Parsha discussion

Question:  Why are the functional כלים of the מזבח mentioned in the middle of the description of it, rather than at the end - as we find with both the שולחן and מנורה? Approach: We might suggest that the מזבח had importance only as working utensil, i.e. only when there is an active fire and קרבנות. As opposed to the other כלים, which have inherent worth, even if not being actively used or worked with. Perhaps this is why the מזבח needed to be outside the building of the משכן, accessible to all.

Question:  What was the role of יהושע when משה ascended הר סיני? Approach: It would seem that יהושע was charged with ensuring that משה was well and looked after (although we know from later on that he didn't eat or drink), and showed signs of life. Perhaps the lack of יהושע showing up equally caused the people to panic at the חטא העגל.

Question:  What is the meaning of the link between a מזבח and the blessing of הקב״ה? Approach: This פסוק, based on the context, appears to be explaining how one can access הקב"ה in a permitted matter in this world - via the world of sacrifices (as symbolised by the מזבח) rather than idols. As such, the laws relating to how to build a מזבח are stated here.

Question:  When was 16:35 written? Approach: It would seem that this פסוק was written by משה when he wrote the תורה on the final day of his life. Perhaps this was a last prophecy, letting the people know that they wouldn't be eating מן after they moved into ארץ ישראל.