The why behind Moshe’s blessing: Imitating an act of G-d

Moshe saw all the work, and behold they had done it. Just as G-d commanded, so they did. And Moshe blessed them.” (39:43)

The second to last chapter of the book of Shmot ends with an odd statement, essentially repeating that the people did as they were supposed to. On the one hand, they completed the work (which had obviously been put in motion because G-d commanded it). On the other hand, they did it just as G-d commanded, and they were blessed for it. Or HaChaim notes that plain blessings exchanged between people do not normally get mention in the Torah, but this blessing, because it is coming from Moshe, is clearly deserving of honorable mention.

The Zror HaMor suggests Moshe’s blessing was a hearty yasher koiach (amazing job) sentiment. This is a simple explanation. Most commentaries raise one of two related possibilities.

Firstly, “The Shechinah should rest in the product of your handiwork” (Midrash Aggadah). Rashi’s elaborates that Moshe declared one of the 11 “songs” of Tehillim 90, specifically verse 17 (the “Vihi Noam” verse).— “And may the pleasantness of the L-rd our G-d be upon us, and the work of our hands establish for us, and the work of our hands establish it.”

Midrash Aggadah raises a different possibility, “That the Ayin Hara (Evil Eye) should not have any dominion over you, and should not be an enemy to your handiwork.” The Midrash notes that this was also a blessing for the future treatment of the Mishkan when it would be stored in the tunnels of the Temple after it will have been retired.

Utilizing the formulation of Rabbenu Bachaye, the Kli Yakar postulates that the double usage of language of completed work — Avodah (39:42) and Melacha (39:43) — is meant to reflect similar language utilized in Maaseh Bereshit (the account of Creation) in Bereshit 1-2; Moshe sees in the model of the Mishkan a reflection of Creation, and his blessing after the work is done echoes G-d’s blessing the Sabbath when He finished His work of the six days of creation.