23-Torah Portion - Pekudei (Accounts) פְקוּדֵי
Portion Summary:
The twenty-third reading from the Torah and the final reading from the book of Exodus is called Pekudei, meaning "Accounts." The first verse of this portion begins with, "These are the accounts (pekudei) of the Tabernacle" (Exodus 38:21). This reading begins with an audit of how the contributions for the Tabernacle were used. It details the completion of the Tabernacle, its assembly, and concludes with the glory of YHVH entering it.
Summary of Key Themes:
Accountability in Worship: The detailed accounting of the Tabernacle materials emphasizes stewardship, honesty, and transparency in offerings dedicated to YHVH.
YHVH's Presence: The filling of the Tabernacle with YHVH's glory underscores His desire to dwell among His people, paralleling His covenant and relationship with Israel.
Priestly Service: Both the preparation of the priestly garments and the ordination of Aaron and his sons highlight the holiness and dedication required for those who minister before YHVH.
Fulfillment in Messiah: New Testament passages in Hebrews connect the earthly Tabernacle to the heavenly reality, showing Y'shua as the High Priest and ultimate sacrifice.
Sanctification and Consecration: Just as the Tabernacle was set apart as holy, believers are called to be sanctified vessels of YHVH, living lives of worship and service.
This outline presents a comprehensive view of Pekudei's themes, emphasizing the importance of stewardship, holiness, and the connection between the earthly Tabernacle and the heavenly presence of YHVH.
TORAH:
Exodus 38:21–40:38
Exodus 38:21-31: Accounting of materials used in constructing the Tabernacle, including gold, silver, and bronze, contributed by the people.
Exodus 39:1-31: Detailed description of the priestly garments crafted for Aaron and his sons, including the ephod, breastplate, robe, and turban.
Exodus 39:32-43: Summary of the completed work on the Tabernacle, as Moses inspects the work and blesses the people for their contributions.
Exodus 40:1-33: YHVH instructs Moses to set up the Tabernacle on the first day of the first month and describes the positioning of each item within it.
Exodus 40:34-38: The glory of YHVH fills the Tabernacle, signifying His presence with Israel as a cloud by day and fire by night.
SEPTUAGINT:
Jeremiah 38:8- Possibly referring to YHVH's promise of provision and guidance, similar to His protection and presence seen in the Tabernacle.
NEVI'EM:
Ezekiel 45:16 - Commands for the people of Israel to contribute offerings for the Temple, echoing the collection and distribution of materials for the Tabernacle.
Ezekiel 46:18 - Instructions against unjust seizure of property, highlighting the sanctity of YHVH's commands and the need for righteous leadership, applicable to priestly service in the Tabernacle.
Isaiah 61:6 - Israel's role as "priests of YHVH" and "ministers of YHVH," similar to the consecration of the Levites for Tabernacle service.
Isaiah 66:9-12 - YHVH's promise of deliverance and blessing, a symbol of His abiding presence, paralleled in His glory filling the Tabernacle.
Hosea 6:1-3 - A call to return to YHVH, who binds up and restores His people, akin to YHVH's relationship with Israel and His presence in the Tabernacle.
Joel 2:23 - YHVH's blessing upon Israel, with rain symbolizing His presence and favor, reflected in His glory filling the Tabernacle.
Hosea 3:4 - A period without sacrificial worship, highlighting the unique significance of YHVH's presence in the Tabernacle.
GOSPELS AND EPISTLES:
John 13:1-19 - Y'shua washing the disciples' feet as an act of humility and service, echoing the roles of the priests in the Tabernacle as servants of YHVH.
Luke 16:1-13 - Parable of the unjust steward, emphasizing faithful stewardship, mirroring the accountability required in the Tabernacle's material contributions.
Matthew 12:1-12 - Y'shua speaks on the Sabbath and mercy, themes that relate to the Tabernacle as a place of rest and divine service.
Luke 4:14-16 - Y'shua returns to Galilee and teaches in the synagogue, paralleling the concept of the Tabernacle as a place of teaching and worship.
Mark 2:27 - Y'shua explains that the Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath, relating to the function of the Tabernacle as a place for worship and rest.
Jude 1:5 - A reminder of YHVH delivering Israel, reinforcing the significance of YHVH's presence in the Tabernacle as part of His covenant.
Hebrews 8, 9, 10, 13Hebrews 8: Discusses the heavenly Tabernacle, of which the earthly Tabernacle was a shadow, and Y'shua's role as the High Priest.
Hebrews 9: The structure and services of the earthly Tabernacle, pointing to Y'shua's ultimate atonement.
Hebrews 10: The insufficiency of animal sacrifices and the fulfillment in Y'shua's sacrifice, connected to the sacrifices and services of the Tabernacle.
Hebrews 13: Encourages believers to go outside the camp, bearing Y'shua's reproach, and to offer sacrifices of praise, reflecting the purpose of the Tabernacle for worship and atonement.
APOCRYPHA:
Jubilees 2:17-22 - Reference to the sanctification of the Sabbath and heavenly structures, symbolizing YHVH's presence, similar to His glory filling the Tabernacle.
Sirach 38:24-34 - Insights on craftsmanship, emphasizing the skill and dedication required in building the Tabernacle and its furnishings.
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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