In this week’s reading, Moshe gathers the entire nation to instruct them in the building of the Mishkan, the Sanctuary. He says, “these are the things which G-d has Commanded, for you to do them.” [Ex. 35:1] And then he immediately talks about not doing work, on the Sabbath, before talking about the gifts and the building of the Sanctuary. What’s going on here? Why the “detour” into the Sabbath before talking about the work?
The message is obvious: even building the Sanctuary doesn’t override the Sabbath. This same idea is encapsulated later on in the verse, “You shall keep My Sabbaths, and revere My Sanctuary; I am HaShem” [Lev. 19:30].
Imagine that we were there at the time. Imagine that we were being told to build a Sanctuary for G-d, a global center for the Divine Presence. What could possibly be more important? The Sanctuary welcomed the Divine Presence, encouraged the new Jewish nation, and spread the knowledge of G-d around the world. If it took two weeks to do the work, why stop in middle, when it was after all a holy endeavor? Isn’t it obvious that building this key institution should take priority over the Sabbath?
But it didn’t. Because whatever our opinions, the Divine calculation was different. And the Torah requires that we follow G-d’s Rules even when we, with our own limited capacities, feel differently.
First, keep the Sabbath. Then you can build a Sanctuary, and know it will stand the test of time.
My question has always been who were the chosen peoples faithful too Moshe (flesh) ?
Ultimately the Jewish People show allegiance to G-d Himself. At Sinai G-d appointed Moshe as His messenger, and He did so publicly in front of the entire Jewish People.
Thanks for your prompt response and yet the fight or the struggle continues, noted by the use of the word ultimately.
Years pasted before entering the promise land I believe people 20 yrs. and older, had to perish for that golden calf worship, so my question would be to whom was the Torah given, to the entire Jewish People or was it for those who would enter the promised land, those Jewish peoples yet to be born at the time and yet the teaching was an obligation of those who would perish for their idle worship ?
Thanks Again
The Torah was accepted by the Jewish nation. That acceptance remains binding for all the generations that followed. My use of “ultimately” was only to highlight the fact that Moshe is an ordained messenger of G-d.
The portion brings clarity to the manner of life we all should lead, G-d’s instructions for the sabbath over rule all else,The giving of the time to The Lord God in praise and worship and solo, attendance to his word.
To remember his great works and his blessings for obedience.