Assemble a House for YHVH?

The study of VaYak’hel follows the story of Israel turning their backs on YHWH and worshipping another god—the “golden calf” of Egypt called apis.  This false god in many ways claimed the attributes of YHWH much in the same way as the antichrist who seeks to lead Yah’s people away from life. From the viewpoint of Scripture, Israel committed a grave sin by worshipping a false god and was met with righteous judgment.  Though due to the efforts of Moses to intercede, the majority of Israel experienced mercy from YHWH.

In Exodus 34, we read about YHWH passing before Moses proclaiming His lovingkindness to thousands and His promise to drive out wicked inhabitants in the land.  He reminds Moses to tell the people to keep (cherish) His covenant and the Feast of Weeks. Finally, He tells Moses to sit down and write down the commands. Moses does so, staying with YHWH for forty days, causing his face to shine so brightly, that he covered it before the people.

It’s against this backdrop that Moses tells the people to assemble a house for YHWH.  And they did so with great joy.  Is it possible for us to build a home for YHWH today in the same way? 

There was a woman who wiped the feet of Yeshua (Jesus) with her tears and perfume.  Yeshua told the man who was accusing the woman that “she loved much in that she had been forgiven much.”  Maybe our first step in understanding Exodus 35 is that Israel had been forgiven much and they would now gladly assemble a house for Yah to dwell with them.  If we are to create a house of Yah in our body, our home, and our community it might be necessary for us to appreciate how much Yah has forgiven us.

When Moses came down from the mountain he stated to Israel, “. . . whoever is of a willing heart, let him bring it as the Lord’s contribution.”  Evidently, the people did so, in that hearts were moved, and stirred so much that Moses finally said, stop the contributions, “The people were restrained from bringing any more.”  (Ex. 35:5, 36:6) For the material they had was sufficient and more than enough for all the work to perform it.  (35:7)

It’s fascinating that we are willing to cheerfully help a friend or neighbor when they show us kindness.  Our Creator has shown us an even greater kindness by sending His Son Yeshua so we might have salvation thru His life, death, and resurrection.

In the assembling of the Sanctuary, many hands were at work under the direction of experienced men who were wise and masters of their trade.  Have you ever heard the saying “many hands make like work?”  I wonder how much joy was being felt in this wilderness work bee?  Think of it.  You have a purpose.  You have direction.  You are using your skills.  Your sin has been forgiven.  You have seen the mighty hand of YHWH rescuing you from bondage.  And now, this same Being would be dwelling with you.  How exciting this must have been.  Of course, you would be willing to help.  

I do believe we can create a dwelling place for Yahweh in our lives today by being thankful, being willing, and working alongside each other in joyfulness for what He has done and is doing.