Another matter, “carve for yourself” – this is what the verse said: “A time to cast stones and a time to gather stones; a time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing” (Ecclesiastes 3:5). Rabbi Tanḥuma said: What is “a time to cast stones”? There was a time for Hadrian, may his bones be crushed, to ascend and shatter the stones of the Temple. “And a time to gather stones” – there will be a time when the Holy One blessed be He will build it.
From where is this derived? As it is stated: “Therefore, so said the Lord God: Behold, I am laying a foundation in Zion, a stone, a tried stone, a precious cornerstone of a sturdy foundation; the faithful will not hurry. I will place justice as the line and righteousness as the plummet, and hail will sweep away the shelter of falsehood, and water will flood the concealed place” (Isaiah 28:16–17). Another matter, “a time to cast stones” – the Rabbis say: It is speaking of Moses; there was a time for Moses to cast down the Tablets, as it is written: “It was, when he approached the camp; he saw the calf and dancing; Moses’ wrath was enflamed and he cast the Tablets from his hands and he shattered them at the foot of the mountain” (Exodus 32:19).
“And a time to gather stones” – there was a time for him to restore them to Israel, as it is stated: “Carve for yourself two Tablets of stone.”