Beth Elohim Messianic Synagogue
Parashah #22: Vayak’hel (He assembled) Sh’mot (Exodus 35:1-38-20
Haftarah: M’lakhim Alef (1 Kings) 7:13-26
B’rit Chadashah: Revelation 11:1-13
Reading the first paragraph of this parashah should recall to our minds the importance G-d places on observing His Shabbat! This command is written at least 50 times in the first five books of G-d’s Torah. Immediately after this reminder, we see a new command in the last sentence: “ You are not to kindle a fire in any of your homes on Shabbat” (Exodus35:3).
I taught on this subject in the past, but I believe it is important enough to clarify again since it is a command.
Moses Alshekh (1508-1603) was an exegete with a keen interest in halakhah (Jewish law). His commentary on Ex. 35:3 questions why God is telling Moses about the Sabbath laws at this point in the story, rather than including them with the instructions previously given for building the tabernacle. Additionally, he addresses the ambiguity of the phrase “within your settlements” explaining that the injunction against kindling refers to your residences, not My G-d’s) residence. In this fashion, he explains that in the tabernacle fire may be used on the Sabbath for the purpose of burning sacrifices.
So what are we to make of this verse? There is no doubt that it is tied to Exodus 35:2 that commands rest from the mundane world of work on six days of the week, including arguing among ourselves in our homes and in the gates of our cities.
The point that fire is not to be kindled in one’s house provides an exception to fire that was to be kept burning at the Temple that was commanded by G-d. Kindling may not have been traditionally thought to have been creative as are the other types of work prohibited, because wood burned is destroyed. However, it takes work to kindle a fire whether a physical fire or an argument, both of which are prohibited by G-d. There are numerous meanings of “kindle” and “ish” which indicate a close connection in any context between the prohibition of kindling fire; whether considered as provoking the fire of judgment by G-d and ceasing all work for one day to reflect and worship the One who so carefully explicates His instructions. In reality our worship and reflection on G-d should be as a perpetual burning fire, just as that in the Temple.
Next, we notice the overwhelming generosity of the people in donating their time and possessions for the tabernacle’s construction. So much so that they had to be restrained from further contributions! (36:3-7). I have seen this type of generosity and love for our synagogue’s mission to glorify G-d and encourage each other in the process. It is indeed a blessed feeling that is very difficult to verbalize at best.
This parashah describes the unified focus of the people in giving and working to construct all that G-d commanded, each using his or her specific skills without any argument. Compare this scenario with Sha’ul’s (Paul’s) narrative about the different body parts and how they should work together for the optimum function of the entire body. We read in 1 Cor. 12 throughout the chapter. Verses 4-7 read “Now there are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit gives them. Also there are different ways of serving, but it is the same L-rd being served. And there are different modes of working, but it is the same G-d working them all in everyone. Moreover, to each person is given the particular manifestation of the Spirit that will be for the common good.” Verse 18 reads “But as it is, G-d arranged each of the parts in the body exactly as he wanted them.”
This is nothing new as we read our parashah. Exodus 35: 30-36:1reads: “Moshe said to the people of Isra’el, ‘See, Adonai has singled out B’tzal’el the son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Y’hudah. He has filled him with the Spirit of G-d-with wisdom, understanding and knowledge concerning every kind of artisanry. He is a master of design in gold, silver, bronze, cutting precious stones to be set, woodcarving and every other craft. [Adonai] has also given him and Oholi’av, the son of Achisamakh of the tribe of Dan, the ability to teach others. He has filled them with the skill needed for every kind of work, whether done by an artisan, a designer, an embroiderer using blue, purple and scarlet yarn, and fine linen, or a weaver- they have the skill for every kind of work and design. B’tzal’el and Oholi’av, along with all the craftsmen whom Adonai has endowed with the wisdom and skill necessary to carry out the work needed for the sanctuary, are to do exactly according to everything Adonai has ordered.”
G-d did not instill wisdom and skill so these men could run rampant and do whatever they wanted. They were given just what they needed to accomplish their G-d ordained tasks. They were not only in charge of building, but teaching others (Ex. 35:34). This is an extremely important statement. In our “modern” society we are encouraged to believe we are an “army of one” instead of “a part of the army of the One. Many people are selfish/stingy (the evil eye) with their knowledge, time, and talents which they believe they were either born with or developed independent of G-d’s kindness and blessing. G-d distributes gifts and talents according to His will and for His purpose. We, in turn, glorify Him when we use these G-d-given gifts for his glory, no matter what they may be. We should not be jealous of another’s job, gifts, or anything else our neighbor has because G-d endowed us with the perfect gift/s to accomplish our specific function in the body of YHVH/Yahshua. Just as he gives, He can remove these gifts and blessings if we prove to be unfaithful stewards and give them to someone who loves Him and wants to serve wherever and however G-d chooses. He can also remove his spirit (1 Sam. 16:14).
G-d’s power has given us everything we need to lead a G-dly life through the G-d-given wisdom and knowledge of knowing the One who called us to his own glory and goodness (2 Pet. 1:3).
Finally, we read in Ex. 38:22: “B’tzal’el the son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Y’hudah, made everything that Adonai ordered Moshe to make. Assisting him was Oholi’av the son of Achisamakh, of the tribe of Dan, who was an engraver, a designer and a weaver in colors- in blue, purple, scarlet yarn and in fine linen.” In Ex. 39:42-43 we see the conclusion “The people of Isra’el did all the work just as Adonai had ordered Moshe. Moshe saw all the work, and –there it was! -they had done it! Exactly as Adonai had ordered, they had done it. And Moshe blessed them.” It should be more than enough for us to one day hear our L-rd and King say “Excellent! You are a good and trustworthy servant. You have been faithful with a small amount, so I will put you in charge of a large amount. Come and join in your master’s happiness!” (Matt. 25:23). May it be so for us all!
Haftarah: M’lakhim Alef (1 Kings) 7:13-26
This passage reflects back to the talents, wisdom and knowledge G-d provided B’tzal’el and Oholi’av and G-d’s provision for those who love Him; just what they need when they need it to accomplish His purpose for their lives. In this case it is Hiram from the tribe of Naftali who was “a bronze worker filled with wisdom, understanding and skill for all kinds of bronze craftsmanship. He came to King Solomon and did all his bronzework.” The challenge for those who submit to decisions by the rabbis or other religious leaders is to compare what is given as halacha or law compared to G-d’s Torah. It is also wise to pray for wisdom and understanding on your own behalf. Clergy do not own a patent on wisdom and knowledge, as the Torah makes very clear. More than this, we need to keep the warning found in Revelation 22:18-19 very near as we continue our journey on the King’s Highway (G-d’s Torah) and screen articles, shows, books, and other literature proclaiming to be true to G-d’s Word. “ I warn everyone hearing the words of this prophecy in this book that if anyone adds to them, G-d will add to him the plagues written in this book. And if anyone takes anything away from the words in the book of this prophecy, G-d will take away his share in the Tree of Life and the holy city, as described in this book.” We have been duly warned. We must filter everything through the lens of G-d’s Torah for validity, reliability, and truth.
B’rit Chadashah: Revelation 11:1-13
The focus of this passage is the two witnesses of whose identity there exists much debate. It seems logical these two will represent grace and law as they are described as “the two olive trees and the two menorahs standing before the L-rd of the earth.” Are these two Elijah and Enoch? These are the two individuals identified in the Bible that did not die before being taken to heaven. Or could one of them be Moshe? We will not know for certain until the designated time. These two will be given what they need to accomplish G-d’s purpose for them as described for others who served G-d in the parashah and the haftarah. Of this provision we can be sure of in our lives if we are living to serve G-d.
These two witnesses are given the power to destroy, hold back rain, turn the waters into blood, and to strike the earth with every kind of plague as often as they want! However, to whom much is given, much is required. After 1,260 days of calling people to repentance as evidenced by their sackcloth garments, the Antimessiah will kill them. Their bodies will lay in the streets of Jerusalem for 3 ½ days while those who reject their prophesy and G-d; laugh, rejoice, and exchange gifts as they celebrate their deaths. But there is more to come.
After the 3 ½ days G-d calls them to heaven. Once this witness for G-d is gone, there is a great earthquake killing 7,000 and causing others to give glory to the G-d of heaven. This does not mean these people became believers. Many people give glory to G-d in a time of fear. Nevertheless, this is the end of the second woe and the worst is yet to come. May we pray for wisdom from above, knowledge, and strength as we approach the next test of our faith and trust, knowing the outcome for true believers.
Shabbat Shalom,
Rabbi Tamah Davis-Hart