A Dwelling Place
Redemption, the dictionary defines redemption as the act of purchasing back something that was previously sold or the act of delivering from sin or saving from evil. As we enter in to this week’s portion Terumah we see that Moses and the Children of Israel have been redeemed by the strong hand of the Holy One. He bought back His People from the bondage of Egypt, led them through the sea on dry land, gave them victory over their enemies, gave manna from heaven and water from a rock. As if that wasn’t enough, he brought them to himself and gave them a ketubah (wedding contract). The bride is receiving her makeover!
After we have been redeemed, it’s time to understand what is to happen next. The opening verses of this week’s portion speak of what is to happen after we’ve been given this wonderful salvation.
HASHEM spoke to Moses, saying: "Speak to the children of Israel and let them take for ME a portion, from every man whose heart motivates him shall you take MY portion." -Exodus 25:1-2
“And let them take for Me” speaks of much more than just a contribution. This gift is to be purely given for the sake of HASHEM, His Name, not because of social pressure or in pursuit of honor. By contributing to the Holy One you actually take upon yourself the act of generosity.
This “portion”, or terumah, תרומה, (pronounced ter-oo-maw) is the contribution, gift, offering, or oblation that the Holy One desires from the heart of His bride. The root of terumah is rum, רום, (pronounced room) meaning exhalted, bring up, extol, give, or heave up. The true sense of this word has no English equivalent. It implies a separation of one’s resources to be set aside for a higher purpose. These contributions were to elevate the giver and his concept of the purpose of the wealth which the Holy One has blessed him with.
These contributions were to be given with a purpose. Once we’ve been redeemed we must be sanctified, once we’ve been redeemed we must worship the Holy One. This is our purpose.
"They shall make a Sanctuary (Mikdash) for Me~so that I may dwell among them"~
Exodus 25:8
After the sin of the Golden Calf, Moses implored the Holy One to forgive the Children of Israel. Initially the Holy One was to dwell “among” or “within” His newly redeemed. The building of the Mishkan (Tabernacle) was made necessary after their lapse into idolatry. No “Temple” should have been needed. After the Children of Israel’s revelation at Sinai, each individual achieved a level of prophecy worthy of the Shekinah. However this Sanctuary or Mikdash, in Hebrew, comes from the word kodesh, קדש, meaning Holy, apartness, or sacredness. The Holy One desires a sacred place, a holy place to dwell. This is the very reason He sent His Son.
Indeed, Redemption is ours, by grace! Freely given is Salvation by the blood of Our Messiah. Sanctification of the flesh is a necessary response to this gift we’ve been given. The Creator of the Universe needs a holy dwelling place to reside. By obedience, the keeping of His Commandments, we express our love to the One who has redeemed us.
“If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word. My Father will love him, and We will come to Him and make Our dwelling with them.” –Yeshua (John 14:23)
Shalom, Happy day !
Hallelujah Girl