 Torah Portion of the Week from Briteinu: |
Uncover my eyes that I may see
wonderful things in your Torah.
Psalm 119: 18
The Purposes of the MishkanA. Reconciliation? Why was the Mishkan built? There is a debate among some well respected Jewish commentators about its purposes. A few suggest that the chronological order of these chapters in Exodus is wrong. They contend that Terumah should really be placed after the incident with the Golden Calf. Along with those who suggest this are the midrashim, Rashi, and Sforno. They maintain that, 1) The Tabernacle was somewhat of an after thought, 2) that the Tabernacle was built to mark their reconciliation to God after their estrangement in the Golden Calf incident, and 3) that the Tabernacle would provide the form of worship which was the panacea, the cure and healing for their wounds following their sin with the Golden Calf.[i] Yet, there are those scholars who differ from this understanding. They assert that there is nothing wrong with the order of revelation in Exodus. Ramban, as well as a number of more modern commentators, including Nechama Leibowitz, “do not regard the Tabernacle either intrinsically or chronologically a concession to the corporeality of human conceptions.[ii] B. To Dwell Among ThemWhat then was the reason for the Mishkan? The Lord Himself gave us the reason in 25:8. He said, “Then have them make a sanctuary for me, and I will dwell among them.” The Mishkan was for God. It was to be the place for Him to dwell among the people of Israel. It was for God, Who, on Sinai dwelt in a Sanctuary which His hands have made, is now to dwell in a Sanctuary which Israel would make; and the Tabernacle would be a wandering Sinai.[iii] [i]Nechama Leibowitz, New Studies in Shemot, 462–463. [ii]Ibid, 466. [iii]J. H. Hertz, Pentateuch and Haftarahs, 327. |
C. The Family HomeThe word "tabernacle" is translated from the Hebrew word Mishkan, (משכן). It is from a root that means "to dwell" or "to be at home" (sh-kh-an, ש-כ-ן). If we are correct in our midrashic interpretation of Exodus 19 (see our comments on Parashat Yitro) and a wedding took place between God and Israel, then we see in Parashat Terumah, the Divine Husband providing instructions for the construction of His House, where He would meet with His bride. Indeed, the tabernacle (Mishkan) has all the features of a home: an inner chamber for intimacy, a table for food, lights, and coverings for privacy, beauty, and centrality. Of course, the analogy cannot be taken too far, but the details do seem to fit. What a demonstration of the love and grace of God! If He had wanted, the Eternal One could have left Israel with only the memory of Himself giving the Torah amidst the thunder and lightning on Mount Sinai. To be sure, this would have left a deep impression on them. However, the impression might have been one of coldness, loftiness, and fear. Instead, the Lord decided to come and dwell among His people in a very special way. God had never dwelt among His people in this way before. However, He would certainly do it again! John 1:14 says The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth. Notice that John also uses the word, "dwell." By using this word, John connected the coming and dwelling of Messiah with the dwelling of the Lord in the Mishkan. There will be more on this later. D. To Display the KetubahMay we suggest an additional reason for the Mishkan? The focal point for the Mishkan was the Holy of Holies. Here, Moshe instructed that a chest be built in which to store the tablets of the covenant. Thus, the Torah was to be placed there. Since we have already equated the Torah with the Divine Ketubah, the Most Holy Place, therefore, was the place where the family Ketubah was displayed. Hence, the Mishkan was a place where the Torah could be the focal point for all Israel. This was literally so because of the physical position of the twelve tribes around the Mishkan. It was right in the center of the encampment of the tribes. So, not only was the Lord's presence the focal point for Israel, but His Torah was as well.
Your word, Lord, is eternal; Psalm 119: 89 - 91
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