One of the most special sacrifices is that of the burnt offering. The entire animal is consumed on the altar, obviously an indication of absolute and exclusive consideration to serve Hashem. Only the outer skin, the hide is not given to Hashem but rather presented to the Kohanim, the priests, our representatives in the Mishkan and the Beis Hamikdash.
Nachmonides on the other hand explains that this beginning verse in Vayikra is a continuation of the end of parshas Pekudei. There the Torah states that the Cloud of Hashem enveloped the Mishkan both from the outer perimeter and even the interior of the Mishkan was infused with the glory of Hashem.
We know that the nation traveled under the guidance of the special clouds that surrounded it. They were not allowed to go forward unless they were directed so by Hashem through the clouds. The Torah further states that if the clouds did not begin their preparatory formation to leave, then the people did not prepare to leave either. That we followed the clouds’ direction is clearly stated at the very end of sefer Shemos.
Klal Yisroel made donations for the construction of the Mishkan and also for purchasing sacrifices. There was a specific amount to be given for the offerings, a half shekel. The Torah clearly states that each and every individual must give the exact same amount.
The Kohanim that served in the Mishkan and the Beis Hamikdash wore extremely fashionable clothing. Even a superficial perusing of the parsha will clue you in on their wardrobe. Was exquisite clothing such a necessity to fulfill their obligations such as was required? After all, the main objective was to accomplish their roles and attend to the myriad details involved in the daily routine in the Mishkan and later the Beis Hamikdash.
The Mishkan was an architect’s dream. Everything was measured and ‘clicked’ together perfectly. Tapestries and beautifully woven embroideries adorned the ceiling of the Mishkan. The inner altar was made of pure gold and the draperies that surrounded the external area of the Mishkan were exquisite. The vessels that were contained in the Mishkan was also golden and handcrafted with extreme precision.
The Torah discusses receiving the Torah in two different parshios. In the previous parsha, Yisro, Moshe returns with Hashem’s offer to give us the Torah and with that acceptance we merited that the Torah was given to us on Mt. Sinai. However, at the end of this parsha certain offerings are sacrificed, blood that was collected is scattered upon the people and they had already been circumcised prior to their encampment at the mountain.
Moshe had two sons Gershom and Eliezer. Gershom was named for Moshe’s seclusion when he was a stranger in a foreign land, Midian. The name Eliezer alluded to Moshe’s miraculous escape from Pharoah’s executioner. Even though he was slated to die Hashem protected him and he was able to get away to Midian
Ibn Ezra questions why was there a fear that if the people leave Egypt and travel though the land of the Philistines then they may encounter a combat situation and return to Egypt. The amount of able-bodied men was 600,000 and many more and they were also armed.
Moshe was the emissary of Hashem to approach Pharoah and demand that he release the nation from its bondage. However, when he speaks with him he adds how long will it be until you humble yourself in front of Hashem. That additional message seemingly has no connection to the mandate the he release the people.