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TERUMAH
Exodus
25:1-27:19
1 Kings
5:26-6:13
Matthew
5:33-37
We devote
the rest of the book of Exodus to the preparation and construction of the
Mishkan, or dwelling place of God, with the exception of the Golden Calf
incidence. To those of us whose language is mostly English we know it as
the Tabernacle.
As I read the
Parasha and commentary I came across an interesting article in the Stone
addition of Chumash (five books of Torah). The article mentions, according
to the Torah commentator Sforno that the Tabernacle was built because the
people fell into idolatry. Further he writes that ideally no "Temple" was
needed, because after the revelation of the Torah at Mt. Sinai every one
present on the Mount was to have the Shechinah, G-d's presence, upon
them. Therefore the command by G-d thru Moshe came, that a Tabernacle was
to be built and carried with the children of Israel throughout their
journey to the Promised Land. This is where they would meet G-d. G-d
Himself would lead them on their journey.
A question
might arise as to why would G-d stay around slaves that were to do nothing
but bring heartache to Him, as we shall see in future readings. For this
we have to go back into the very beginning of time (Genesis 3:8;
5:22-24; 6:9; 17:1) where it is stated that G-d walked with His
people.
Here in
Exodus, He wanted to dwell with His people. As time went on G-d had
several places where His Shechinah dwelt. These include the Tabernacle and
Solomon's Temple. Messiah made it possible for G-d's people to once again
be worthy to be the “Temple” in which G-d's presence would dwell as His
people are built together into a dwelling of G-d in the Spirit, (Ephesians
2:21-22). We also see that G-d's presence will be eternally with His
people (Revelations 21:22).
Since the
Shechinah dwells within our Temple, let us be worthy as His people, built
together as a dwelling place for the Ruach. Let us walk according to His
will and be aware that He is always with us.
Shavua Tov
Rabbi Z.
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