Scriptures

Exodus 35:1-38:20

Haftorah Reading:
1 Kings 7:13–26, 40-50

B’rit Chadashah:
Hebrews 10:26–31; 2 Corinthians 9:1-15; 1 Corinthians 3:9–17, 12:4; James 1:17; Hebrews 8:1–5, 9:1–28

Etz Chayeem Hoo (He Is a Tree of Life)

Yeshua is a tree of life to those who take hold of Him, and those who support Him are praiseworthy. His ways are ways of pleasantness and all of His paths are shalom. Bring us back YHVH to You, and we shall come, renew our days as of old.

As we begin to study the Torah let us never forget that YESHUA THE MESSIAH is the Living Torah, the Torah-Word of Elohim made flesh. He is the way, the truth and the life — the Living Manna sent from heaven. Without Him living in our lives through the indwelling Presence of his Set-Apart/Kadosh Spirit (Who leads us into all truth and revelation) the Written Torah can become the dead letter of the law!

Outline of This Week’s Parashah (Torah Portion):

• 35:1 The Sabbath: No Work, No Fires
• 35:4 The People to Contribute Materials for the Building of the Tabernacle
• 35:10 The Israelites Invited to Participate in the Construction of the Tabernacle
• 35:30 The Master Craftsmen Are Selected: Bezalel (of Judah) and Aholiab (of Dan)
• 36:1 More Than Enough Workers and Materials Pour In
• 36:8 The Work of Building the Tabernacle Begins: Making the Curtains
• 36:19 Making the Cover
• 36:20 Making the Planks (Walls) of the Tabernacle and Their Components
• 36:35 Making the Partitions For the Interior
• 36:37 Making the Screen for the Entrance to the Tabernacle
• 37:1 Making the Ark of the Covenant
• 37:6 Making the Cover (Mercy Seat) for the Ark
• 37:10 Making the Table of Showbread
• 37:17 Making the Menorah
• 37:25 Making the Altar of Incense
• 38:1 Making the Elevation Offering Altar
• 38:8 Making the Bronze Laver
• 38:9 Making the Linen Fence Around the Outer Courtyard
• 38:18 The Screen of the Gate of the Courtyard

Study Questions For This Week’s Midrash (Torah Discussion):

1. 35:2 The seventh day … shall be … a set-apart day. So far in our journey through Exodus various commandments regarding the Sabbath day keep popping up. When YHVH said in Exodus 20:8 to “Remember the Sabbath day to keep it kadosh/set-apart,” do you think that he wanted to insure that his people would indeed not forget the Sabbath as he continues to constantly remind them of it? With each reminder he gives more instructions about how to keep the Sabbath. What does not kindling a fire mean and how does this apply to us, today?
2. 35:5 Whosoever is of a willing heart. With regard to the people contributing building materials for the construction of the Mishkan note verses 35:5 and 21. YHVH only wanted those who could contribute out of a willing heart of joy (YHVH loves a cheerful and heart-felt giver—see 2 Cor 9:7). If it is not done in love and gratitude to YHVH then isn’t it simply an empty religious activity (a clanging gong and tinkling cymbal [1 Cor 13:1])?
3. The building of the Mishkan was very much a joint-effort of gifted Israelites who had a willing heart and whose spirit stirred within them (35:25,26,29,30–31; 36:1). Shouldn’t this be a picture of building the work of YHVH within any congregation or ministry? The church-system has often made ministry into a spectator sport: the paid professionals are watched by the rest. This is not the Hebraic way where all are expected to participate according to their giftings and callings. YHVH is not looking for capability, but availability and a willing heart. The assembly of Believers (commonly called “the church”) is to be an organism, not an organization. (Read 1 Cor 14.)
4. 35:30–35 YHVH has called. YHVH will always raise up leaders who have special giftings and callings as he did with Bezaleel and Ohaliab who will oversee the work party. Does this not correspond with the fivefold ministry gifts of Ephesians 4:11 and the residential motivational gifts of Romans 12:6–8? What are your giftings and callings? Are you growing in these areas so that you can function fully within the body of Yeshua?
5. In the Outer Court of the Tabernacle, everything pointed to death, judgment, washing/cleansing, salvation, Yeshua being the door to salvation, the basic message of the cross and the good news or gospel. In the Set-Apart (Kadosh/Holy) Place inside the Tabernacle, everything pointed to life, light, food, fragrant incense, the fruits and gifts of the Spirit. The Outer Court speaks of basic salvation, while the Set-Apart Place speaks of spiritual growth and maturity, of moving from spiritual babyhood into adulthood. Paul speaks of man being composed of three divisions: body, soul and spirit (1 Thess 5:23). The Outer Court seems to speak of the physical, while the Set-Apart Place speaks more of the psychological, volitional and emotional aspects of man’s being (i.e., his soul) and the Most Set-Apart Place (Kadosh Kadoshim/Holy of Holies) speaks of the spirit side of man. As one progresses in the Tabernacle, YHVH is drawing man into an ever deeper relational walk with him starting at the most basic level progressing upward until man is finally communing with YHVH on a Spirit to spirit level (in the Most Set-Apart Place). That is his desire (John 4:23–24). The three pilgrimage festivals mentioned in last week’s Torah study (Exod 34:18–22) seem to suggest this three-part spiritual progression in a Believer’s life as well. Discuss or meditate on the implications and ramifications of what you have just read. What are your thoughts about this? Where are you at in this spiritual progression of things? Why did YHVH take such great pains to construct a physical layout of your and my spiritual journey toward ultimate spiritual intimacy and oneness with him in the Most Set-Apart Place? It is interesting to note that there are three stages in the Jewish/Biblical wedding: betrothal, consummation and celebration. In the “godhead” there are also three parts or aspects: the Father, Son and the Set-Apart Spirit. John talks about three classes of Believers: children, young men, and fathers (1 John 2:12–14). Does any of this relate to the subdivisions of the Tabernacle? Reflect on and discuss.
6. 36:19 The Tabernacle had four outer coverings. The outer covering was made of either seal or badger skin (Exod 26:14; 36:19). This covering was ordinary and unattractive. How does this picture Yeshua and the gospel message? Was Yeshua attractive? (See Isa 53:2) How many people are attracted to the gospel message because it is appealing to them versus their having to reach rock bottom in their life and having no choice but to look upwards? Another covering was made of goats’ skins (Exod 26:7–13). What is the significance of this in relationship to the Day of Atonement? (See Lev 16). Another covering was made of rams’ skins dyed red (Exod 26:14; 36:19. What does this picture? (See Isa 1:18; 1 Pet 1:18–19; Rev 13:8). The inner most covering over the Tabernacle (Exod 26:1–6) formed the ceiling of the Tabernacle and was covered with embroidered cherubim. It was blue, purple, white and scarlet. Cherubim are mentioned in several Scriptures (Gen 3:24; Exod 25:18–22; Ps 18:10; 80:1; 99:1; Isa 37:16; Ezek 10:1–20). What do the Cherubim represent? (What was around the throne of YHVH Elohim in heaven?) Of what is the earthly Tabernacle a type? (See Hebrews 8:2; 9:11)
7. 37:10 The Table of Showbread was also constructed of gold covered in acacia wood, which speaks of the humanity and divinity of Yeshua. What is the significance of the 12 loaves of unleavened bread? Why the two stacks of bread? The 12 loaves represent the whole House of Israel. The loaves were replaced weekly each Shabbat (Lev 24:5–9) by the priests who then ate it. What does this picture? If you are the leader of a congregation what does this teach you about the teachings you prepare for your congregation each week?
8. There were three doors to the Tabernacle/Mishkan. In this Torah portion, two are mentioned (36:35–37; see also 26:31–37) the Veil/Parochet between the Set-Apart Place and the Most Set-Apart Place, and the Door/Screen to the Tabernacle. The Door to the Set-Apart Place of the Tabernacle was held up by five gold-covered acacia wood pillars. To what might these prophetically point? (See Eph 4:11–13) Each of the three doors was blue, scarlet, purple and white. All three colors point to different aspects of Yeshua, his origin and mission (blue is for heaven, scarlet is for blood, white is for spiritual purity/righteousness, purple is for royalty/kingship). The four colors point to the four Gospels each of which highlights a different aspect of Yeshua’s life and ministry, and each of which are the doors through which one enters into a spiritual relationship with him. Why was there a the Veil between the Set-Apart Place and the Most Set-Apart Place? Who does this represent? (See Heb 10:19–20.) Why could no one except the High Priest once a year enter through that Veil into the Most Set-Apart Place without dying? (Rom 3:23; Rom 6:23; Ezek 18:4). How do we now have access to the Father through the Veil? (Heb 10:19–22) Why was the Veil in the Temple rent at the time of Yeshua’s death on the cross (Matt 27:51)?

The Tabernacle, Its Furnishings & Seven Stations

For a complete discussion of the Tabernacle of Moses and its furnishings including:

• The Curtain Surrounding the Tabernacle
• The Outer Gate
• The Altar of Sacrifice
• Bronze Laver
• The Boards of the Sanctuary
• Transition and Contrast Between the Outer Court and the Sanctuary
• The Door to the Sanctuary
• The Golden Menorah
• The Table of Showbread
• The Altar of Incense
• The Veil (Parokhet) to the Most Set-Apart Place
• The Ark of the Covenant
• The Shekinah Glory of YHVH Above the Ark

Read Natan Lawrence’s extensive teaching on the Tabernacles of Moses, which discusses how everything therein points to Yeshua the Messiah and Redeemer of Israel and is a revelation of the gospel message. It also outlines the steps a Believer must take to grow spiritually, and shows the blueprint of YHVH’s plan of redemption for mankind as outlined in YHVH’s seven annual feasts and the biblical wedding. This teaching is available for free download on our ministry website at http://www.hoshanarabbah.org/pdfs/tabernacle.pdf.

Haftorah Reading:
1 Kings 7:13-26, 40-50

The Tale of Two Temples
As you read the elaborate descriptions of Solomon’s Temple you may ask yourself about the relevance of these passages to the Renewed Covenant Believer. To help steer the reader’s mind along the proper spiritual track, and thereby gain some relevant insights into this passage, please keep in mind the following passages in the Apostolic Scriptures:

Do you not know that you are the temple of Elohim and that the Spirit of Elohim dwells in you? (1 Cor 3:16).

Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Set-Apart Spirit who is in you, whom you have from Elohim, and you are not your own? (1 Cor 6:19).

For you are the temple of the living Elohim. As Elohim has said: “I will dwell in them and walk among them. I will be their Elohim, and they shall be My people” (2 Cor 6:16b).

… but Messiah as a Son over His own house, whose house we are if we hold fast the confidence and the rejoicing of the hope firm to the end (Heb 3:6).

… you also, as living stones, are being built up a spiritual house, a set-apart priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to Elohim through Yeshua Messiah (1 Pet 2:5).

Realizing that Yeshua predicted that the Temple in Jerusalem would be destroyed (Matt 24:1–2), and that some of the above passages were written just prior to that destruction, the apostles had in view a spiritual understanding of the Temple as pertaining to Believers. With this in mind, consider how the descriptions in the Haftorah portion can be applied (at the drash or allegorical/metaphorical level of biblical interpretation) spiritually to the Believer, and how everything therein points in some way or another to Yeshua. For example, consider and reflect on the following:

1. Verse 13 What is the Hebrew meaning of the name Solomon and how does that relate to Yeshua, the Prince of Peace?
2. Verses 15–22 What is the spiritual significance of the two brass pillars at the entrance of the Temple? Each had a name. The right pillar was named Yakhiyn meaning “he will establish,” and the name of the left pillar was Boaz meaning “in it is strength.” Keeping in mind that all this points to Yeshua, and that Yeshua is both the Logos or Written Word or Torah (instructions, precepts, teachings) of Elohim (John 1:1), as well as the Living Word of Elohim made flesh (John 1:14), relate these concepts to the two pillars.
3. Verse 18 What else do the two pillars resemble? How about a giant Torah scroll with the two pillars resembling the spindles or eytzim (trees) of the scroll? What might the two capitals of five cubits each atop each pillar represent? As a hint, figure out the following riddle: Five plus five equals what? What is the significance of that number? Two lists of five that were written on two what? Why would this have been placed at the door to the Temple and what did Yeshua say about this? Read Matthew 5:17–19 and John 14:15. If you are really bold, read 1 John 2:3–6.
4. Verse 18 What is the significance of the pomegranates that ringed the top of the pillars? What color are pomegranates and the juice that flows from them, what does this color point to, and what are pomegranates full off? How does this point to Yeshua? Hint: In a Bible concordance, look up the word seed. Especially note the spiritual significance of this word as used in the Apostolic Scriptures.
5. Verses 19 and 21 To whom does the lily point? Read Song of Solomon 2:1–2. Here the Beloved is speaking about herself in rich Hebraic poetic terms. If we are to be the bride of Yeshua, as represented by the Shulamite maiden who is speaking here, then how are we a lily in the eyes of Yeshua (here represented by Solomon)? In this light, what is the significance of the lilies on the brass pillars at the door of the Temple? Now relate this to what YHVH says about his people being “a peculiar treasure unto me above all the people … you shall be unto me a kingdom of priests, and a set-apart nation” (Exod 19:5–6, emphasis added). Compare this with 1 Peter 2:9.
6. Verse 46 The two brass pillars were cast in huge clay molds dug out of the earth. If these two brass pillars represent Yeshua, then how does this piece of information prophetically point to the dual nature of Yeshua? Hint: What does the name Adam mean, and who is the Second Adam?
7. Verses 48–50 All the vessels, implements, door hinges and furnishings were made of solid gold. How does this point to Yeshua, and to the Saints, if they are to become like Yeshua in all ways (Read Rom 8:29 and compare to 1 Cor 3:10–17 with emphasis on verses 12–15)? What are the unique properties of gold that make it unlike any other metal, and why should we be like gold?