We find in Bamidbar Rabbah 14 a fascinating exploration of the verse, "Lift up your heads, O you gates! And be lifted up, you everlasting doors! And the King of glory shall come in" (Psalm 24:7). This verse becomes the key to understanding a moment of unexpected struggle during the dedication of the First Temple.
Imagine the scene: Solomon, the wisest of men, has built the magnificent Temple in Jerusalem. He's ready to bring the Ark of the Covenant, the most sacred object in Israel, into its designated place within the Holy of Holies. But, according to this Midrash, something strange happens. The gates refuse to open!
Solomon, confident in his power and piety, begins to pray. He offers twenty-four supplications, drawing from verses like, "But will God indeed dwell on the earth? Behold, heaven and the highest heaven cannot contain You; how much less this house that I have built!" (II Chronicles 6:18) and continuing until "Now therefore arise, O Lord God, into Your resting place, You, and the ark of Your might..." (II Chronicles 6:41). Still, nothing. The gates remain stubbornly shut. He even tries reciting the verse from Psalms – "Lift up your heads, O you gates!" (Psalms 24:7, 9) – but to no avail.
Why this sudden cosmic resistance? What could possibly be holding back the Divine Presence?
The answer, according to our text, lies in Solomon’s own ga’avah – his arrogance. He had proclaimed, "I have built You an exalted house, a place for You to dwell in forever" (I Kings 8:13). But Rabbi Yaakov son of Rabbi Yehuda bar Yeḥezkel interprets this as Solomon taking too much credit. He built a "built building," implying he believed he alone was responsible for this great achievement.
Rabbi Yehuda, quoting Rabbi Yosef, reminds us that everyone assists the king, and surely everyone assists the King of Kings, the Kadosh Baruch Hu, the Holy One, blessed be He. Even spirits, demons, and angels play a part. Rabbi Berekhya even points out that the Temple was built “in its construction” (I Kings 6:7) – implying it almost built itself! Stones miraculously transported themselves into place. Rabbi Abbahu draws a parallel to Daniel, where a stone miraculously appeared to cover the lion’s den (Daniel 6:18), emphasizing that if such miracles happen for mortal kings, how much more so for the King of Kings?
Only when Solomon humbles himself and remembers the merit of his father, David, does the situation change. "Lord God, do not turn away the face of Your anointed; remember the acts of kindness of David Your servant" (II Chronicles 6:42). Immediately, the gates open, the Ark enters, the Divine Presence descends, and fire consumes the offerings (II Chronicles 7:1).
This story isn't just about a historical event; it's a powerful lesson about humility and recognizing our place in the grand scheme of things. It's a reminder that even the most powerful and accomplished among us are not alone in our achievements.
But the text doesn't stop there. It goes on to explore the meaning of "King of Glory" (Melech haKavod). Rabbi Simon explains that God is called the King of Glory because He bestows honor (kavod) upon those who fear Him. This idea of God giving glory to those who are devoted to Him is a recurring theme. The Midrash illustrates this point with several examples. Miriam’s merit caused the Divine cloud to linger (Numbers 12:15). God spoke to Moses in Moses' own voice, showing intimacy and respect (Exodus 19:19). Even in difficult times, God was with Joseph (Genesis 39:2, 23), and his master recognized it.
Another interpretation focuses on the coverings of the Tabernacle vessels, particularly the Ark. While everything else was covered with tachash hides, the Ark had an additional covering of sky-blue wool (Numbers 4:6). This was to distinguish it, to give it extra honor, befitting the King of Glory.
Ḥizkiya points out that the sky-blue dye, or tekhelet, used in ritual fringes (tzitzit) is special because it evokes a chain of associations: grass, sea, firmament, rainbow, cloud, Throne, and ultimately, the Glory of God (Ezekiel 1:28). Wearing tekhelet is thus a way of connecting to that Divine Glory.
The text further emphasizes that unlike earthly kings, who jealously guard their symbols of power, God shares His glory. He allows Elijah to ascend to heaven in a storm (II Kings 2:11), Solomon to sit on the throne of the Lord (I Chronicles 29:23), and Moses to wield His staff (Numbers 20:9). He even bestows glory and grandeur upon the messianic king (Psalms 21:6).
Finally, the story of Joseph is revisited. Because Joseph feared God and resisted temptation (Genesis 39:9), God allowed His presence to rest upon Joseph’s master (Genesis 39:3). Joseph’s piety was so profound that even his blessings were noticed. And as a reward for Joseph's righteousness, his descendant was granted the privilege of offering sacrifices on the holy day (Numbers 7).
So, what does all this mean for us? It's a reminder that true greatness comes not from taking credit but from acknowledging the Source of all blessings. It's about recognizing that we are part of something much larger than ourselves. And it's about striving to live with humility, integrity, and a deep reverence for the Divine. Because ultimately, the gates of glory open not for those who demand entry, but for those who approach with a humble and grateful heart.