22. Torah Portion - Vayakhel (He Assembled) וַיַּקְהֵל
Portion Summary
The twenty-second reading from the Torah and the second-to-last reading from the book of Exodus is called Vayakhel, which means "and he assembled." The name comes from the first words of the first verse of the reading, which could be translated as, "And Moses assembled all the congregation of the sons of Israel..." (Exodus 35:1).
This portion describes how the assembly of Israel worked together to build the Tabernacle. In most years, Vayakhel is read together with the following portion, Pekudei.
Major Themes and Reflections:
Sacred Assembly and Contribution:
The people of Israel work together, each bringing contributions according to their ability, symbolizing communal worship and dedication.
Craftsmanship as Worship:
Skilled artisans like Bezalel and Oholiab use their talents to glorify YHVH, showing that work can be a form of worship.
Sabbath Observance:
Even amid construction, the Sabbath is emphasized, highlighting the principle of rest and sanctification.
Obedience and Holiness:
The meticulous construction of the Tabernacle reflects Israel's reverence for YHVH's commands and their desire to create a holy space.
Y'shua as Fulfillment: In the New Testament, the Tabernacle's functions are fulfilled in Y'shua, who serves as the ultimate High Priest and dwelling place of YHVH's presence.
Torah:
Exodus 35:1–38:20: Main passage describing the gathering of materials, artisans' roles, and the actual construction process of the Tabernacle.
Exodus 25–27: Earlier instructions detailing the specifications for the Tabernacle and its furnishings.
Leviticus 19:19: Prohibitions against mixing fabrics, which are reflected in the care taken in selecting materials for the Tabernacle.
Deuteronomy 22:11-12: Instructions on material purity and fringes, similar to the specifications for the Tabernacle.
Targums:
Exodus 35–36: Describes Moses assembling the people, the collection of materials, and the work on the Tabernacle, with cultural and historical expansions on the process and details of the materials.
Writings:
Psalm 150:3-6: A psalm of praise, calling for the use of instruments in worship, similar to the community-driven worship at the Tabernacle.
1 Chronicles 29:6-9: Describes how King David assembled resources for the future Temple, echoing the communal giving and assembly in Vayakhel.
1 Kings 6–7: The construction of Solomon's Temple, which was inspired by the design and function of the Tabernacle, with careful adherence to YHVH's instructions.
Nevi'im:
Ezekiel 45:16; 46:18: Instructions on offerings and communal worship, reflecting the sacrificial and communal aspects of the Tabernacle.
Isaiah 61:6: A call for Israel to be a nation of priests, reminiscent of their role in building and maintaining the Tabernacle.
Isaiah 66:9-12: A prophecy of comfort and restoration, symbolizing YHVH's presence among His people, as seen in the Tabernacle.
Hosea 6:1-3: A call for Israel to return to YHVH, reflecting the theme of communal gathering for worship.
Joel 2:23: Blessings for Israel as they turn back to YHVH, a parallel to the blessings associated with the obedience in building the Tabernacle.
Hosea 3:4: Describes Israel's time without sacrificial worship, in contrast to the active worship initiated through the Tabernacle.
Gospels and Epistles:
John 13:1-19: Y'shua serves His disciples by washing their feet, a model of servitude and humility similar to the service-oriented tasks in the Tabernacle.
Luke 16:1-13: Parable of the Shrewd Manager, emphasizing stewardship—a quality reflected in the people's responsibility to provide resources for the Tabernacle.
Matthew 12:1-12: Y'shua discusses the Sabbath and lawful works, a theme echoed in Exodus 35:2-3, which emphasizes the Sabbath even amidst the work of building the Tabernacle.
Mark 2:27: Y'shua teaches that the Sabbath was made for humankind, echoing the Sabbath command given in Vayakhel for rest amid construction.
Hebrews 8-10, 13: These chapters discuss the role of the Tabernacle as a shadow of heavenly things and reflect on Y'shua as the High Priest, comparing the physical Tabernacle to the spiritual reality.
Jude 1:5: Reminder of YHVH's acts in delivering Israel, which ties back to the communal worship in the Tabernacle as part of the covenantal relationship.
1 Peter 2:5: Believers are described as living stones in a spiritual house, similar to the assembly of materials for the Tabernacle as a dwelling place for YHVH.
Apocrypha:
Jubilees 2:17-22: Refers to the Sabbath as a sacred institution, connecting with Vayakhel's instruction to rest on the Sabbath even during Tabernacle construction.
Sirach 38:24-34: Wisdom on craftsmanship and labor, applicable to the skilled work of Bezalel, Oholiab, and other artisans in building the Tabernacle.
1 Maccabees 4:36-59: The rededication of the Temple after desecration, paralleling the dedication of the Tabernacle as a holy space for YHVH's presence.
These passages support and expand on the themes in Vayakhel—the gathering of people to serve YHVH, their contributions, the importance of craftsmanship, and the command to honor the Sabbath even amidst significant communal efforts. Let me know if you need more insights on any of these references!
Study Questions:
How does this Torah portion relate to the Haftarah and New Testament portions?
Which readings did you find most interesting, and why?
Can you identify Y'shua in this week's portion?
What is the general theme of this reading, and how does it apply to our lives today?
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