How The First Temple Was Built

When his many wars were finally successfully concluded, King David devoted himself to the building of the Holy Temple of G-d in Jerusalem. Unequalled in holiness, wondrous in its construction, it was supremely unique in that the Presence of G-d was revealed there for all to see.

Although the task of its final construction was given to his son Solomon, King David, who laid the foundations in every sense, is credited with its building. It is written that Hashem did not allow David to build the Temple because he had shed so much blood on the battlefield, while the Temple was dedicated to peace. But another, perhaps more telling explanation, is also stated, namely, that had David built the Holy Temple, it would have been imbued with such holiness that it would have lasted into eternity. Would this not be a wonderful thing? it was asked. And Hashem replied: "It is known to Me that Israel will sin in the future, but I will vent my anger on the stones and spare the people from destruction."

King David's preparations stemmed from his inspired commitment, as he stated in his Psalms: "I will not take shelter in my house, nor mount my bed, nor give sleep to my eyes... until I find a place for the L-rd...." Together with the prophet Samuel, the King was able to discover the plans of the Temple which had been passed down from Sinai. It was to be built in the territory of the tribe of Benjamin, on high ground, on the exact spot which is called the Foundation of the World. King David went to the owner of the land, a man named Aravnah, and purchased from him a threshing area located on Mount Moriah. There, King David built an altar and offered sacrifices to the L-rd.

Then, the King set about collecting the vast supplies needed for building. There were stockpiles of the famous cedars of Lebanon, more brass than could be measured, treasures of gold and silver, all materials consecrated by David for the holy purpose of building the Sanctuary.

After the death of King David, he was succeeded by his son Solomon, under whose rule the kingdom was firmly established. Peace and economic independence marked his rule. And Solomon, the wisest of all men, gained fame throughout the known world. When, in the fourth year of his reign, he began construction of the Holy Temple, he was able to assemble the finest artisans and craftsman of his time. When King Solomon sent to Pharaoh wishing to hire Egyptian craftsmen, it is related that Pharaoh gathered his astrologers to discern which of his workers were destined to die in that year; those, he chose for Solomon's project. When they arrived, the King, through divine inspiration, saw that they wouldn't live out the year. He dressed them in shrouds and sent them back to Egypt with the message to Pharaoh: "It seems you don't have enough shrouds in which to bury your people, so I have sent them to you."

Many miracles occurred in conjunction with the Temple's construction. Because it was prohibited to use metal implements to cut the stones, our Sages have related that there was a creature called a shamir, a kind of worm which existed for the sole purpose of cutting them. Also, during the construction, the stones rose into place spontaneously; none of the workers died or became ill; no tool was broken. The work of building was pursued unceasingly for seven years; tens of thousands of workers were employed in this gigantic effort, and when it reached completion, the joy of the people was indescribable.

The Temple was consecrated in the month of Tishrei (chosen because it was the birthday of the Patriarch Abraham). Huge crowds gathered from every corner of the kingdom and beyond to join in the magnificent celebration. The third day of the consecration ceremonies fell on the Day of Atonement, but in that special year fasting was suspended. The highlight of the proceedings was the transfer of the Holy Ark of the Covenant into the Inner Sanctuary, a witness to the continuity of the worship of Hashem by the Jewish nation. Our Sages tell us that when Solomon tried to bring the Ark into the Sanctuary, the gates stuck closed, whereupon he recited 24 different prayers; it was only when he invoked the name of his father, saying, "...remember Your servant David's loving kindness..." that the doors opened at once.

The King led the week-long celebration with his prayers and burnt offerings. Many pilgrims made the long journey to Jerusalem to participate in the glorious event, coming from as far as Syria and even Egypt. At the conclusion of the celebration, the people made their way home after having been blessed by the King. They had reached a joyous spiritual height which surpassed in holiness and purity even that of the Day of Atonement.