Exo. 25 : 01 – 27 : 19 What to give

[Mark]

What do you give to the fella who has everything? My kids befriended the kids of this other family who they met in Church. Seemed like nice enough folks. The kids hit it off great and the man found me, well, interesting. We invited them over to our house for lunch one afternoon after lunch. At this point in our lives, we were trying to make Sunday as restful and a day of worship as we could so we served off of paper plates, I dunno, peanut-butter and jelly sandwiches or something. A couple of weeks later, they returned the invitation and gave us directions to their house (which lay several miles out into the country). Lunch was some kind of unpronounceable (but tasty) pasta dish, served on gold-laced china with two forks and real crystal glasses all laid out on cloth table-linens (I think that’s what they are called). I mean, everything was posh, elegant and beautiful. As I got to know the man, he owned a software business (this was during the mid-nineties when that was generally prosperous). He probably spent more on his personal hobbies than I did on my mortgage.

Of course, the inevitable came when one of their children had a birthday and my kids were invited to the party. My family has always been poor. I only have three articles of clothing (excluding underwear) that were bought new and those were gifts. I’m not sure any of my children even have that! I was trapped and embarrassed, not having any idea at all what to do.

It then hit me, quite as an epiphany, that what these kids loved each other for was not in the financially quantified; but in what is relational- in the experience of sharing and enjoying together. I think what I settled on was an all-time winner, something that I had wanted all my life as a boy: a slinky. It was a profound hit , so much so that the party agenda came to a screeching stop as the kids squealed and followed this funky spring down the hill for hours.

The Hebrew word "terumah" is most often translated as "offering". It is a gift or a present. The Most High God of all creation has just given us the keys to life and happiness, access to His throne-room as children, full and intimate relationship within His inner chambers, as He has given us His . Now He asks for something in return. He asks that we give to Him a gift.

What can we give Him that He doesn’t already have? All the earth is His and everything that is in it! The material object is not so much the important element as is that which is stamped and chosen by us. It is not the very best. We can’t afford that. The very best is totally out of our reach. Yet, all that we have that is of value, simply because of the value that we place upon it, is absolutely precious in His sight. He is pleased to receive it, simply because it is from us, and we can share the afternoon together, chasing the silly thing down the hill.


And the LORD spoke unto Moses, saying, (Exodus 25:1 KJV)

Speak unto the children of Israel, that they bring me an offering: of every man that giveth it willingly with his heart ye shall take my offering. (Exodus 25:2 KJV)

Here is a characteristic of the Most High that immediately distinguishes Him from the gods of the Egyptians or foreign deities that they may have encountered. The Lord God is asking?

The relationship that Adonai desires of us is not compulsory, and this is possibly the hardest thing for the human mind to understand. To every circumstance, from the salvation of the lost to the problems that mankind has inflicted upon himself, the human spirit cries in outrage, "Why doesn’t God do something?"

The Greek Septuigent, while there is a number of comparable phrases which could be used, chose "dokeh tae kardiah" which means, "that which seems appropriate according to the heart."

And this is the offering which ye shall take of them; gold, and silver, and brass, (Exodus 25:3 KJV)

And blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine linen, and goats' hair, (Exodus 25:4 KJV)

And rams' skins dyed red, and badgers' skins, and shittim wood, (Exodus 25:5 KJV)

Oil for the light, spices for anointing oil, and for sweet incense, (Exodus 25:6 KJV)

Onyx stones, and stones to be set in the ephod, and in the breastplate. (Exodus 25:7 KJV)

The materials donated for the tabernacle are said to correspond to the components of the human being. "Gold" is the soul; "silver," the body; "copper," the voice; "blue," the veins; "purple," the flesh; "red," the blood; "flax," the intestines; "goat hair," the hair; "ram skins dyed red," the skin of the face; "badger skins," the scalp; "shittim wood," the bones; "oil for lighting," the eyes; "spices for the anointing oil and for the sweet incense," the nose, mouth and palate; "onyx stones and gemstones for setting," the kidneys and the heart.

Rabbi Shmuel said the materials correspond to the heavens. "Gold" is the sun; "silver," the moon; "copper," the western horizon at sunset; "blue," the sky; "purple," the clouds; "red," the rainbow; "flax," the seraphim; "goat," the constellation of capricorn; "ram skins dyed red," thunder; "badger skins," lightening; "shittim wood," shooting stars; "oil for lighting," the seven planets;
"spices for the anointing oil and for the incense," dew and rain; "onyx stones and gemstones for setting"--hail and snow. Adonai said, "My dwelling is in the heavens; if you make Me a Sanctuary on earth, I shall dwell in it."
(Midrash HaGadol) www.chabad.org

And let them make me a sanctuary; that I may dwell among them. (Exodus 25:8 KJV)

There was once a king who had an only daughter, and one of the kings came and married her. When her husband wished to return to his country, her father said to him: "My daughter, whose hand I have given you, is my only child; I cannot part with her. Neither can I say to you, 'Do not take her,' for she is your wife. This one favor, however, I ask of you: wherever you go to live, prepare a chamber for me that I may dwell with you, for I cannot leave my daughter."

In the same way, God said to Israel: "I have given you the . I cannot part with her, and I also cannot tell you not to take her. But this I request of you: wherever you go, make for Me a house wherein I may dwell."
(Midrash Rabbah)

According to all that I show thee, after the pattern of the tabernacle, and the pattern of all the instruments thereof, even so shall ye make it. (Exodus 25:9 KJV)

The Tabernacle is compared to being the equivalent of the universe.

Regarding the work of the first day of creation, it says, "He who stretches out the heavens like a curtain" (Psalms 104:2).

Regarding the making of the Tabernacle it says, "And you shall make curtains of goat's hair for a tent over the
Tabernacle" (Exodus 26:7).

Regarding the work of the second day of creation, it says, "Let there be a firmament... and let it divide between the waters and the waters" (Genesis 1:6). Regarding the making of the Tabernacle it says, "And the veil shall divide for
you between the Holy and the Holy of Holies" (Exodus 26:33).

Regarding the work of the third day of creation, it says, "Let the waters under the heavens be gathered together" (Genesis 1:9). Regarding the making of the Tabernacle it says, "And you shall make a copper basin, and the base thereof
of copper, for washing" (Exodus 30: 18).

Regarding the work of the fourth day of creation, it says, "Let there be luminaries in the heavens" (Genesis 1:14). Regarding the making of the Tabernacle it says, "And you shall make a Lampstand of pure gold" (Exodus 25:31).

Regarding the work of the fifth day of creation, it says, "Let fowl fly above the earth" (Gen. 1:20). Regarding the making of the Tabernacle it says, "The cherubim shall spread out their wings upward" (Exodus 25:20).

On the sixth day man was created [to inhabit and cultivate the earth]. Regarding the Tabernacle, Adonai said to Moses, "Bring near Aaron your brother [to perform the service in the Sanctuary]" (Exodus. 28:1).

Of the seventh day we have it written, "And the heaven and the earth were completed... And God completed His work... and God blessed... and God sanctified... " (Genesis 2:1-3). Regarding the making of the Tabernacle it says: "Thus was completed all the work of the Tabernacle... And Moses blessed them... And it came to pass on the day that Moses completed the Tabernacle... and sanctified it" (Exodus 39:32-43; Numbers 7:1).
(Midrash Rabbah) www.chabad.org

And they shall make an ark of shittim wood: two cubits and a half shall be the length thereof, and a cubit and a half the breadth thereof, and a cubit and a half the height thereof. (Exodus 25:10 KJV)

2.5 + 2.5 + 1.5 +1.5 = 8. Eight is a significant number for our understanding of . It is the complete evolution of a cycle (seven days plus one), thus signifying the perpetual.

The measurements of the Ark were all in halves, indicating that no matter how much one studies , one never masters its whole; "Longer than the land is its measure, and broader than the sea" (Job 11:9). (Pardes Yosef)

And thou shalt overlay it with pure gold, within and without shalt thou overlay it, and shalt make upon it a crown of gold round about. (Exodus 25:11 KJV)

Careful note is taken upon the statement that the ark was overlaid with gold both inside and out:

Any scholar whose interior is not like his exterior is no scholar. (Talmud, Yoma 72b)

"Shittim" or "Acacia" wood is known for it’s durability. Yet, wood (as a fleshy substance) is often considered a representation of mortality. To overlay this with gold is to sanctify the mortal in holiness; but also to preserve it in form and ability.

A "crown" or moulding or chaplet around it demonstrates that the "holiness" in it’s purity extends from the unit itself.

There were three crowns: that of the Altar, that of the Ark, and that of the Table. The one of the Altar (representing the priesthood), Aaron deserved and he received it. The one of the Table (representing the wealth of royalty), David
deserved and received. The one of the Ark (representing the ) is still available, and whosoever wants to take it, may come and take it. (Talmud, Yoma 72b)

And thou shalt cast four rings of gold for it, and put them in the four corners thereof; and two rings shall be in the one side of it, and two rings in the other side of it. (Exodus 25:12 KJV)

And thou shalt make staves of shittim wood, and overlay them with gold. (Exodus 25:13 KJV)

And thou shalt put the staves into the rings by the sides of the ark, that the ark may be borne with them. (Exodus 25:14 KJV)

The staves shall be in the rings of the ark: they shall not be taken from it. (Exodus 25:15 KJV)

The four rings on the corners for carrying the vessel is common among the articles of furniture in the Tabernacle. What is unique is that the staves (or carrying poles) for the Ark are never to be removed. Sages speculate that this hints toward a sense of transience: that either the Ark is never really home as it rests upon this earth or that it must always be prepared to go out and do the work of Adonai at any moment’s notice.

And thou shalt put into the ark the testimony which I shall give thee. (Exodus 25:16 KJV)

And thou shalt make a mercy seat of pure gold: two cubits and a half shall be the length thereof, and a cubit and a half the breadth thereof. (Exodus 25:17 KJV)

Lots of folks ask about my kippah which I wear, pretty much, everywhere I go. The Hebrew word "kippah" simply means "covering"; but, by extension, it carries the idea of "atonement" (the covering or hiding of one’s sins). The word Hebrew word "kippah" is found in the Old Testament of the Bible. However, it is translated "mercyseat".

The donning of the kippah by Jewish men is difficult to trace. Some say that the practice began with the carrying away into bondage by the Babylonians. Others suggest that it was the trademark of the Maccabbees in the revolt against Antiochus (the Hanukkah story). Others say that the practice began after the dispersion by the Romans in 70 AD. In any case, there is an association between the Temple (or the absence thereof) and the kippah, as to say, "you can take the Jew away from the priesthood and the Temple; but you can’t take the priesthood and the Temple out of the Jew."

All of the elements and symbolism of the Most High providing access to Himself through sacrifice and holiness is bound up in the description and function of the Tabernacle. All of this is "summed up" or encapsulated in the donning of the kippah. When placing this "mercyseat" on my head, it is a fifteen second step of worship and obedience, coming under the authority but mercy of Adonai Elohim. When walking through town, when observed by the curious or speculative, I am aware of the "Mishkan" the dwelling place of God, being connected to everything that I do.

It is unfortunate that so many look at tools of worship such as the kippah as a Jewish thing, or simply trying to display a Jewish identity. If that were what it were about, it would be a blatant immodesty: trying to be noticed for being something that we are not. But, such is absolutely contrary to the basis of this ritual worship: it is walking in the reality of who we actually are.

And thou shalt make two cherubims of gold, of beaten work shalt thou make them, in the two ends of the mercy seat. (Exodus 25:18 KJV)

The Greek Septuigent describes the "mercyseat" as the "hilestai-ree-on" or "expiatory": that which makes amends. The word is translated "propitiation" in Romans 3:25

Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God;
(Romans 3:24-25 KJV)

and is used to describe the "mercyseat" in Hebrews 9:5

And after the second veil, the tabernacle which is called the holiest of all; Which had the golden censer, and the ark of the covenant overlaid round about with gold, wherein was the golden pot that had manna, and Aaron's rod that budded, and the tables of the covenant; And over it the cherubim of glory shadowing the mercy seat; of which we cannot now speak particularly.
(Hebrews 9:3-5 KJV)

Fastened upon the mercyseat and sprinkled with blood watch the Cherubim: comically described in Catholic tradition as sweet and babyish. These are the dudes with the flaming swords guarding the Tree of Life in the Sacred garden. (Genesis 3:24).

The comparison may be significant. The Etz Chayim He, "the Tree of Life," is an idiom used to describe the , which is protected within the chamber of the Ark.

Her ways are ways of pleasantness, and all her paths are peace. She is a tree of life to them that lay hold upon her: and happy is every one that retaineth her.
(Proverbs 3:17-18 KJV)

The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life; and he that winneth souls is wise.
(Proverbs 11:30 KJV)

And he showed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb. In the midst of the street of it, and on either side of the river, was there the tree of life, which bare twelve manner of fruits, and yielded her fruit every month: and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations.
(Revelation 22:1-2 KJV)

The question we must wonder about is if we are protected from the Tree of Life (the righteousness of God’s wrath) or is her holiness protected from us?

And make one cherub on the one end, and the other cherub on the other end: even of the mercy seat shall ye make the cherubims on the two ends thereof. (Exodus 25:19 KJV)

And the cherubims shall stretch forth their wings on high, covering the mercy seat with their wings, and their faces shall look one to another; toward the mercy seat shall the faces of the cherubims be. (Exodus 25:20 KJV)

And the cherubim shall stretch out their wings on high... and their faces shall look one to another (25:20) But in 2nd Chronicles 3:13 it says, "they faced the walls of the room"? Talmud explains, "When the people of Israel fulfilled God's will, the cherubim would face each other; and when the people of Israel did not fulfill God's will, the cherubim would face the walls of the room. (Talmud, Bava Batra 99a)

And thou shalt put the mercy seat above upon the ark; and in the ark thou shalt put the testimony that I shall give thee. (Exodus 25:21 KJV)

The first reference to the "ay-dooth", "the testimony" is the manna was placed before it (whatever it was) in Exodus 16:34. This was collectively placed into the Ark here. Here lends to our understanding that our understanding of God and His Scripture is built upon and combined (here a little, there a little) but never replaced, as is so often taught from the modern Christian tradition.

And there I will meet with thee, and I will commune with thee from above the mercy seat, from between the two cherubims which are upon the ark of the testimony, of all things which I will give thee in commandment unto the children of Israel. (Exodus 25:22 KJV)

The starkly Messianic description is largely overlooked in Christianity (simply describing the mercyseat as a type of the Christ) without positioning the Most High God "above" or "without" the chamber of the Ark. We draw near to , knowing that we cannot enter in ourselves and He meets us on the outside. The text is clear with repeated emphasis that He communes with us coming FROM above the mercyseat, FROM between the two cherubim. He will go the distance for our sakes, knowing that we cannot bridge the distance or cross the barriers into His holiness.

Thou shalt also make a table of shittim wood: two cubits shall be the length thereof, and a cubit the breadth thereof, and a cubit and a half the height thereof. (Exodus 25:23 KJV)

And thou shalt overlay it with pure gold, and make thereto a crown of gold round about. (Exodus 25:24 KJV)

And thou shalt make unto it a border of a handbreadth round about, and thou shalt make a golden crown to the border thereof round about. (Exodus 25:25 KJV)

The border on the Table may be reasoned to have been for purely practical reasons: the "showbread" was never to leave table, even in transport. In like manner, it is said, that we must guard every opportunity to be blessing for those around us.

And thou shalt make for it four rings of gold, and put the rings in the four corners that are on the four feet thereof. (Exodus 25:26 KJV)

Over against the border shall the rings be for places of the staves to bear the table. (Exodus 25:27 KJV)

And thou shalt make the staves of shittim wood, and overlay them with gold, that the table may be borne with them. (Exodus 25:28 KJV)

And thou shalt make the dishes thereof, and spoons thereof, and covers thereof, and bowls thereof, to cover withal: of pure gold shalt thou make them. (Exodus 25:29 KJV)

While we are, in our hearts and in our bodies made of flesh (shittim wood) the mitzvot or good works that we surround us with are of pure gold. This is how we should see our work in the body of Messiah: as fixtures in His Holy Tabernacle, performing functions of purity in worship.

And thou shalt set upon the table shewbread before me always. (Exodus 25:30 KJV)

And thou shalt make a candlestick of pure gold: of beaten work shall the candlestick be made: his shaft, and his branches, his bowls, his knops, and his flowers, shall be of the same. (Exodus 25:31 KJV)

And six branches shall come out of the sides of it; three branches of the candlestick out of the one side, and three branches of the candlestick out of the other side: (Exodus 25:32 KJV)

Three bowls made like unto almonds, with a knop and a flower in one branch; and three bowls made like almonds in the other branch, with a knop and a flower: so in the six branches that come out of the candlestick. (Exodus 25:33 KJV)

And in the candlestick shall be four bowls made like unto almonds, with their knops and their flowers. (Exodus 25:34 KJV)

And there shall be a knop under two branches of the same, and a knop under two branches of the same, and a knop under two branches of the same, according to the six branches that proceed out of the candlestick. (Exodus 25:35 KJV)

Their knops and their branches shall be of the same: all it shall be one beaten work of pure gold. (Exodus 25:36 KJV)

And thou shalt make the seven lamps thereof: and they shall light the lamps thereof, that they may give light over against it. (Exodus 25:37 KJV)

The traditional Menorah is based off of an engraving found in Rome that depicts the Romans carrying off the Menorah from Jerusalem in conquest. What was meant to be show of dominance and oppression may have really been buffoonery. The Menorah depicted in earliest Rabbinical sketches show the branches of the Menorah as straight, forming an inverted triangular pattern, as opposed to the circular curved branches that the common representation.

When the priest stands facing the shewbread, his shadow falls upon the table: a stark demonstration that all good things that we offer are obscured by our presence. However, when he faces the altar of incense where the prayers are ascended, there is no obscurity.

The Menorah quickly came to symbolize the presence of Adonai. Unlike the Ark, which was utterly hidden behind the second veil, when the priest would daily enter into the Holy Place, any witness could see the light proceeding from the Holy Place. In this same mind, when Solomon built the Temple, the windows were slanted inward at the inner frame and larger on the outer frame so that the maximum mount of light would proceed out from the Holy Place, making the Temple on Mount Zion a beacon of light over Jerusalem throughout the night.

And the tongs thereof, and the censers thereof, shall be of pure gold. (Exodus 25:38 KJV)

Of a talent of pure gold shall he make it, with all these vessels. (Exodus 25:39 KJV)

And look that thou make them after their pattern, which was showed thee in the mount. (Exodus 25:40 KJV)

Moreover thou shalt make the tabernacle with ten curtains of fine twined linen, and blue, and purple, and scarlet: with cherubims of cunning work shalt thou make them. (Exodus 26:1 KJV)

The length of one curtain shall be eight and twenty cubits, and the breadth of one curtain four cubits: and every one of the curtains shall have one measure. (Exodus 26:2 KJV)

The five curtains shall be coupled together one to another; and other five curtains shall be coupled one to another. (Exodus 26:3 KJV)

And thou shalt make loops of blue upon the edge of the one curtain from the selvage in the coupling; and likewise shalt thou make in the uttermost edge of another curtain, in the coupling of the second. (Exodus 26:4 KJV)

Fifty loops shalt thou make in the one curtain, and fifty loops shalt thou make in the edge of the curtain that is in the coupling of the second; that the loops may take hold one of another. (Exodus 26:5 KJV)

And thou shalt make fifty tacks of gold, and couple the curtains together with the tacks: and it shall be one tabernacle. (Exodus 26:6 KJV)

And thou shalt make curtains of goats' hair to be a covering upon the tabernacle: eleven curtains shalt thou make. (Exodus 26:7 KJV)

The length of one curtain shall be thirty cubits, and the breadth of one curtain four cubits: and the eleven curtains shall be all of one measure. (Exodus 26:8 KJV)

And thou shalt couple five curtains by themselves, and six curtains by themselves, and shalt double the sixth curtain in the forefront of the tabernacle. (Exodus 26:9 KJV)

The ten multi-colored tapestries, in two groups of five each, represent the Ten Commandments (engraved on two tablets). The eleven sheets of goat hair, sewn together in groups of five and six, represent the Five Books of Moses and the Six orders of the Mishnah... The "folded sheet" represents the Talmud, which enfolds and defines the ... The fifty clasps represent the fifty days from the Exodus to the Giving of the .
(Midrash HaGadol)

And thou shalt make fifty loops on the edge of the one curtain that is outermost in the coupling, and fifty loops in the edge of the curtain which coupleth the second. (Exodus 26:10 KJV)

And thou shalt make fifty tacks of brass, and put the tacks into the loops, and couple the tent together, that it may be one. (Exodus 26:11 KJV)

And the remnant that remaineth of the curtains of the tent, the half curtain that remaineth, shall hang over the backside of the tabernacle. (Exodus 26:12 KJV)

And a cubit on the one side, and a cubit on the other side of that which remaineth in the length of the curtains of the tent, it shall hang over the sides of the tabernacle on this side and on that side, to cover it. (Exodus 26:13 KJV)

And thou shalt make a covering for the tent of rams' skins dyed red, and a covering above of badgers' skins. (Exodus 26:14 KJV)

The Lubavitcher Rebbe states that the "bagder" was actually the "tak-hash" which was a multi-colored animal now extinct. It is clear from the varying opinions of scholars that no one really knows what animal this must have been.

When I first got my model of the Tabernacle and laid out the four cloths that cover the walled Tabernacle, I immediately remembered from the Old Sunday School classes, the wordless book. The outer-most curtain is dark- possibly even black, representing the sinfulness of our lives. What follows is the ram’s skin dyed red, the blood of our Messiah is shed for us. Following is white, because His blood cleanses us from all sin. And finally, the multi-colored with cherubim woven into the fabric, we may have access into the Kingdom of God.

And thou shalt make boards for the tabernacle of shittim wood standing up. (Exodus 26:15 KJV)

teaching sees the word shittim as related to the word shetut, "folly"--an allusion to the fact that the function of the Tabernacle was to transform the folly of materialism into "folly of holiness"--commitment to God that transcends the
rationale and normalcy of "the way things are."

For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God. For it is written, I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and will bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent. Where is the wise? where is the scribe? where is the disputer of this world? hath not God made foolish the wisdom of this world? For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe. For the Jews require a sign, and the Greeks seek after wisdom: But we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumblingblock, and unto the Greeks foolishness; But unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God. Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men; and the weakness of God is stronger than men.
(1 Corinthians 1:18-25 KJV)

Ten cubits shall be the length of a board, and a cubit and a half shall be the breadth of one board. (Exodus 26:16 KJV)

Two tenons shall there be in one board, set in order one against another: thus shalt thou make for all the boards of the tabernacle. (Exodus 26:17 KJV)

And thou shalt make the boards for the tabernacle, twenty boards on the south side southward. (Exodus 26:18 KJV)

And thou shalt make forty sockets of silver under the twenty boards; two sockets under one board for his two tenons, and two sockets under another board for his two tenons. (Exodus 26:19 KJV)

And for the second side of the tabernacle on the north side there shall be twenty boards: (Exodus 26:20 KJV)

And their forty sockets of silver; two sockets under one board, and two sockets under another board. (Exodus 26:21 KJV)

And for the sides of the tabernacle westward thou shalt make six boards. (Exodus 26:22 KJV)

And two boards shalt thou make for the corners of the tabernacle in the two sides. (Exodus 26:23 KJV)

And they shall be coupled together beneath, and they shall be coupled together above the head of it unto one ring: thus shall it be for them both; they shall be for the two corners. (Exodus 26:24 KJV)

And they shall be eight boards, and their sockets of silver, sixteen sockets; two sockets under one board, and two sockets under another board. (Exodus 26:25 KJV)

And thou shalt make bars of shittim wood; five for the boards of the one side of the tabernacle, (Exodus 26:26 KJV)

And five bars for the boards of the other side of the tabernacle, and five bars for the boards of the side of the tabernacle, for the two sides westward. (Exodus 26:27 KJV)

And the middle bar in the midst of the boards shall reach from end to end. (Exodus 26:28 KJV)

And thou shalt overlay the boards with gold, and make their rings of gold for places for the bars: and thou shalt overlay the bars with gold. (Exodus 26:29 KJV)

And thou shalt rear up the tabernacle according to the fashion thereof which was showed thee in the mount. (Exodus 26:30 KJV)

The boards and columns are by no measure to be overlooked. They are most significant in that access to the presence of God does not come from any direction. There is only one way in. Any other attempt results in an inevitable barrier.

And thou shalt make a veil of blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine twined linen of cunning work: with cherubims shall it be made: (Exodus 26:31 KJV)

The Tabernacle, we know, is a pattern of what Moses observed in the heavenlies. It is, thus a representation of the heavens as Adonai’s home. It is also the design from which the Holy Temple would later be erected in the Temple, thus it is the pattern for Adonai’s holy sanctuary on earth. The sages have determined it represents a dwelling for the Most High in more intimate terms as well: it is a representation of the human heart.

There are three chambers of compassion that our relationships pass into: there is casual, then intimate, then sacrificial. There are four elements that color the character of our heart: blue, scarlet, purple and white.

Blue is an expression of our since of awe toward the infinite greatness of the Divine. Nothing compares to Adobai. Just as we look into the depths of the sky with child-like wonder. Or peer into crystal blue waters, captivated by the beauty. This sense is a demonstration of the heart of man as the home for God.

Scarlet reveals the fires of passion that burn in us. Rage, determination, jealousy, desire all pulse from the heart, flushing our faces with crimson glow.

The above two colors, the awe and passion, blend together and make purple. The result is an elegant balance of grandeur, in respect of dignity.

Finally, there is a white, which is an absence of any other color. It is the simplicity of presence: being near to Him and being content with His nearness with nothing else in thought or agenda.

And thou shalt hang it upon four pillars of shittim wood overlaid with gold: their hooks shall be of gold, upon the four sockets of silver. (Exodus 26:32 KJV)

And thou shalt hang up the veil under the tacks, that thou mayest bring in thither within the veil the ark of the testimony: and the veil shall divide unto you between the holy place and the most holy. (Exodus 26:33 KJV)

And thou shalt put the mercy seat upon the ark of the testimony in the most holy place. (Exodus 26:34 KJV)

And thou shalt set the table without the veil, and the candlestick over against the table on the side of the tabernacle toward the south: and thou shalt put the table on the north side. (Exodus 26:35 KJV)


And thou shalt make a hanging for the door of the tent, of blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine twined linen, wrought with needlework. (Exodus 26:36 KJV)

And thou shalt make for the hanging five pillars of shittim wood, and overlay them with gold, and their hooks shall be of gold: and thou shalt cast five sockets of brass for them. (Exodus 26:37 KJV)

And thou shalt make an altar of shittim wood, five cubits long, and five cubits broad; the altar shall be foursquare: and the height thereof shall be three cubits. (Exodus 27:1 KJV)

And thou shalt make the horns of it upon the four corners thereof: his horns shall be of the same: and thou shalt overlay it with brass. (Exodus 27:2 KJV)

Brass or copper: And you shall make an Altar... and you shall overlay it with copper (27:1-2)

Why copper? Just like copper tarnishes and then can be scrubbed clean, so the people of Israel, although they sin, they repent and are forgiven.
(Midrash HaGadol)

And thou shalt make his pans to receive his ashes, and his shovels, and his basins, and his fleshhooks, and his firepans: all the vessels thereof thou shalt make of brass. (Exodus 27:3 KJV)

And thou shalt make for it a grate of network of brass; and upon the net shalt thou make four brazen rings in the four corners thereof. (Exodus 27:4 KJV)

And thou shalt put it under the compass of the altar beneath, that the net may be even to the midst of the altar. (Exodus 27:5 KJV)

And thou shalt make staves for the altar, staves of shittim wood, and overlay them with brass. (Exodus 27:6 KJV)

And the staves shall be put into the rings, and the staves shall be upon the two sides of the altar, to bear it. (Exodus 27:7 KJV)

Hollow with boards shalt thou make it: as it was showed thee in the mount, so shall they make it. (Exodus 27:8 KJV)

And thou shalt make the court of the tabernacle: for the south side southward there shall be hangings for the court of fine twined linen of a hundred cubits long for one side: (Exodus 27:9 KJV)

And the twenty pillars thereof and their twenty sockets shall be of brass; the hooks of the pillars and their fillets shall be of silver. (Exodus 27:10 KJV)

And likewise for the north side in length there shall be hangings of a hundred cubits long, and his twenty pillars and their twenty sockets of brass; the hooks of the pillars and their fillets of silver. (Exodus 27:11 KJV)

And for the breadth of the court on the west side shall be hangings of fifty cubits: their pillars ten, and their sockets ten. (Exodus 27:12 KJV)

And the breadth of the court on the east side eastward shall be fifty cubits. (Exodus 27:13 KJV)

The hangings of one side of the gate shall be fifteen cubits: their pillars three, and their sockets three. (Exodus 27:14 KJV)

And on the other side shall be hangings fifteen cubits: their pillars three, and their sockets three. (Exodus 27:15 KJV)

And for the gate of the court shall be a hanging of twenty cubits, of blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine twined linen, wrought with needlework: and their pillars shall be four, and their sockets four. (Exodus 27:16 KJV)

All the pillars round about the court shall be filleted with silver; their hooks shall be of silver, and their sockets of brass. (Exodus 27:17 KJV)

The length of the court shall be a hundred cubits, and the breadth fifty every where, and the height five cubits of fine twined linen, and their sockets of brass. (Exodus 27:18 KJV)

All the vessels of the tabernacle in all the service thereof, and all the pins thereof, and all the pins of the court, shall be of brass. (Exodus 27:19 KJV)

These texts, along with the Scriptures in Leviticus describing the sacrificial system are commonly referred to in Christian seminaries as "the white pages". They’re called this because they are the cleanest pages in the Bibles of scholarly men who otherwise have poured over and leafed through the pages of Scripture for years. These pages so often go left untouched.

In principle we believe that all of the Bible is relevant and worth our time and study; but the Tabernacle, which has so long been a historical anomaly, and the functions that occurred there been archaic designs, sinks to the bottom of our interest list when considering the powerful words that our Lord and Creator has seen fit to leave for us.

We shouldn’t judge anyone for how they prioritize their study and worship. Adonai draws us each as individuals, growing us in areas according to His will and purpose. It is a big book: the depths of its wisdom and understanding are unfathomable, even should we remain our entire lives focused on a single area of text.

But, if you’re even just the least bit curious as to what the future holds for us, if you want to grab onto a glimpse of heaven, if the overall design of how Adonai views humanity and the relationship He is inclined to share with those who seek Him, I wouldn’t dismiss the Tabernacle descriptions altogether.

For if he were on earth, he should not be a priest, seeing that there are priests that offer gifts according to the law: Who serve unto the example and shadow of heavenly things, as Moses was admonished of God when he was about to make the tabernacle: for, See, saith he, that thou make all things according to the pattern showed to thee in the mount. (Hebrews 8:4-5 KJV)

The Tabernacle is the blueprint of God’s design for worship and relationship. It’s element and form makes up the building blocks of kingdom relations. If we dismiss these directions, failing to see their relevance, then we walk absent a point of reference in our understanding of this relationship both with God and with each other.

In Hebrews 10:1, the is described as "a shadow" of good things to come. It is, at best, a profile of similitude to the righteousness that comes from Adonai through our Messiah; but it is the closest thing to heaven we have got. (1st Corinthians 2:9).

The question worth considering is if the design that the Most High passed down is worthy of our considering, of if the parables and New Testament ideas are enough without any foundation beneath them.

Paul declares that it is the totality of Scripture that provides the complete arsenal of righteousness. I hope that this study has been helpful in your fortification.

[alon]

Par’sha Terumah- Shemoth 25- 27:19

Terumah-Present made to the Tabernacle or Temple for the use of the priests. (from , "to lift," that is, to set apart for a special purpose from a larger quantity, either voluntarily or under compulsion) originally connoted any tax paid or gift made to a superior officer. This meaning is still apparent in the phrase (Prov. xxxiv. 4); but as the taxes levied and the contributions expected in Israel were mostly for the maintenance of the Temple and the priesthood, the word acquired technically the meaning of an obligatory or voluntary contribution for the uses of the sanctuary or of the sacred persons therewith connected. (http://www.jewishencyclopedia.com/articles/7439-heave-offering)

This par’sha doesn’t look it from just a p’shat reading of the text, but it is LOADED with good insights and information. What follows is just a small, condensed sampling from my JPS Study TNK:

25.1-31.17: Instructions for building the Tabernacle and inaugurating the priesthood. The sanctuary will enable God to abide among the Israelites. Its main purpose however is for the benefit of Israel, so that they may experience God’s guiding presence. This is in sharp contrast to polytheistic religions where Temples were primarily a place to feed the gods.

Sanctuary: Refered to in scripture by four main terms, each of which express different aspects of it.
1. mikdash (sanctuary), lit. “Holy Place”
2. sanctum, referring to its sacred dimension
3. mishkan’ (tabernacle), lit. abode, referring to it as God’s dwelling
4. ohel moed, (Tent of Meeting), the place where God met with and communicated with Moshe

25.9 The Tabernacle is not to be a product of human creativity. It must conform to exact divine specifications.

2510-16 Ark- Heb ’aron, lit. chest

As the container of the Pact, the Ark is the heart of the Tabernacle; [lit. the Abode] of the Pact (vs. 38.21). It is significant that the heart of the sanctuary is a symbol of God’s law rather than an image, or idol. Appropriately the place where the first revelation is stored will serve as the place for future revelations. The text expresses this by paranomasia [making a pun; and I wish I could say I was smart enough to have said that, but alas, their word, not mine]; since the Hebrew words for “Pact” (edut) and “meet” (no’ad) sound alike (?) (though they are from different roots), as if to say that the site of the Pact is the site of meeting.

Ancient Near Eastern art often shows tables holding food offered to gods, around which curtains were drawn while the god “ate.” In the mishkan, the food (Shewbread, 25.23-30) is in the antechamber, separated from God’s presence by the curtain; as if to say the God of Israel is entirely self-sufficient and doesn’t require any sustenance from His people. Likewise the lampstand (menorah, 25.31-40) used to illuminate the interior of the Holy Place each night is located in the antechamber where it benefits the officiating priests, not God.

Ch. 26.31-35: The blue, purple and crimson yarns must have been wool, since only wool could be dyed successfully in ancient times. Hence the curtain, which also contained linen, consisted of a combination of fabrics that the laity is forbidden to wear (Lev 19.19) precisely because it is reserved for sacred use- much like the cherubim on the Ark, yet we are prohibited from making such statues ourselves. [Even in Bemidbar (Num) 21.8 a serpent was made and raised on a pole for the people to look upon. God makes the rules, He also makes the exceptions.]

These are just some of the highlights that caught my attention in the notes of the Study TNK. Most of the information was way too deep and far too much information for me to do it justice in a forum. Plus Mark did a pretty good job on much of the information. I’d recommend to anyone to get themselves a Jewish Study Bible. They are packed with information and insights. At the same time reading one is a great exercise in discernment!

I plan to get a different one when this par’sha series is done. That way I can start over with fresh eyes and a different perspective. Of course I’ll be able to compare notes as well. Maybe I should get one for the pastor over at the AoG too … 

Dan C

[alon]

Speaking of the p'shat, Warren Wiersby had some good insights in my NKJ Study Bible. Again, just a few insights in condensed format:

25:9 God gave Moses the pattern for the Tabernacle, just as He gave David the pattern for the Temple (1 Chron 28:19). When God wants a work done on earth, He has a plan. It is dangerous to turn from God's plan to our own wisdom.

26:1-14 There is only God's plan for the Tabernacle. Our cleverness may gain us success in the things of this world, (Luke 16:18), but it will destroy the work of the Lord (1 Cor. 3:16-23).

26:16 There was one set of measurements (v.2). When we measure ministry by God's standards there is unity, but if we use our own standards there is division.

I have personally found this all to be very true in my ministry efforts. I've seen good ministries dealt fatal blows by the schemes of well intentioned people. I've also sat month after month waiting for people to show up for meetings, only to have one or two show up. But always these were the one I was meant to help, people that desperately needed uplifting and exhorting; and often the one other person that needed to be there to help me help them. God's economy is not ours.

We have a small group here, but I believe it is who is meant to be here in God's economy. Having a small group on this forum doesn't bother me, because God has graciously showed me His economy before.

Dan C

[john75]

So if we dont have a congregation, who do we tithe to? The poor?

[alon]

Oct 22, 2015 13:33:53 GMT -8 john75 said:

So if we dont have a congregation, who do we tithe to? The poor?

Good question. There is a hierarchy of giving, and we each should prayerfully examine scripture. 2 Corinthians 8:1 – 9:14 is a good place to start. Rav Sha’ul talks here about giving to other believers in need. Contrary to what we were taught in church, these collections were taken up to support Nots’rim synagogues which were in trouble. This should be our first priority then: helping Messianic synagogues which are experiencing difficult times. I personally give to Light Ministries synagogues in India and Pakistan, as I know there is a great need there as well as ripe fields for bringing people to the truth of salvation as well as Messianism. I also know that all my funds earmarked for them goes directly to them.

Acts 11:29-30 (ESV) So the disciples determined, every one according to his ability, to send relief to the brothers living in Judea. And they did so, sending it to the elders by the hand of Barnabas and Saul.

It doesn’t say these men took a percentage for “administration fees.” They took the money where it was needed. Not saying that a charitable organization should never take a percentage for its expenses. But some take way too much. If giving through such an organization, look at what they do with the money, and how much goes to these admin costs. We are giving God’s funds here, not our own; so we need to be good stewards.

After taking care of our own, I’d say the next priority is Jewish relief. God said He would bless the Jews, and we are administrators of His blessings. So I’d suggest here is a good place for some of our charitable funds, possibly even tithes.

Helping the needy here at home is a tricky thing. I know many people who make a living off of grants and charitable funds, never doing anything worthwhile or helpful. Many others here in the US do not want to work, depending instead on the generosity of others. This may anger some, but honestly, my advice is forget these people. There are plenty of others who will, heart in hand and dripping blood and tears, give plentifully. They also, through laws and taxes, give more than enough of our own money already. But this is my opinion … I’m sure we’ll hear something different before long.

Another opinion, but I do not give to Christian charities or organizations any more. I used to, but the fact is there is more than enough need in the Messianic and Jewish communities which is by and large ignored by church, state and individuals where we can make a huge impact for the true gospel. I further do not want to give to those denying and preaching a false gospel of dispensationalism.

Understand this is my opinion. Everyone must prayerfully and studiously decide themselves where to give. No one should allow anyone else to tell them where to place tithes and offerings. I will however give one last thing for your consideration. The parent synagogue for this forum does not ask for donations or fees. However they do provide a valuable service to us. I also would trust them if I had no other place to give my tithes. I would suggest contacting them or just giving there (and no, I don’t get a cut ). I give a small amount each month just to say thanks. They are:

Synagogue Chavurat HaMashiach, 4249 E Pratt Ave, Spokane, WA 99202

Edit: they in no way asked me to do this. It is just an example of where you can give if so led or you have no other place. I've met them, fellowshipped with them and trust them; otherwise even being on staff on the forum I'd not recommend them. And we all have the net, so we can all look for places to give on our own.