Ramban on Teruma: The Mishkan and the Divine Presence

In his introduction to Parashat Teruma Ramban focuses on introducing the concept of the Mishkan and its placement in the Torah immediately after Parashat Mishpatim. Ramban seeks to explain the concept of why there is a need for a “Divine dwelling place” – what is the purpose of the Mishkan? He gives an interpretive summary of Parashat Yitro and Parashat Mishpatim, emphasizing that the Jewish people had received some mitzvot and had pre-emptively accepted all future mitzvot. They are now ready to be a special nation and to experience the Divine Presence in their midst.