Parshah Pekudei

Parshah Pekudei: Torah portion Exodus 38:21-40:38

Pekudei, which means “accounts/accounting,” is the last reading of Sh’mot (Exodus) and ends with the completion of the mishkan (Tabernacle)

In reviewing the second book of Moses, we have traveled from the birth of Moses, the burning bush, the plagues, the Passover and the Red Sea, Mount Sinai and giving of the 10 and other rules and regulations, the golden calf and the establishment of the Tent of Meeting.

And this last reading begins with an audit by Moses who  gives an accounting of what the Israelites have contributed, in gold, silver and copper and what it was used for.

The Israelites under the instruction of Moses and skilled work of Betzalel and Aholiav, have spent the last many months working on the articles and structure of the tabernacle and today we are told of the very details of the priestly garments.

During this time, there has been no mention of disputes or grumbling.  They have been focused on one purpose and that is in the making of a dwelling place in service for the Holy One, Blessed be He.

I love to think about the sense of community with Israel at this time.  And I think about the abundant contribution which started with the half shekel, which was the atonement or ransom money.  We know that everyone gave the same amount, the rich not more and the poor not less.  The worth of everyone is the same in Ad-nai’s eyes.  And the worth of the community together is a whole.  Moses had to stop the offerings because there was more than enough.  What a marvelous time in the history of Israel.

What impressed me when reading the scriptures is in the last 2 chapters where it keeps repeating, 10 times in the 39th and 8 times in the 40th:

כאשר צוה יהוה    (C’asher tzeevah Ha Shem)

“Just as Ad-nai commanded”, Bnei Israel made everything just as the L-rd had commanded Moses.  They listened, they heard, they obeyed, they did just as Ad-nai had commanded Moses.  I think that bears repeating, and it did so for a total of 18 times in the last two chapters.  Obeying Ad-nai gives life.

And after doing everything that Ad-nai commanded, Moses saw the entire work that they had done “just so” and he blessed them.

Next on the first day of the first month, it was now time for Moses to follow Ad-nai’s instructions and set up the Tent of Meeting, the altar of burnt offering, the basin and the courtyard; to anoint and consecrate the Tabernacle, Aaron with his priestly garments and his sons with theirs.

And in Exodus 40:16, Moses did it all just as the L-rd commanded!

And the culmination and success of the project:

The glory of Ad-nai filled the Tabernacle!

 

Haftarah portion:  1 Kings 7:51-8:21

The reading tells of the dedication of Solomon’s Temple after its completion.  King Solomon assembled the elders and leaders and with great celebration, the kohanim brought up the Ark of the Covenant carrying it into the Most Holy Place.  And when the kohanim finished, again, Ad-nai in the form of a cloud filled the House of Ad-nai with His glory.  Ad-nai’s glory was so great the kohanim were unable to stand! Baruch HaShem

Brith Hadoshah portion: Ephesians 2:17-22

I could not help but think of the contrast, when Messiah Yeshua came and dwelt on the Earth.  The Israelites in both the Tent of Meeting and in Solomon’s temple prepared a place for Ha Shem to dwell.

When Messiah Yeshua came to dwell on the Earth there was literally “no room.”

In the book of Luke, we learn that when Messiah Yeshua was born in the City of David, there was no room for Him.  He was born in a stable and laid in a feeding trough, a very humble place and very much the opposite of the exquisite dwelling for His name in the desert and in the first world Temple in Jerusalem.

We know that in Messiah and with the salvation he gives through the work that was done on the tree, we all are given the same opportunity to have the Ruach dwell not only amongst us but in us!  What an opportunity we have, to have the indwelling of G-d Himself!  And as a community, we are being built into His tabernacle, with Messiah as our chief cornerstone.

In the construction of the Mishkan, the Israelites chose to do all just as the Lord commanded!

Today we have a choice as well, and the outcome of making room and choosing Messiah Yeshua is that we have Ruach Hakodesh dwell not only amongst us but within us!

Let us all choose well.

Amen