Overview of Teruma (Exodus 25:1-27:19)
“They shall make for Me a Sanctuary, and I shall dwell amidst them.”
How do we build the spiritual Sanctuary within us, so G-d may dwell within us? How is this related to the third temple?
The people of Israel are asked by G- to take their heartfelt offerings as a contribution. There is a lesson to be learnt with the use of the words take and offerings…two seemingly contradictory thoughts, “take for me” and “offerings”. Fifteen differing materials wherein fifteen represents the name of G-d- Y-ah which included items of great value and items of less value. Yet all were considered equal offerings. They brought gold, silver and copper; blue, purple and red-dyed wool; flax, goat hair, animal skins, wood, olive oil, spices and gems then G-d says to Moshe, “They shall make for Me a Sanctuary, and I shall dwell amidst them.” not amidst it but amidst them!
On Mount Sinai, Moshe is given detailed instructions on how to construct this tabernacle which would be a movable and clearly defined vessel for G-d’s Presence.
In what was to be the Holy of Holies Moshe is bidden to create an ark made of Acacia wood lined with gold to contain the Stone Tablets engraved with the Ten Commandments.The top of this ark two Cherubim were carved out of gold facing each other and looking up to the heavens at the same time In the outer chamber called the Holy stood the seven-branched Menorah representing G-d’s and the Table upon which the “showbread” was placed representing G-d’s sustenance.
The Tabernacle’s walls were construction of skins laid between 48 upright poles. The roof of the inner structure was covered with three skin coverings Surrounding the Sanctuary was an area bounded by an enclosure of linen hangings.Every detail pregnant with layers of meaning and purpose.
Listen to this week’s podcast: