דברי הימים א, פרק כ״ח, פסוק י״ט

Before construction begins, David hands over a comprehensive master plan for the Temple to his son Solomon. This is not merely a set of general guidelines, but a complete, precise, and binding blueprint. It contains every structural dimension and the specific details of all the vessels. The primary approach among commentators is that David did not invent this design on his own; rather, it was received through prophecy and divine inspiration. A central tradition notes that the prophet Samuel originally derived these exact architectural details from the Torah and transmitted them to David [רש״י, רד״ק, מלבי״ם, חומת אנך].

To ensure total accuracy, the plan is given to Solomon fully organized in writing. This written document specifies the exact weight of each vessel and the precise length, width, and height of the entire structure [רש״י, מצודת דוד, רד״ק]. David emphasizes that his ability to comprehend such a complex and detailed design did not come from his own intellect, but was granted directly by God [מצודת דוד, רד״ק, ביאור שטיינזלץ].

Because the blueprint has a divine origin, there is a strict obligation to follow it exactly. It is absolutely forbidden to deviate from the plans by adding or subtracting from the thickness of the walls, the height, or the length of the building. Furthermore, the designated purpose of the rooms cannot be altered, and the raw materials cannot be substituted, such as using silver in place of gold [עיקר תוספות יום טוב, חומת אנך, ביאור שטיינזלץ]. This extreme precision is required because no feature of the Temple is random. Every single detail corresponds to profound spiritual secrets and hidden heavenly realities that David was privileged to perceive and understand [מלבי״ם, חומת אנך].