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This week’s Parasha is entitled T’rumah meaning “Contribution” and covers Exodus 25:1-27:19.
In chapter 25, Moses receives specific and detailed instructions from Adonai concerning the materials and construction of the Tabernacle, the dimensions of the courtyard and the placement of the items that will reside there. Adonai invites the Israelis to bring offerings to contribute to the construction of the Tabernacle. These offerings included gold, silver, and bronze; blue, purple, and scarlet fabric and linen; animal products like ram and porpoise skins; plant products such as acacia wood, olive oil, and spices; and precious stones and other gems.
These offerings were entirely voluntary, given freely by those whose hearts prompted them to contribute to the building of the Tabernacle. We should emulate that same spirit concerning our gifts and talents to include our time and money. Wherever your heart is, your wallet won’t be too far away.
Adonai then gives Moses the specifications for building the Ark of the Covenant. It’s to be made of acacia wood and covered with gold inside and out. Acacia wood is very durable and resistant to water damage and fungi. It’s very practical considering they would be carrying it with them through the harsh desert environment. But there is also a deeper spiritual aspect which I’ll cover a bit later.
Adonai also commands Moses to construct an Ark Covering (Mercy Seat) out of pure gold, which will rest on top of the Ark. They are to have golden cherubs facing each other at both ends of the seat. In addition, Moses is to make a table of acacia wood and gold for the Bread of the Presence.
In chapter 26, Adonai instructs Moses concerning the building of the Tabernacle. The instructions given here are very specific and detailed. I mention this because I regularly come across media articles that try to claim the events of Exodus never actually happened. God gives very precise instructions all throughout scripture.
In Genesis 6 exact measurements are given for the Ark that Noah builds. In Exodus, everything concerning the Tabernacle is detailed and exact.
In 2 Chronicles 2; Solomon has the Temple built by the exact measurements given by God to his father David. In Ezekiel chapters 40-48, exact instructions are given for a new city and a new temple. Throughout the Bible we see this exact theme from God; how He provides specific detail on how to accomplish His work.
Here Moses is given instructions concerning curtains, the tent covering and the frame. He is told to make a curtain that would separate the holy place from the Holy of Holies. It was to be made from blue, purple, and scarlet fabric, along with braided linen and the Ark of the Testimony would be set behind that curtain.
Our parasha ends with Adonai giving Moses the specifications for the construction of the altar of burnt offering and the Tabernacle courtyard.
The Tabernacle represented a renewed connection between heaven and earth, a glimpse of what was lost in the Garden of Eden. It was a place where Adonai’s presence dwelled among His people, but with many barriers and rituals to signify the holiness and purity required to approach Him.
Even though the Tabernacle was Holy, it was limited in the fact that only the High Priest could enter the Holy of Holies to make temporary atonement for the sins of the people, and only after first making atonement for himself. And this could only happen once a year, on Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement. The Book of Hebrews references this in Hebrews 8 to demonstrate how the earthly Tabernacle was an imitation of the greater Heavenly Tabernacle. As followers of Yeshua, we have been given a greater Tabernacle and greater access to Adonai through the death and resurrection of our High Priest, Lord and Savior, Yeshua HaMashiach.
The Book of Hebrews also describes the greater priesthood that Yeshua instituted by offering His life as the ultimate sacrifice. Now, when we place our faith and trust in Yeshua and what He accomplished the day of His resurrection, we gain an eternal inheritance. In response, we should be willing to present our lives as an offering to Yeshua and that offering should be from a willing and generous heart.
Understanding the Tabernacle and its fulfillment in Yeshua should deepen our appreciation for God’s presence in our lives. We no longer need to perform rituals to earn His favor; we are already accepted because of Yeshua. The Tabernacle was a profound symbol of God’s desire to dwell among His people, and its fulfillment in Yeshua offers us unparalleled access to His presence.
Every element of the Tabernacle pointed to something greater. The sacrifices, the washing, the bread, the light, and the incense all foreshadowed Yeshua. Since Yeshua is God who came to Earth to physically dwell with man and lived a perfect sinless life in a human body, He is the only one who is qualified to be our ultimate sacrifice, the Living Water, the Bread of Life, the Light of the World, The Lamb who takes away the sins of the world, and the fragrant offering.
The Acacia wood covered in gold is a clear picture of Yeshua’s human nature and His divinity. The Ark of the Covenant also clearly represents Yeshua. The gold representing His divine holiness and power protecting or covering the earthly wood, which symbolizes human fragility and suffering. In addition, Acacia wood is known for its durability, but when paired with gold, it represents a state that is both earthy yet transformed by, or serving, the divine or a type of “incorruptible” nature.
As you reflect on these truths, may you be encouraged to draw nearer to God and live out your faith with confidence and joy. This week, let’s take time to reflect on, appreciate and utilize the incredible access we have to the creator of the universe and let’s meditate on how we can live in His presence daily, and then let’s do it.
Shabbat Shalom.