מלכים א, פרק ו׳, פסוק ל״ד

The entrances within Solomon's Temple were marked by magnificent wooden doors, designed to separate the sacred spaces while blending artistic beauty with engineering sophistication. The doors of the main sanctuary were built from cypress wood. This contrasted with the doors of the Holy of Holies, which were crafted from olive wood, establishing a clear boundary between the varying degrees of holiness found in each space [אברבנאל].

In their placement, each door covered half the width of the entrance [רש״י, מצודת דוד], though some suggest they were installed one slightly inside the other [מלבי״ם]. The physical construction of the doors is understood in several ways. They may have been built from two distinct wooden boards joined together [אברבנאל, מלבי״ם, ביאור שטיינזלץ], or the description might simply refer to the inner and outer faces of the doors [רד״ק, רלב״ג, מצודת ציון]. Alternatively, this dual structure could point to an engineering feature, specifically an upper and lower hinge supporting the weight of the doors [רש״י].

The design and operation of these doors present another layer of complexity. From a mechanical perspective, the doors may have been cylindrical, designed to roll on their hinges and fold back as they opened [רש״י, ביאור שטיינזלץ]. Conversely, the primary approach among many commentators is that this detail refers to artistic elements, specifically intricate wood carvings shaped like pillars, wheels, or circular patterns adorning the panels [רלב״ג, רד״ק, מצודת דוד, אברבנאל].

The second door matched the first in its grandeur. Many explain that its structural design was completely identical to the first door [רד״ק, מצודת ציון, ביאור שטיינזלץ]. Others maintain the focus on engineering, suggesting this refers to hinges set deeply into the threshold [רש״י]. A third perspective highlights further artistic elements, describing additional carvings that resembled braided patterns and draped curtains [מלבי״ם, אברבנאל, רד״ק].

To complete this masterpiece, a remarkably thick layer of gold was applied over the carved cypress boards. The gold was pressed down perfectly to adhere to every contour of the wood, ensuring that the elaborate artwork remained clearly visible beneath the gleaming surface [אברבנאל].