1)

Why did the workers who built the Mishkan not erect it?

1.

Rashi: Because, due to the weight of the planks, they were unable to erect it. 1 And, because Moshe did not have a hand in Meleches ha'Mishkan, Hashem left it for him to erect. Even then, he only (pretended to) put it up but the planks erected themselves. 2


1

According to the Gemara in Shabbos, 92b, whereas the people were unable to erect the Mishkan due to its size; Moshe was able to, since he was ten Amos tall (Sifsei Chachamim).

2

-And this explains why the Torah writes later (in Pasuk 17) "Hukam ha'Mishkan" the Mishkan was erected).

2)

Why did a number of Levi'im not erect the Mishkan together, just like they did whenever they traveled?

1.

Oznayim la'Torah: Because the initial erection corresponded to the creation of the world, before the angels were created, when Hashem set up Heaven and earth single-handedly. 1 It now required someone of the caliber of Moshe Rabeinu, to put up the Mishkan singlehandedly like Hashem created the world.


1

See Oznayim la'Torah.

3)

What is the definition of "the Mishkan", "the Ohel" and "Kol Keilav", respectively?

1.

Ramban and Seforno: "The Mishkan" refers to the bottom set of curtains 1 (consisting of threads of gold, Techeiles, purple and crimson wool, and twined linen) "the Ohel", to the curtains of goats-hair 2 (and "Kol Keilav", to the Mishkan's accessories - Seforno). 3


1

See for example, 26:1, 26:7 (Ramban).

2

As if the Torah had written "ve'ha'Ohel", with a 'Vav'. See for example, 26:7 (Ramban).

3

The hooks, the planks, the bolts, the pillars and the sockets - which the Pasuk goes on to list (Seforno).

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