עזרא, פרק ו׳, פסוק ד׳

The royal decree by King Cyrus to rebuild the Temple provides precise architectural and financial instructions. Interestingly, these specific details were entirely absent from his initial letter [ביאור שטיינזלץ]. The building plans dictate a specific pattern for the walls, consisting of three rows of large, cut stones [ביאור שטיינזלץ], which some interpret as marble blocks [רש"י, מצודת דוד, רב סעדיה גאון, מלבי"ם]. Above these stones, or along the inner section of the wall [רש"י], a single row of new wood was to be laid. This layered construction method was meant to repeat throughout the entire height of the structure, creating a highly durable and strong building [מצודת דוד].

This specific arrangement of three rows of stone and one row of wood is a direct imitation of how King Solomon built the First Temple. However, the intent and execution behind the two projects differ greatly. Solomon built his Temple purely for the sake of Heaven, placing the wood high up, deeply embedded into the structure, and completely covered with plaster. Cyrus, on the other hand, operated with hidden political motives. He directed that the wood be placed lower down, exposed and without any protective coating. This was a calculated strategy: if the Jewish people ever decided to rebel against him, the exposed wood would allow him to quickly and easily burn the Temple to the ground [רב סעדיה גאון, מלבי"ם].

Alongside these engineering directions, the decree also settles the financial matters of the project. All construction costs and ongoing needs for the building [רש"י, אבן עזרא, מצודת דוד, רב סעדיה גאון] are to be fully covered. These expenses are to be paid directly out of the king's royal treasury.