The Tabernacle of Moses begins in parsha terumah תְּרוּמָה (Exodus (Shemot) 25:1-27:19) with a terumah, offering. In this text we see how the ‘blueprint” for the tabernacle (Mishkan) was given to Moses directly from Yehovah. In Exodus 25:9 Yehovah states, “According to all that I show thee, the pattern of the tabernacle, and the pattern of all the furniture thereof, even so shall ye make it.” (JPS).
The Tabernacle of Moses is a popular topic. Watch the Video and see the notes below.
The Tabernacle of Moses Summary
This teaching begins with a brief history about William Tyndale’s English translation. We discuss who he was and how his work influences every English translation. I talk about his purpose for translating the Scriptures and some of the texts he used. Of course, no discussion is complete without talking about the Gutenberg press, his death and his final words.
This topic also led to talking about Martin Luther, his thoughts about the Hebrew language, and why he despised the Jews.
After this we begin with the text and discuss the difficulties created by translation. Also, we discuss the Hebrew text such as:
- The meaning of the words mishkan, kapporeth, betocham, and terumah
- The difficulty of the Hebrew words for the gemstones
- The color blue.
- Bronze vs. copper/brass
- and much more
We asked and answered questions such as:
- Where does the word tabernacle come from?
- What was the purpose of the tabernacle (mishkan)?
- Why were the cherubim on the ark not considered idols?
- Where is Yehovah’s throne?
- What does the ark represent?
- and much more
The text written on the whiteboard is the Literary Structure for parsha terumah. I am providing it below:
- 1P The Contribution to the Mishkan (25.1-9)
- 2P The Ark and the “kapporeth” (25.10-22)
- 3P The Table (25.23-30)
- 4P The Lampstand (25.31-40)
- 5P The Mishkan and the Tent (26.1-14)
- 6P The Boards (26.15-30)
- 7P The Veil and the Screen (26.31-37)
- 8P The Altar (27.1-8)
- 9P The Court of the Mishkan (27.9-19)
To see the complete literary structure of this section of Exodus (Shemot) click this link -> Introduction to Exodus
Below are some additional resources used to develop this teaching.
WSB Resources:
Parsha Connections
- Terumah – 19th Parsha – Ex. 25.1 – 27.19
- Tetzaveh – 20th Parsha – Ex. 27.20 – 30-10
- Ki Tisa– 21st Parsha – Ex. 30.11 – 34.35
- ** Vayakhel – 22nd Parsha – Ex. 35.1 -38.20
- ** Pekudei – 23rd Parsha – Ex. 38.21 – 40.38
** The last two parshoit, Vayakhel and Pekudei, is a double reading. This means they are both on the same linked page.
Scripture Text
Additional Resources
Hebrew Language Resources
- The Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew and English Lexicon | Hendrickson Publishers | F. Brown, S. Driver, and C. Briggs
- Vines Dictionary | ? | W.E. Vine
- The Strong’s Concordance | Zondervan | James Strong
Jewish Commentaries
- Covenant & Conversation Commentary | Schocken Books | Rabbi Jonathan Sacks
- A Commentary on the Book of Exodus | Varda Books | Umberto Cassuto
Christian Resources * This is not an endorsement of Christian Theology or teaching. Used only to understand Christian thought.
- Rose’s Guide to the Tabernacle | Rose Publishing | William Brent Ashby and Benjamin Galan
- What the Bible says about the Tabernacle | Leadership Ministries Worldwide | Alpha-Omega Ministries
Meta Details:
Original Teaching Date: March 4, 2023/ Adar 19, 5783.
Location: Beth Shalom Israel in El Paso, Texas