There is a dispute among the commentaries as to when exactly the Jewish people were commanded to build the Mishkan. If we were to follow the order in the Chumash as is, we would believe that the Mishkan building took place before the sin of the Golden Calf which is found more than two Parshiot later. Others believe that the Mishkan was a response and atonement for the egregious sin of the Egel Hazahav. Of course, this camp would have to explain why the Torah is not in chronological order. For some, this is an issue that is too difficult to overcome.
There is a notion mentioned in the Midrash Yalkut Shimoni that much of the wording in the Torah in the Mishkan Parshiot mirrors the wording of creation in the beginning of Bereishit. There are several parallels listed in the Midrash, and many more that are not listed. The message is clear. As Hashem created the world for us to dwell, we are subsequently commanded to build a holy place for Hashem to dwell - in us!
I would add one further point that was brought to my attention by Deena Simon during our Shiur this week. Perhaps, just as the creation narrative was spoiled or interrupted by the sin of Adam and Chava, so too, the Mishkan narrative is interrupted by the Chet Ha'Egel. This would give us a similarity not only in verse, but also in structure and context.
Our job is to always be building Holy Places for Hashem to dwell so we can ultimately get back to Gan Eden as we once were.
Shabbat Shalom
