The Hebrew word “terumah” means “offering”. In this context, it refers to the voluntary contributions that the Israelites were to make for the construction of the Mishkan – Tabernacle. Yehovah instructed Moses to invite the people to bring specific materials, such as precious metals, fabrics, animal skins, wood and oils, among others, for the construction and the elements of the sanctuary.
Also detailed are the designs and materials necessary for the construction of the Ark of the Covenant, the Table of Showbread, the golden Menorah, the Altar of Incense, the Altar of Burnt Offering and the Mishkan enclosure itself. Each of these elements had a specific purpose in the future service of the Temple and symbolized various aspects of Yeshua’s role and Yehovah relationship with his people.
Just as the Israelites contributed their resources in the past to the construction of the Mishkan, we believers are called to offer our gifts and talents for the building of the Kingdom of Yehovah on earth. Yeshua himself, throughout his ministry, taught and exemplified the value of giving oneself in service to others and in the expansion of love, truth and justice.
To reflect
The Tabernacle is the meeting place between Yehovah and the people of Israel, a figure of the presence of the Almighty that is fully manifested in Yeshua. He is described as the “Tabernacle” that dwelt among us (John 1:14), being the place where Yehovah and man meet in perfect harmony. In other words, Yeshua is the way to reconciliation with our Father, and his sacrifice on the cross represents the perfect fulfillment of the system of sacrifices and offerings prescribed in the Torah.
