“They brought the Tabernacle to Moses: The Tent and all its vessels, its hooks, its boards, its bars, its pillars, and its sockets” (Exodus 39:33). “They brought the Tabernacle to Moses.” Rabbi Tanḥuma bar Abba began: “In embroidery she is led to the king; her virgin companions follow her, brought to you” (Psalms 45:15). What is “in embroidery”?
This is the Tabernacle that is embroidered, as it is written: “And an embroiderer in sky blue wool” (Exodus 38:23). That is “in embroidery.” What is “she is led to the king”? This is Moses, who was called king, as it is written: “He became king in Yeshurun, when the heads of the people were assembled, the tribes of Israel together” (Deuteronomy 33:5).
“She is led,” this is that they brought him the Tabernacle. “Her virgin companions follow her,” this is Israel, who were called virgins, as it is written: “A locked garden is my sister, my bride; a locked fountain, a sealed spring” (Song of Songs 4:12).1The imagery of the locked garden and fountain and the sealed spring represents virginity; one who has protected herself from exploitation. The point is that Israel remained unblemished by refraining from idolatry (Yefei To’ar).
“Her companions,” as they are the companions of the Holy One blessed be He, as it is stated: “For the sake of my brothers and companions, I now say: Peace be with you” (Psalms 122:8). “Brought to you” – on the day that the Tabernacle was completed, they brought it to him. That is why it is stated: “They brought the Tabernacle to Moses.”