Study Guide to Parasha Vayakhel - Pekudei
Parasha Vayakhel-Pekudei
· Exodus 35:1-40:38 · 1 Kings 7:13-26, 40-8:21 · Hebrews 9:1-11, 8:1-12
The Torah Portion at a Glance Moses assembles the people of Israel and reiterates to them the commandment to observe the Shabbat. He then conveys YHWH's instructions regarding the making of the Mishkan (Tabernacle). The people donate the required materials in abundance, bringing gold, silver, copper, blue, purple and red-dyed wool, goat hair, spun linen, animal skins, wood, olive oil, herbs and precious stones. Moses has to tell them to stop giving.
A team of wise-hearted artisans make the Mishkan and its furnishings (as detailed in the previous Torah readings of Terumah, Tetzaveh and Ki Tisa): three layers of roof coverings; 48 gold-plated wall panels, and 100 silver foundation sockets; the Parochet (veil) that separates between the Sanctuary's two chambers and the Masach (screen) that fronts it; the Ark and its cover with the Cherubim; the Table and its Showbread; the seven-branched Menorah with its specially-prepared oil; and the Golden Altar and the incense burned on it; the Anointing Oil; the outdoor Altar for Burnt Offerings and all its implements; the hangings, posts and foundation sockets for the Courtyard; and the Basin and its pedestal, made out of copper mirrors.
(adapted from chabad.org)
The Messiah in the Torah Portion In the Mishkan (tabernacle) was a veil that separated the holy place from the Holy of Holies. In the Holy of Holies was placed the ark of the covenant along with the mercy seat. It was here that YHWH would meet with Israel and specifically with the High Priest once a year. It was here that the manifest presence of YHWH would fill the temple with glory. It was here that the cloud by day and fire by night would ascend. The mishkan and the temple were the center of religious life of the Hebrew people. The veil was an important part of the mishkan for it guarded the holy of holies form profanity. Historians have argued about the size and thickness of the veil, but it is commonly accepted that it was at least 60 feet high, four inches thick and horses toed to each side could not pull it apart. "Now the first covenant had regulations for worship and also an earthly sanctuary. A tabernacle was set up. In its first room were the lampstand, the table and the consecrated bread; this was called the Holy Place. Behind the second curtain was a room called the Most Holy Place, which had the golden altar of incense and the gold-covered ark of the covenant. This ark contained the gold jar of manna, Aaron's staff that had budded, and the stone tablets of the covenant. Above the ark were the cherubim of the Glory, overshadowing the atonement cover. But we cannot discuss these things in detail now. When everything had been arranged like this, the priests entered regularly into the outer room to carry on their ministry. But only the high priest entered the inner room, and that only once a year, and never without blood, which he offered for himself and for the sins the people had committed in ignorance. The Holy Spirit was showing by this that the way into the Most Holy Place had not yet been disclosed as long as the first tabernacle was still standing. This is an illustration for the present time, indicating that the gifts and sacrifices being offered were not able to clear the conscience of the worshiper," Hebrews 9:1-9
The veil was symbolic of sin. The word "veil" itself means to separate. This is exactly what sin does - it puts a boundary between us and YHWH. Whatsmore, the angels that were woven into the veil were symbolic of the angels that were placed at the entrance of the Garden of Eden after the fall of Adam. The death and resurrection of the Messiah split the veil and allowed access for all people into the presence of YHWH. The power of Y'shua split the veil from top to bottom. "And when Y'shua had cried out again in a loud voice, he gave up his spirit. At that moment the curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. The earth shook and the rocks split. The tombs broke open and the bodies of many holy people who had died were raised to life. They came out of the tombs, and after Y'shua' resurrection they went into the holy city and appeared to many people," Matthew 27:50-51. Praise Y'shua for his gift of eternal life through His life, death and resurrection. Now, through Messiah we can each go behind the veil and experience the presence of YHWH. Heb 10:19-22 Therefore, brethren, having boldness to enter the Holiest by the blood of Y'shua, by a new and living way which He consecrated for us, through the veil, that is, His flesh, and having a High Priest over the house of YHWH, let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water.
Applying the Portion to Life Today Actually our reading is two readings, the two portions that take up the last few chapters of the book of Shemot. First of all, the first of our two readings is called "Vayak'hel" which in Hebrew literally means, "assembled." Our portion begins with Moshe getting the people of Yisra'el together for the construction of the dwelling place of the Most High. Moshe speaks to the k'halel (assembly) about a free will offering for the items to make the mishkan. He also reminds the people about the Shabbat. As extremely important as it was for the tabernacle to be made, it was even more important for the Sabbath day of rest to be kept.
Moshe's pep rally was to set priorities, and the Shabbat is definitely a priority. At my restaurant I also make the Shabbat a main concern. Though Saturday is usually the busiest day of the week for our sales, it is one day that the store can do without the General Manager. There is a time to work and a time for rest. This was true at creation, it was true during the building of the tabernacle, and it is true today.
For the Yisraelites, the mishkan would not fall into their laps simply because they had faith in YHWH. No, it had to be built from top to bottom with their contributions and through their works.
The Scriptures say that "everyone whose heart stirred him and everyone whose spirit made him willing brought YHWH's offerings...both men and women," Shemot 35:21,22. While many donated the necessary contributions, other people were singled out as skilled artisans to do the actual construction. These craftsmen were "endowed with the wisdom and skill necessary to carry out the work needed for the sanctuary," Shemot 36:1.
Just as the people were stirred in their hearts to give, B'tzal'el and Oholi'av were stirred in their hearts by the Ruach HaKodesh to work. Everyone had a part to play and everyone played their part. Accomplishing anything, from making the grandiose tabernacle to satisfying hungry customers takes skill and teamwork. Not just anyone could mold the many pounds of gold into the menorah, and believe it or not, not everyone can make a Big Mac or station the front counter register. It takes the right people working together to do anything of worth. Success comes in knowing what to do, having the proper skills or skilled people, and then doing it. Things come together when people come together.
Attention to the smallest details had to be given while constructing the sanctuary. The craftsmen could not take a lot of "artistic license" when doing their job. They were given very specific blue prints to produce an earthly copy of the heavenly model that Moshe had seen. The ark of acacia-wood HAD to be "three-and-three quarters feet long, two-and-a-quarter feet wide and two-and-a quarter feet high," Shemot 37:1. The ark could not be off by a foot, an inch, or a centimeter. The precision used in building the sanctuary is a reminder about how much the little things matter.
The world will tell you, "don't sweat the small stuff," but Y'shua says, "Anyone who breaks one of the LEAST of these commandments and teaches others to do the same will be called least in the kingdom of heaven, but whoever practices and teaches these commands will be called great in the kingdom of heaven," Mattitiyahu 5:19. Obedience in even the little things count to YHWH. Details are what make up the bigger picture...Did you know that most chain restaurants have picky inspections that should be completed on a weekly basis? Our unit just passed a sanitation inspection that scrutinized over 180 areas for cleanliness. What you do, how you obey YHWH in the small things (in the details) is what you will do with "bigger" issues. How you act in the dark will be seen in the light. The thoughts you really believe will become the words you eventually say. Didn't Y'shua teach that as we are faithful in the smaller things then we would be ruler over the greater? It does matter how many pickles go on a whopper. It does matter if you wear your tzittzit. It is important that you eat only kosher food. we as Torah keepers be concerned about our tongue, our honesty, and our witness?
Our Torah Parasha(s) continue as the finishing touches are made to the place of meeting. The priestly garments are hemmed, the copper is polished, and the anointing oil is mixed. Finally, Moshe is presented with the pieces of the Mishkan. "And when Moshe saw that they had performed all the tasks - as YHWH had commanded, so they had done - Moshe blessed them," Shemot 39:43. Moshe blessed their work. And YHWH would soon bless their work. Obedience is always awarded with blessing.
The tabernacle would be set up on the first day of the first month, the month of Aviv. On this day the cloud of YHWH's presence moved from the Mount to the Mishkan. All Yisra'el saw His glory in the cloud above their work. Through their trusting and faithful obedience, the mishkan accomplished its purpose to welcome the presence of the Almighty. And so this portion and this sefer (book) end on a high note. The people who once built for Pharaoh have now made the mishkan for YHWH. The sin of the golden calf has been forgiven. The mishkan has been built correctly through generous donations. YHWH now resides amidst the people. Moshe can't even enter the tabernacle because of YHWH's presence being so great. It's amazing what happens when you do something right!
Portion Points to Ponder - What does the Hebrew name of this Torah portion mean?
- The portion recounts the death of Sarah and not her life. Why was it named such?
- Read the Haftarah portion of 1 Kings 1:1-31. How does this relate to this week's Torah portion?
- Read the Newer Testament sections of Matthew 1:1-17. Why were these passages chosen to correspond to this week's reading? What did you learn from these words?
- What did you learn from this Torah portion?
- How can you apply this portion to your life and faith?
- Who can you share the message of this portion with this week?
- How is the true seventh day Sabbath counted?
- Why is the prohibition against doing work on Shabbat written prior to the instruction for building the Mishkan?
- Why would YHWH forbid someone from lighting a fire on the Sabbath? How does this command apply today?
- Why does the Torah specify the particular prohibition of lighting a fire on Shabbat right after it had already noted the general prohibition of doing work on Shabbat?
- The offerings given in this week's portion were free willings gifts from kind hearts. How did this allow everyone to be involved?
- Who gave the offering to the tabernacle?
- Where did the exslaves get the gold jewelry and fine linen used for the offering and subsequently used for the mishkan?
- Why (notwithstanding the discussion above) were further donations to the Tabernacle no longer welcome - or even acceptable? Running the Tabernacle, as well as building it, was undoubtedly an expensive business. The excess contributions could surely have been traded into the funds needed for the costly daily and special-occasion communal offerings.
- In what manner was the free-willed Terumah collected?
- For what was the woven goat's hair used?
- Where would the Israelites get the acacia wood if they were traveling on foot from Egypt?
- Who did YHWH call by name to build the tabernacle?
- Describe the Hebrew words used to explain the wisdom, knowledge, and understanding used by the tabernacles artisans.
- Did Batzael make everything for the mishkan himself or did he teach others to do so? How should we teach others our personal skills?
- What is the meaning of the name Bezalel?
- How did the artisans know how to prepare the items for the mishkan? Was this a talent or supernatural blessing?
- Did the people give enough offerings for the tabernacle? What did Moshe eventually have to do with the offering?
- What type of curtains were used in the tabernacle? What sizes? What materials were used?
- Why is the word Mishkan stated twice in verse 38:21?
- Why were animal skins used in the Mishkan for a ceiling?
- The wood boards in the tabernacle are symbolic of what?
- How was the veil made "with cherubim?" What does this mean? How did the artists know what angels look like?
- What colors were used in the veil and the curtain doors? What are these colors symbolic of?
- What shape was the ark of the covenant? Why is this important?
- Why would YHWH command the ark to be carried by poles and rings? What happened if a person touched the ark?
- How many pieces of gold were used to make the angels that were on top of the mercy seat?
- What was the purpose of the golden table?
- What materials was the menorah made from? Why was this material chosen and not iron or brass?
- Explain the height, size, and design of the menorah.
- Why does the Torah enumerate the quantities of precious metal used for the Mishkan?
- Explain the height, size, and design of the incense altar. What was this altar used for?
- Why would brass be chosen for use on the sacrificial table?
- From what tribe was the craftsman Betzael a descendent from? What about Oliav?
- What colored garments did the priests wear?
- What stones were used according to the names of Israel on the breast plate?
- What can we learn from YHWH giving exact instructions to Moses about the tabernacle and priestly garments? Does YHWh care about what kind of garments we wear today?
- What does "kadosh le YHWH" or "holy to YHWH" mean to you? Where was this phrase placed on the high priest? What do you think this phrase meant to Moses and Aharon?
- How did Moshe respond to the finished work of the mishkan? Was this a one person job or were many people involved?
- On what exact date was the tabernacle set up for the first time? Why is this important?
- How were priests anointed and set apart at the tabernacle?
- What parts of the body did Aharon and his sons wash in Exodus 40. Compare this to the words of Peter as the Messiah went to wash his feet in the Gospels.
- What happened when Moshe and Israel set up the mishkan? How did YHWH respond to their efforts?
- Where in the Scriptures do we also read of YHWH filling the temple or tabernacle with His glory?
- How was the presence of YHWH a visible sign to the camp of Israel of when to move and when to be still?
- Go through the parasha and list the professions which were employed for the construction of the Mishkan. Are these professions enough to ensure the functioning of society?
- When was the Mishkan erected permanently?
The Open Bible is a teaching series written by Daniel Rendelman of Emet Ministries. Find more teachings, audio messages, videos, and music at www.emetministries.com. Daniel Rendelman is the found and leader of Emet Ministries and the author of the book "Finding the Truth." He, his wife, and five children live inNewberry, South Carolina. He can be reached at emetministries@gmail.com.
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