We often think of Solomon, King Solomon, as this incredibly wise and diligent ruler. But was he always that way?

Shir HaShirim Rabbah, a collection of rabbinic interpretations on the Song of Songs, dives into this very question. It begins by interpreting the verse, "Have you seen a man diligent in his labor? He will stand before kings" (Proverbs 22:29), applying it directly to Solomon. The Midrash connects Solomon's diligence to his work on the Temple, noting, "He built it in seven years" (I Kings 6:38).

But then, a twist! The text immediately contrasts this with another verse: "Solomon built his palace in thirteen years" (I Kings 7:1). Thirteen years for his own palace, but only seven for the House of God? Was Solomon more invested in his personal comfort than in serving the Divine?

The Rabbis don't shy away from this apparent contradiction. Huna, quoting Rav Yosef, suggests that while Solomon might have been a little…sluggish…on his own palace, when it came to the Temple, he was incredibly diligent. Why? Because everyone lends a hand to the king, but all the more so should everyone assist in honoring the King of Kings, the Holy One, blessed be He! According to this interpretation, even spirits, demons, and ministering angels would have eagerly participated.

Yitzchak, son of Rav Yehuda bar Yehezkel, offers another perspective, focusing on the verse "I have built [bano baniti] an abode for You" (I Kings 8:13). He cleverly interprets bano baniti as "I have built for you a built building," implying the Temple practically built itself!

And it gets even wilder. Rabbi Berekhya points out that I Kings 6:7 doesn't say "The House that they were building," but rather, "The House, in its construction [nivna]." He understands nivna as a reflexive term, meaning "it built itself." The stones, according to this understanding, lifted themselves into place.

Rav then chimes in, "Do not be astonished by this!" He draws a parallel from the Book of Daniel (6:18), where a stone miraculously appears to seal the lion's den. "One stone was brought and placed at the entrance to the den." Rav asks, were there stones in Babylon? No way! They had to have flown in from the Land of Israel. Rav Huna, again quoting Rav Yosef, even suggests an angel in the form of a stone lion sealed the den! If such miracles could happen for the righteous Daniel, surely, miracles could happen for the building of the Temple.

The passage then shifts back to Solomon, addressing a controversy: at one point, the Sages considered stripping Solomon of his portion in the World to Come. A Divine Voice intervened, declaring, "Do not touch My anointed ones" (Psalms 105:15). Moreover, Rabbi Yehuda bar Simon notes that Solomon is listed as the head of a royal lineage (I Kings 14:21), and Rabbi Yudan bar Simon reminds us that the Divine Spirit rested upon him, inspiring him to write Proverbs, Song of Songs, and Ecclesiastes.

So, what does it all mean? This passage from Shir HaShirim Rabbah isn't just about the physical construction of the Temple. It's about the dedication, the miraculous assistance, and the Divine inspiration that went into creating a sacred space. It's about the delicate balance between human effort and divine intervention. And, perhaps most importantly, it's a reminder that even figures as towering as King Solomon are subject to scrutiny and judgment, but also capable of redemption and lasting impact. It makes you wonder, what are we building, and how are we building it?