Parashat Vayakhel

בס”ד
Parashat Vayakhel

In this week’s Torah portion special attention is given to the various vessels that were in the Tabernacle and later in the Temple. There is one which I would like to emphasize in this week’s study—the Kaporet. This was the top of the Ark of the Covenant. Whereas the Ark itself was made of acacia wood and then covered with pure gold, the Kaporet was only made of pure gold. In the New Testament this same vessel is referred to as the “Throne of Grace” (see Heb. 4:16). One should know that the word “Kaporet” comes from the Hebrew word that means atonement. This is an excellent example of how the T’nach (Old Testament) relays one aspect of an idea and the New Testament comes and completes the thought. One should realize that atonement is only possible through the grace of G-d.

There are a few truths concerning the Kaporet that are most interesting. The first is that on the Day of Atonement the high priest would enter the holy of holies and apply the blood which makes atonement upon the Koporet. The second is that Scripture reveals that when HaShem was in the Temple, He was upon the Kaporet. For the word of G-d says,

“When Moses entered the Tent of Meeting to speak with Him (G-d), he (Moses) heard the Voice speaking to him from above the Kaporet which is upon the Ark of the Testimony between the two cherubim and he spoke with Him.” Num. 7:89

It is the opinion of many that when Messiah reigns during the Millennial Kingdom He will do so from the Kaporet. That means that Yeshua’s throne is a throne of grace. It should not surprise us that when the false messiah comes and tries to establish his kingdom that he will attempt to make his throne also the Kaporet. For it is written,

“…and the man of sin will be revealed, the son of destruction. Who exalts and raises himself above all that is called godly or holy, to the extent that will sit in the Temple  of G-d (the Greek word means the inner sanctuary, i.e., the holy of holies) and proclaims himself to be G-d.” II Thessalonians 2:3b-4).

This action by the false messiah is called the Abomination of Desolation by Daniel; Yeshua refers to it when He speaks of the last days (see Daniel 11:31 and Matthew 24:15). It is important to know that the Temple that stood in Jerusalem was only a model of what was and is currently in the heavens. If one studies the book of Revelation he will find that one of the most frequent words in this book is “throne”. In fact, it is possible to say that one of the main points in the Book of Revelation is how G-d will establish His throne upon the earth. We have already said that this throne will be the Kaporet in the Millennial Kingdom. Today Yeshua sits at the right hand of His Father waiting to intercede on our behalf. What is He sitting on?  Yeshua is sitting on the Kaporet which is in the Heavenly Temple waiting to hear our prayers.

“For we do not have a High priest that is unable to know our weaknesses, but rather One Who was tempted in every way, but was without sin. Therefore let us draw near with confidence to the Throne of Grace to receive mercy and find grace which helps in difficult times” (Heb. 4:15-15).

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