יחזקאל, פרק מ״א, פסוק ח׳

A sweeping architectural vision of the Temple highlights the sheer vertical scale of the central sanctuary as it towers over the surrounding side chambers. While the exact height is not explicitly detailed in this specific vision, the Second Temple famously reached an imposing height of one hundred cubits [רש״י, רד״ק, אברבנאל]. The immense scale of the building becomes apparent through the winding corridors that wrap around the structure, providing a vantage point to truly appreciate its soaring elevation [מלבי״ם].

At the base of the structure lie the foundations supporting the side chambers, which some interpret as wooden boards plating the foundational stones [אברבנאל]. The width of these foundations spans a full measuring reed, a standard equivalent to six cubits. How these foundations were constructed is viewed in different ways. One approach suggests that the underground portion of the foundation was six cubits wide, but the section visible above ground narrowed to a width of five cubits [רש״י]. Conversely, another view notes that because the Temple was situated on a sloped mountain, the surrounding earth was only leveled after the foundations were laid. Consequently, these foundations remained exposed above the surface to a height of six cubits, visibly protruding wider than the walls they supported [מלבי״ם].

The exact nature of these measurements carries several layers of meaning. The primary approach among commentators is that the dimensions imply a larger, more significant scale, specifically referring to "large cubits" consisting of six handbreadths [מצודת דוד, מצודת ציון, רד״ק]. Some expand on this, explaining that while a standard cubit is measured from the fingertips to the elbow, this larger cubit extended all the way to the armpit [רד״ק, ביאור שטיינזלץ]. Other interpretations suggest the description simply denotes a sense of spaciousness and ample room [רש״י, רד״ק]. Alternatively, it might indicate that the foundation was physically set apart and distinctly separated from the rest of the wall [מלבי״ם]. Finally, a unique perspective offers that the measurement was an approximation, meaning the foundation was not precisely six cubits wide, but rather very close to that dimension [אברבנאל].