יחזקאל, פרק מ״א, פסוק כ״ו

The vision of the future Temple continues to come into focus, revealing the specific architectural and decorative details that will adorn the building. The design beautifully combines external and internal artwork with the heavy structural foundations that support the roof.

The structure featured unique sealed windows. According to one understanding, these windows were built to be wide on the inside and narrow on the outside [אברבנאל]. Another perspective suggests they were closed off with a clear, bright glass partition [אברבנאל, מצודת דוד]. These were built in addition to the high windows located within the main sanctuary itself [מלבי"ם]. Alongside these windows were decorative carvings and drawings shaped like palm trees, placed either on both sides of the windows or directly on the doorposts [מלבי"ם, אברבנאל, מצודת דוד].

These windows and palm tree decorations were spread across multiple areas of the building. They were positioned on both sides of the entrance to the main hall [רש"י, מצודת ציון], as well as along the side sections and the thick upper beams of the structure [ביאור שטיינזלץ, מלבי"ם]. The primary approach among commentators is that these side sections and thick beams refer to the framework of the ceiling. Cedar wood beams were laid flat across the top of the walls to carry the weight of the roof [רש"י, רד"ק, אברבנאל, מצודת דוד]. Alternatively, some explain that the side sections were actually the side chambers that wrapped around the entire building [מלבי"ם]. Resting on top of this framework were massive wooden logs that formed the actual ceiling [רש"י, רד"ק, מצודת דוד, ביאור שטיינזלץ]. Near these heavy ceiling beams, at the very top of the structure, another set of windows was installed [מלבי"ם].