The Temple as Job's Open Root Watered by Torah and Dew

Midrash Tanchuma Buber, Toldot 13:2

Another interpretation of "My root is open to the water" (Job 29:19): This is the Temple, whose gates were open to Torah, as it is said, "Ho, everyone who thirsts, go to the water" (Isaiah 55:1). It is just as our Rabbis taught: there were three courts there — one at the gate of the Temple Mount, one at the gate of the Courtyard, and one in the Chamber of Hewn Stone. Hence, "My root is open to the water," and so forth. And what is the meaning of "and dew lodges on my branches" (Job 29:19)? That the dew does not depart from there, as it is said, "Like the dew of Hermon," and so forth (Psalms 133:3).

Themes

Biblical References