Exodus 35:1-38:20

Vayachel, meaning ‘and he assembled,’ lays the groundwork for a significant moment in the lives of the Israelites. Moses gathers the community to convey God’s commandments for building the Tabernacle, a central element in their spiritual lives. The precise instructions underline the importance of communal worship and dedicated service to God.

Key events in Vayachel begin with Moses reiterating the Sabbath laws, emphasizing rest and holiness, even amid important work. This is followed by the Israelites’ contributions of labor and materials for the Tabernacle’s construction, showcasing their willingness to invest in their covenant with God. The meticulous craftsmanship, overseen by Bezalel and Oholiab, exemplifies the value God places on skilled work and the diverse talents within the community.

At its core, Vayachel unravels themes of unity, worship, and service that resonate deeply. It highlights how the Israelites, after their communal failure with the golden calf, come together to build something greater than individually achievable – the Tabernacle. Every skill and material offered reflects an expression of devotion and compliance with divine instruction, mirroring the harmonious functioning within a faithful community.

The Tabernacle itself serves as a tangible representation of God’s presence among the people, highlighting the intimate connection between heaven and earth. This sacred space, constructed according to divine specifications, becomes a focal point for worship and a reminder of their special relationship with God. Through Vayachel, the narrative not only captures a pivotal historical episode but also offers timeless lessons on community and commitment.

Messianic Insights: Finding Yeshua in Vayachel

Vayachel offers rich messianic insights, laying a foundation that resonates with the life and ministry of Yeshua (Jesus). The Tabernacle, central to Vayachel, acts as a symbol pointing towards Yeshua’s role in bringing humanity closer to God. Much like the Tabernacle was central to Israelite worship, Yeshua is central to spiritual life, bridging the divine and human realms.

The meticulous construction of the Tabernacle mirrors the divine design and purpose behind Yeshua’s earthly mission. Every detail, from the materials used to the roles assigned, foreshadows the completeness and perfection found in Yeshua’s ministry. Bezalel, filled with the Spirit of God to guide the work, can be seen as a parallel to Yeshua, who was led by the Spirit throughout His life, fulfilling God’s plan with precision.

Therefore, Yeshua said this to them: “Yes, indeed! I tell you that the Son cannot do anything on his own, but only what he sees the Father doing; whatever the Father does, the Son does too. For the Father loves the Son and shows him everything he does; and he will show him even greater things than these, so that you will be amazed.
(John 5:19-20 CJB)

Symbolically, the offerings and skilled craftsmanship reflect Yeshua’s sacrificial offering and His role as the master builder of faith. Just as Bezalel orchestrated the creation of the Tabernacle, Yeshua crafts our spiritual lives, bringing each unique talent and gift into harmony for the service of God’s kingdom.

Moreover, messianic prophecies find echoes in Vayachel. The emphasis on sacrifice, purity, and holiness is artistically woven into the narrative, alluding to Yeshua’s ultimate sacrifice for the atonement of sin. The Tabernacle’s layout, with its Holy of Holies, prefigures the access followers now have to God through Yeshua, rendering the spiritual separation obsolete.

So, brothers, we have confidence to use the way into the Holiest Place opened by the blood of Yeshua. He inaugurated it for us as a new and living way through the parokhet, by means of his flesh.
(Hebrews 10:19-20 CJB)

Connecting Vayachel’s scenes to Yeshua enhances our understanding, illustrating that the entire Scripture is a unified story pointing towards the Messiah. Recognizing these insights encourages a deeper exploration of faith, affirming that Yeshua’s presence and purpose permeate every cornerstone of biblical history.

Living the Message: Life Applications for Followers of Yeshua

Drawing inspiration from Vayachel involves not just historical reflection but practical application in daily life. The call to unity exemplified by the Israelites in their communal efforts towards building the Tabernacle is vital for followers of Yeshua today. This narrative teaches the importance of coming together, with everyone contributing uniquely to a greater purpose.

In many ways, the principles of teamwork, generosity, and dedication evident among the Israelites can be mirrored in our lives as the Body of Messiah. We’re prompted to evaluate how we can contribute our talents and resources to build a stronger community, both spiritually and practically. Whether it’s volunteering time, offering skills, or simply being present, our collective effort enriches our shared journey of faith.

Fostering spiritual growth and recognizing the gifts bestowed upon us is crucial. In the spirit of Bezalel, guided by divine skill and wisdom, we should embrace our spiritual gifts. These gifts are not just personal but exist for service, designed to encourage and uplift one another. Like parts of a body, each serving a purpose, our unique contributions play a part in the larger mission of faith.

Worship and obedience are not merely ceremonial; they’re profound expressions of faith that impact how we live. Integrating these values into work, relationships, and lifestyle embodies the example set forth in Vayachel. Engaging in regular worship, both individually and corporately, aligns our lives with Yeshua’s teachings and keeps us grounded in the faith community.

The narrative of the Tabernacle encourages us to cultivate a heart oriented toward holiness. This daily commitment to righteousness, inspired by the divine instructions relayed through Moses, echoes through generations. By embodying these lessons, life can become an ongoing act of worship, mirroring the devotion illustrated in Vayachel, solidifying our journey with Yeshua.

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Dale Solberg is a guest writer at Messianic Torah Portion offering a commentary and devotional thoughts from a Messianic Perspective on each week’s Torah reading. His views and opinions do not necessarily reflect those of The Messianic Light. You can reach Dale at dale@messianictorahportion.com.

Unless otherwise noted, Scripture quotations are taken from the Complete Jewish Bible, Copyright © 1998 and 2016 by David H. Stern. Used by permission. All copyrights reserved worldwide.

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