Living With the Shechinah in the Merit of Speech
The Meforshim ask why it says “b’socham” (and I will dwell in your midst), rather than “b’socho” (in its midst). The Tiferes Shlomo answers that the main dwelling place of the Shechinah is within the hearts of generous people and is manifested in their speech. When people speak up and pledge to donate to tzedakah, they bring the Shechinah to dwell within them. This is what the pasuk is referring to when it says that Shechinah will rest within “your midst” – i.e., within those who use their words to donate towards the Mishkan.
This teaches us the power of our words. We know that a regular animal cannot be brought as a korban until someone uses his words to sanctify it and designate it as a korban. Thus, words transform the animal from mundane to holy. Similarly, a mundane object can be made holy – and forbidden for personal use – if someone uses his words to make it hekdesh. Since words are so powerful, they certainly have a huge impact when used to praise and glorify Hashem!
When One Uplifts Himself, Hashem Comes Down to Him
Sefer Ohr Lashamayim explains the pasuk to be teaching us that if someone wants to uplift himself and connect to Hashem, Hashem will come down Himself, so to speak, to raise up the person and bring him close. Accordingly, the verse is saying: “And they shall make Me a Mikdash” – meaning that one should sanctify himself and do all he can to uplift himself. One he does so: “And I will dwell in your midst” – Hashem will come to you and allow you to connect with Him.
