"And it came to pass on the day Moses completed setting up the Tabernacle..." [Bamidbar 7.1]
Bezalel and Ahaliav and men of wise heart created the Tabernacle, yet Scripture attributes it to Moses? Because Moses devoted his soul to seeing the creation of each and every detail... instructing each of the doers of the work. [Rashi]
Bezalel, Ahaliav, and other men of wise heart were able to design the Tabernacle and its utensils by virtue of their talent and dedication. Yet to establish the Tabernacle and make it a reality, a man was needed who would be above all others, someone who would devote his entire self to seeing "the creation of each and every detail."
On the face of it, the construction of the Mishkan was a task of physical labor. It was designed by craftsman of the first rank and it was built of the finest materials. The carpentry, weaving, smithmanship and other skilled work were done by the most talented people available. Yet to build a physical structure that would have lasting relevance, a man of spirit was needed, someone who would oversee with complete devotion each and every detail, investing all aspects of the work with his own spitirual energy.
Only with Moses' complete devotion of soul enveloping the creations of the craftsmen and laborers, could a Tabernacle of eternal significance be built. When constructing a home, many skilled professionals are needed, from architect to plumber to painter. Yet for the building to be a coherent, integrated structure, a supervising force is nddeded, someone with a vision above and beyond that of the individual contributors. BUt without that one person with total devotion and overall vision, even a structure buil by the finest craftsmen will not stand.
At times, such a person's role may seem superfluous. The structure may appear to go up on its own.. But this is not ten case. Without that one totally devoted person, the structure can never be complete. This is why, even with the enormous investment by many men of wise heart, headed by Bezalel and Ahaliav, who designed and built this beautiful Tabernacle, the building of the Mishkan is attributed to Moses. "And it came to pass on the day Moses completed setting up the Tabernacle."
