A Brief Thought - Moshe's Surprise

As I was reading and re-reading Shemot 39:43, there was something extremely funny and even endearing about the verse.  Packed into a few words is a complex narrative: After the people bring all of the items of the mishkan before Moshe, Moshe seek all the work, thinks to himself, "well, would you look at that - they've done it," and then sort of repeats it to himself that "all H' had commanded they had done," and he decides to bless them.

There is definitely an element of surprise contained in this verse, as Moshe seemingly clearly doubted that B'nei Yisrael would make the items at all, much less make them exactly has H' had commanded.  And in his joyous surprise, seeing the total fruition of all that G-d had told him on top of Har Sinai - he utters a spontaneous word of blessing for all their efforts.  What that blessing is, the Torah does not specify.  But is a rare blessing from Moshe, nonetheless.

The verse's humor is even more increased when we realize the extensive background before this presentation - specifically, that the people had nearly instantaneously donated the materials for the mishkan and G-d had even appointed two main craftsmen - Betzalel and Ahaliev - for the work.  Nonetheless, the Children of Israel not only did what Moshe had commanded them but, wouldn't you know it, built each item exactly as it had been described to Moshe.  It seems like Moshe's grand vision of the complete mishkan came to life before his very eyes - and he sat in delightful surprise as a result.

It's almost like Moshe knew B'nei Yisrael would do it because they had been both inspired and commanded, but still harbors some doubt in the back of his mind, and then is flabbergasted when the inspiration and commandment is fulfilled.  

May we be filled with holy delight when things come true -- even things we thought would come true -- for us, from the most minute detail of human life to the most major, seminal events.  

Comments