According to Rashi, this specific offering symbolized the importance of prayer and spiritual service, as incense represents the prayers of Israel ascending to Heaven (based on Psalms 141:2).
Q: Why was the spoon made of gold in this verse?
A: Gold represents purity and permanence in Jewish tradition. The Rambam explains that all vessels used in the Mishkan service were made of gold or overlaid with gold to show honor and respect for the Divine service. The golden spoon specifically held the sacred incense, which was only used for the holiest purposes.
Q: What is the significance of the incense offering mentioned in Numbers 7:80?
A: The incense (ketoret) had special significance in the Temple service. The Talmud (Keritot 6b) teaches that the incense atoned for lashon hara (evil speech) and promoted unity among the Jewish people. The offering of incense in the golden spoon showed the leaders' commitment to these spiritual values during the Mishkan's dedication.
Q: How does this verse about the incense offering apply to us today?
A: Although we don't have the Temple service today, the Midrash (Tanchuma Tetzaveh 15) teaches that our daily prayers correspond to the incense offerings. Just as the incense created a pleasing fragrance before Hashem, our sincere prayers and good deeds create spiritual elevation. The golden spoon reminds us to approach prayer with the same care and preciousness as the Temple service.