This week, we're diving into a fascinating passage from Shemot Rabbah, a collection of rabbinic interpretations of the Book of Exodus. It all starts with God choosing Betzalel to build the Mishkan, the Tabernacle.
“The Lord spoke to Moses saying: See, I have called by name Betzalel, son of Uri, son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah” (Exodus 31:1–2). It seems straightforward, right? But Rabbi Tanhuma bar Abba, in Shemot Rabbah 40, sees something deeper here. He begins with a verse from Job (28:27): “Then He saw it and related it, prepared it, and also studied it.” What’s that all about?
The Midrash connects this verse to God foreseeing Israel's acceptance of the Torah. The idea is that God wouldn't have created the world if He hadn't known Israel would accept the Torah. "Then He saw it and related it." According to Ginzberg's retelling in Legends of the Jews, the Torah was actually offered to all nations, but only Israel accepted it. What follows in Job? "He said to man [adam]: Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom” (Job 28:28). And who is this adam, this "man"? The Midrash equates adam with Israel, citing Ezekiel 34:31: “You, My flock, flock of My pasture, you are man [adam].”
So, "Then He saw it and related it" refers to the giving of the Torah at Sinai. "Prepared it" refers to the Tent of Meeting, and "also studied it" refers to the plains of Moab in the book of Deuteronomy. Pretty neat connection, right?
But there's more! The Rabbis suggest that this verse from Job teaches us something about how we should approach teaching Torah. A person should take an example from God when sharing halakha (Jewish law), aggada (stories and legends), or midrash (interpretations). When preparing to speak in public, don't just assume you're ready because you know the material well. Rav Aha points out that God Himself rehearsed the Torah four times before revealing it to Israel! As we find in Exodus 20:1, "God spoke all these matters," and then "saying" to Israel. It’s a reminder to prepare thoroughly and not take our knowledge for granted.
There's a story about Rabbi Yohanan ben Toreta visiting Rabbi Akiva. Rabbi Akiva asked him to read the Torah, but Rabbi Yohanan declined, saying he hadn't reviewed the portion. The Rabbis praised him for this! It emphasizes the importance of preparation and humility, as it is stated, "then He saw it and related it."
Rabbi Hoshaya adds another layer. He says that knowledge without fear of sin is worthless, like a carpenter without tools. The fear of God is what holds the Torah together. Isaiah 33:6 states, “The fear of the Lord, that is his treasure.” The beginning of that verse is expounded as a reference to the six orders of Mishna; nevertheless, the true treasure is the fear of God. Rabbi Yoḥanan goes even further, saying it would have been better for someone knowledgeable in Torah but who doesn't perform good deeds to have never been born! Harsh, right? But it underscores the idea that knowledge must be accompanied by action and a sense of responsibility.
Rabbi Ḥiya bar Abba asks, what is this "fear of the Lord?" God is saying, "If you had good deeds, I will give you reward." And what is that reward? Torah! "He said to man: Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom, and turning away from evil is understanding" (Job 28:28). If you turn away from evil, God will produce from you people who have understanding of the Torah.
He then connects this to Yokheved and Miriam. Because "the midwives feared God" (Exodus 1:17), Yokheved gave birth to Moses, who was privileged to have the Torah ascribed to him. Miriam, because she distanced herself from evil, gave birth to Betzalel, who was blessed with wisdom and understanding. "See, I have called by name Betzalel" (Exodus 31:2), and "I have filled him with the spirit of God, with wisdom, with understanding and with knowledge" (Exodus 31:3).
So, what does all this mean? It's not just about Betzalel and the building of the Mishkan. It's about preparation, humility, the importance of action alongside knowledge, and the idea that fearing God and turning away from evil can lead to great wisdom and understanding. It’s a reminder that our actions, our intentions, and our dedication to learning all play a part in shaping who we become and what we can contribute to the world.