The menora shall be made (Ex. 25:31)
Rashi explains that the words "shall be made" are passive, indicating that the menora would be made by itself, and not by Moses, who was in the midst of receiving instructions from G-d how to fashion all the other utensils to be used in the Sanctuary. Rashi states that Moses did not fully understand how the menora was to be formed, so G-d told him to throw the gold into the fire, and He would make the menora Himself.
Why was Moses so perplexed by the menora, but not by any other command even more complex?
Our Sages said that the purpose of the menora was to serve as a testimony to all who saw it that the Divine Presence rested among the Jewish People. Moses, for his part, had difficulty understanding how it was possible for one small menorah to light up the entire physical world.
G-d answered him: You are right--this is beyond the power of mere flesh and blood. Therefore, throw the gold into the fire and I Myself will make the menora.
(Lubavitcher Rebbe)
