The Holy Ark: Religious Symbol or National Symbol?
...The first utensil that Moshe Rabbeinu was commanded to prepare for the Mishkan was the Holy Ark (Aron), in which the Two Tablets were to be placed. That it was first indicates its importance and central role in the dwelling of the Divine Presence in the Mishkan. And in fact, we find that the very presence of the Aron in the Tabernacle and, later, in the Holy Temple, is what bestowed upon them their special status...
Why does the Torah refer to "the boards," as if we know which boards it is talking about? No boards have yet been mentioned! Furthermore, regarding none of the other utensils in the Mishkan is "the" mentioned; instead it says, "You shall make a menorah… a covering for the tent," etc. Why then are the boards singled out?
The implication is that the judge should say things that will help specifically the poor. How can one do that while still being faithful to “Do not give preferential treatment to the poor”?
The sequence of the next few parashot outlines the construction of the Tabernacle. Why so long? why is the making of the Mishkan in the book of Exodus at all?
The Moody Blues said it well: “And when you stop & think about it, you won’t believe it’s true: That all the love you’ve been giving, has all been meant for you". But they weren’t the first to say it...