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Numbers 7:85 - Silver sanctifies sacred service

Numbers 7:85 - במדבר 7:85

Hebrew Text

שְׁלֹשִׁים וּמֵאָה הַקְּעָרָה הָאַחַת כֶּסֶף וְשִׁבְעִים הַמִּזְרָק הָאֶחָד כֹּל כֶּסֶף הַכֵּלִים אַלְפַּיִם וְאַרְבַּע־מֵאוֹת בְּשֶׁקֶל הַקֹּדֶשׁ׃

English Translation

each dish of silver weighing a hundred and thirty shekels, each bowl seventy: all the silver vessels weighed two thousand four hundred shekels, after the shekel of the sanctuary:

Transliteration

Shloshim ume'a hake'ara ha'ahat kesef veshiv'im hamizrak ha'echad kol kesef hakelim alpaim ve'arba-me'ot beshekel hakodesh.

Hebrew Leining Text

שְׁלֹשִׁ֣ים וּמֵאָ֗ה הַקְּעָרָ֤ה הָֽאַחַת֙ כֶּ֔סֶף וְשִׁבְעִ֖ים הַמִּזְרָ֣ק הָאֶחָ֑ד כֹּ֚ל כֶּ֣סֶף הַכֵּלִ֔ים אַלְפַּ֥יִם וְאַרְבַּע־מֵא֖וֹת בְּשֶׁ֥קֶל הַקֹּֽדֶשׁ׃
שְׁלֹשִׁ֣ים וּמֵאָ֗ה הַקְּעָרָ֤ה הָֽאַחַת֙ כֶּ֔סֶף וְשִׁבְעִ֖ים הַמִּזְרָ֣ק הָאֶחָ֑ד כֹּ֚ל כֶּ֣סֶף הַכֵּלִ֔ים אַלְפַּ֥יִם וְאַרְבַּע־מֵא֖וֹת בְּשֶׁ֥קֶל הַקֹּֽדֶשׁ׃

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Parasha Commentary

Context of the Verse

This verse appears in Bamidbar (Numbers) 7:13, describing the offerings brought by the tribal leaders (Nesi'im) during the dedication of the Mishkan (Tabernacle). Each leader brought identical silver and gold vessels as part of their voluntary contributions. The verse specifies the weight of the silver vessels—dishes (ke'arah) and bowls (mizrak)—and their total value in shekels of the sanctuary.

Explanation of the Weights

Rashi (on Bamidbar 7:13) explains that the 130-shekel silver dish (ke'arah) and the 70-shekel bowl (mizrak) correspond to the years of our forefathers:

  • The 130 shekels allude to the age of Yitzchak (Isaac) when Yaakov (Jacob) was born (since Yitzchak was 60 at Yaakov's birth, and Yaakov spent 70 years in Charan before returning to Eretz Yisrael—60 + 70 = 130).
  • The 70 shekels represent the 70 souls of Yaakov's family who descended to Egypt (as listed in Bereishit 46).

Significance of the Sanctuary Shekel

The phrase "after the shekel of the sanctuary" (בְּשֶׁקֶל הַקֹּדֶשׁ) indicates that these weights were measured according to the sacred standard used for holy contributions. The Rambam (Hilchot Shekalim 1:3) explains that the sanctuary shekel was a fixed, divinely ordained measurement, ensuring uniformity in donations for the Mishkan and later the Beit HaMikdash.

Symbolism of the Silver Vessels

The Midrash (Bamidbar Rabbah 13:14) teaches that the silver vessels symbolize the Torah and its wisdom:

  • The dish (ke'arah) represents the oral Torah (Torah She'ba'al Peh), which is broad and deep like a dish.
  • The bowl (mizrak) symbolizes the written Torah (Torah She'bichtav), which is poured forth like a libation.

Total Weight: 2,400 Shekels

The total weight of 2,400 shekels (130 + 70 = 200 per leader, multiplied by 12 tribes) reflects the unity of Klal Yisrael in their dedication to the Mishkan. The Kli Yakar (Bamidbar 7:13) notes that this number also hints at the 24 books of Tanach, emphasizing that the offerings were given with the spirit of Torah.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the significance of the silver vessels mentioned in Numbers 7:85?
A: The silver vessels (ke'arah - dish and mizrak - bowl) were part of the donations brought by the tribal leaders for the dedication of the Mishkan (Tabernacle). Rashi explains that these vessels were used in the sacrificial service, symbolizing the unity and commitment of the tribes to the service of Hashem.
Q: Why are the weights of the silver vessels specified in the Torah?
A: The Torah specifies the weights to emphasize the exactness and sincerity of the offerings. The Rambam teaches that every detail in the Mishkan's construction and its vessels had spiritual significance, and precise measurements reflect the importance of dedicating our best to divine service.
Q: What is the 'shekel of the sanctuary' mentioned in this verse?
A: The 'shekel of the sanctuary' (shekel hakodesh) was a standardized weight used for holy contributions. The Talmud (Bechorot 50a) explains that this shekel was different from regular currency and was used exclusively for sacred purposes, ensuring fairness and sanctity in donations.
Q: How does this verse relate to giving charity or donations today?
A: This verse teaches the importance of giving generously and precisely for sacred causes. Just as the tribal leaders donated specific amounts for the Mishkan, we are encouraged to give tzedakah (charity) with sincerity and according to our means, as the Shulchan Aruch (Yoreh De'ah 249) outlines.
Q: What lesson can we learn from the tribal leaders bringing identical offerings?
A: The Midrash (Bamidbar Rabbah 13:15) highlights that although each leader brought the same offering, each was considered unique and precious before Hashem. This teaches that sincere devotion, not the quantity of the gift, is what truly matters in serving G-d.