Our story comes to us from the Letter of Aristeas, a fascinating historical text. But before we get to the translation, we get a glimpse into the opulence surrounding this project.
The Letter of Aristeas tells us that Eleazar, the High Priest, and his learned companions, had just responded to a letter from the king. Now, the author promises to describe the artistry involved. The sheer skill involved, Can you imagine the pressure? No cutting corners here!
The king, whose name is not mentioned in this section, insisted that this table be absolutely massive. So, where does one even begin when faced with such a daunting task? He wisely started by researching. He made inquiries of the local Jewish community about the size of the table already residing in the Beit Hamikdash, the Temple in Jerusalem. This wasn't just about size; it was about respecting tradition, understanding the existing standards of sacred artistry before embarking on something even grander. It gives you a sense of the king's ambition, doesn’t it? He wasn't just building something big; he was building something significant, something that would connect to and perhaps even surpass the existing wonders of the Jewish world.
What could that table have looked like? What materials did they use? We'll have to keep reading to find out!