תהלים, פרק ע״ד, פסוק ו׳

The destruction of the Temple was not merely the collapse of a stone structure; it was a violent and intentional desecration of magnificent sacred art. Enemies descended upon the holy site with heavy, destructive tools, ruthlessly crushing its carefully crafted beauty. The primary approach among commentators is that this brutal assault occurred at the exact moment of destruction, with the attackers striking the Temple without hesitation, completely disregarding any fear of God [רש״י, מצודת דוד]. Alternatively, this violence extended beyond the initial ruin. Even after the sanctuary was burned and reduced to rubble, the enemies continued to gather, determined to smash whatever carved stones and painted wood remained in the ashes [אלשיך].

The focus of their fury was the intricate craftsmanship of the site. Most commentators explain that the attackers targeted the fine decorations, engraved seals, and gold-embroidered forms that adorned the Temple walls. Another perspective suggests that the assault was directed at the entrances, specifically the massive city gates or the doors of the sanctuary itself [רש״י, ביאור שטיינזלץ]. To execute this devastation, the invaders used the heavy equipment of stonecutters and carpenters. They wielded iron axes specifically designed to weaken and bring down the building's foundation [אבן עזרא]. Alongside these axes, they used heavy wooden mallets and stone-smashing hammers, which were also employed to forcefully peel the precious gold plating from the walls [אבן עזרא]. With these instruments, the enemies delivered powerful, shattering blows to break apart the holy site [מצודת ציון, ביאור שטיינזלץ].

This relentless striking against the gates carries a dramatic history. Tradition recounts that Nebuzaradan, the commander of the Babylonian army, arrived in Jerusalem equipped with hundreds of special iron axes. As he struck the city gates, his axes shattered one after another until only a single axe remained. Just as he was about to give up, terrified that he was inviting heavenly punishment, a voice from heaven encouraged him to strike one last time. Only then did the gate finally break open.

Once inside, Nebuzaradan destroyed the sanctuary and slaughtered multitudes in an effort to quiet the bubbling blood of the murdered prophet Zechariah spilled on the floor. As the commander swelled with the pride of his conquest, a heavenly voice called out again, humbling him with the truth. It reminded him that his massive victory was only possible because God had already decreed the destruction: he had merely burned a burned sanctuary, killed a killed people, and ground ground flour. The profound realization that he was nothing more than an instrument of God's will, combined with the deep shock of the immense loss of life, ultimately led Nebuzaradan to abandon his military post and convert to Judaism [תורה תמימה].