) "Do not build them hewn" — In it (the altar) you may not

Mekhilta DeRabbi Yishmael Mekhilta Tractate Bachodesh 11:15

Curated by The Jewish Mythology Team · Published January 20, 2025

(Ibid.) "Do not build them hewn": In it (the altar) you may not build them hewn, but you may build them hewn in the sanctuary and in the holy of holies. For it would follow (otherwise), viz.: If in the altar, the less formidable, it is forbidden to build them hewn, how much more so, in the sanctuary and the holy of holies, the more formidable. It is, therefore, written (of the altar) "Do not build them hewn." In it, you may not build them hewn, but you may build them hewn in the sanctuary and in the holy of holies. How, then, am I to understand (I Kings 6:7) "And hammers, chisels, or any iron tools were not heard in the Temple when it was being built"? In the Temple they were not heard, but outside (where they were hewn) they were heard.

Themes

Wisdom Temple Sacrifice Deception Kings

Biblical References

I Kings 6:7

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