Divinity in the Detail

Many Christians find it intimidating to read those parts of their Old Testament that are filled with repetitive ritual detail. The temptation is to flee to the familiar sounds and images of the Gospel stories! Yet, to give up too easily is to never discover the sacred scriptural foundations upon which the New Testament depends. For a biblically rich life, it is important to step out of one's comfort zone and to work on our interpretative muscles.

In Jewish tradition we find talented coaches to assist our understanding of Scripture. Generations of sages are powerful guides when it comes to patient, inquisitive, creative reading of Torah.

Let’s explore, for example, the final chapters of the Book of Exodus: 38:21 - 40:38.

It is now one year after the Israelites came out of Egypt, and the Israelites are completing an inventory of the materials which have gone into making the components required for the Tabernacle (the portable shrine which represents the presence of the Lord who dwells among them). When the Tabernacle is erected, it will be filled with the divine presence.

Read these chapters at a leisurely pace.  It takes about 13 minutes. Set aside time for this. Read aloud. Resist the urge to skim the text. Sink yourself into G-d’s word, attentive to its rhythms and repetitions (which are integral to oral storytelling traditions).  How do the intricate descriptions of material items play on your thought patterns? Do you notice the colours of those yarns, the name of each precious stone...? Does any detail in particular catch your attention? If so, why? In the detail can you taste the immense importance and effort of building the Tabernacle? Does it remind you of a great work in your own life involving countless details?

"As the Lord had commanded Moses.”  This phrase, like a drumbeat, punctuates the text 18 times. What is the effect of this repetition? At no place are we allowed to forget that it is the Lord’s desire and design that underlies all this complex human activity.  The drumbeat keeps us focused on what is essential. It is a beat that we need to hear in our 21st century world. Our lives are filled with activity; perhaps activity of great importance. Yet to what avail are our efforts if we become lost in the detail, losing sight of fidelity to the Lord’s desires and commands? The Bible’s drumbeat anchors the rhythms of our daily work.

What else do you notice in the text? While the Israelites (i.e., all the people) bring the completed components to Moses, he (Moses) puts them all together. Puzzled? Why would this collective effort suddenly become a one-man task?

According to the midrash, none of the Israelites knew how to assemble the pieces.

“So what did they do? Each took his finished piece of work to Moses, saying: ‘here are the boards, here are the bolts’; and as soon as Moses beheld them, the Holy Spirit settled upon him and he set the Tabernacle up. You must not say that it was Moses who set it up, for miracles were performed with it and it rose of its own accord.” [Exodus Rabbah 52, 4]

See how the midrash invites us to ponder a human effort from a spiritual perspective. Even a construction site is permeated by divine presence. A structural task is worthy of the language of miracles! We are reminded that the Lord is deeply involved with his people, with their work of service in creating the Tabernacle, and with Moses, a faithful servant who is especially close to the Lord.

In what way is the Torah is speaking to your own life? Perhaps you are recalling where you saw God’s hand at work, or pondering your efforts to stay focused on the Lord amidst activity. Continue to ponder this ancient text with an open mind and heart. •

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Bibliography: Etz Hayim (New York: JPS, 2001); Fox, The Five Books of Moses (New York, 1995); Freedman & Simon, eds., Midrash Rabbah: Exodus (New York, 1983). Scripture: JPS. Photo: Shutterstock, via Wix.

© Teresa Pirola, 2013 Reproduction for non-commercial use permitted with acknowledgement of Light of Torah website.

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Light of Torah is a Sydney-based grassroots work, encouraging Christians to reflect on Torah with the help of Jewish insights. More...  The reflection above refers to Parashat Pekudei (Exodus 38:21 - 40:38), the Torah portion read for this Sabbath in the Jewish liturgical cycle. Shabbat shalom!