The Temple of Solomon

Preface.

...so one has, also to satisfy those same [authorities], now formed them in such a way that they can be taken away and also put back in place again. (3) The 24 rings in the inner courtyard at the place of slaughter were also not present in the First Temple; however, because the capture of Jesus Christ was very clearly represented through them, and the place and space for them was available and remaining, they have also been added. (4) Likewise, the balconies and galleries for the women in the outer court, as well as (5) the two-story hall standing one above the other toward the south in the Court of the Gentiles, were first added during the Second Temple. This building, because it is described very unclearly by most authors historical scholars and biblical commentators, was one of the most laborious tasks in this entire small temple-construction.

XXX. The copper-plate engravings which have been added serve the purpose that those who have seen the model of the Temple once can bring all its parts and their locations before their eyes again in such drawings as often as they please; they will also be able to remember the remaining pieces which the engraving cannot present in terms of color and other circumstances. It is also to be expected that such engravings will give those who have not seen the small building, but who are willing to take the trouble to examine these few drawings, some occasion to view many passages of Holy Scripture—where mention of the Temple is made—more clearly and to understand them all the more distinctly.

XXXI. Some pieces have been presented separately in a slightly larger model, which otherwise could not have been distinctly presented in their small proportion relative to the other parts. Such as the High Priest in his full vestments, and especially his Breastplate: The Amt-Schildlein or Choshen, a sacred pectoral worn by the High Priest set with twelve gemstones, in which effort was made to exhibit almost all the gemstones to the spectator original: Spectatori as oriental stones. Likewise, a Table of Showbread: A golden table used to display twelve loaves of bread representing the tribes of Israel and a golden lampstand with all their belongings are presented in a larger figure, according to the scale of the High Priest.

XXXII. Regarding the present review of the pieces of the Temple, it has for now been kept brief, and in their series and arrangement, an order has been observed which is aimed at the greater benefit of the spectator. For so that he may receive a general idea of the whole work right at the beginning, the external buildings are first shown to him all the way around on all four sides, and then the inner sanctum: From the Latin penetralia, referring to the most private, interior parts of the temple, the inner courtyard, and the Temple itself, and within it, the Holy and Most Holy Place are opened.