Just as in the actual building of the Temple there is one element that is done by G-d and another affected by man—the same too is in the vision that is shown of the Temple on Shabbat Chazon. These two elements are hinted in the fact that on one hand we are shown the Temple and on the other that it is from afar.
The fact that on this Shabbat is “shown” the Temple is expressive that it is G-d that shows the Temple. Meaning to say: that not only is the Temple available to be seen, but there is an action—so to speak—by G-d in showing us the Temple. This is similar to this that third Temple will come through an act of G-d—from Heaven.
It is this element—that the Temple is shown to us—that answers the question as to why the actual first and second Temple did not transform us, but this image will.
Although in the first and second Temple the Jewish People went there, offered sacrifices, and witnessed the Divine Presence and miracles, which surely caused them to fear heaven, this is what they saw—through their own efforts. Not so with the image that is shown on Shabbat Chazon, which is a much deeper image, shown by G-d.
The difference between something that an individual is shown or that he sees on his own is both qualitatively and quantitatively different. When an individual sees something on his own, he does not see all the details of the article—only the parts that he is able to see. However, when the article is shown to him, he sees all its details.
Additionally, when he sees the article on his own, he is only able to grasp it according to his finite abilities. However, when G-d shows it to him, he is able to show it in a manner that transcends the capabilities of man.
The same is the case concerning the Temples: In the first two temples, the Jewish People perceived the revelation therein on their own. That being the case, it is understood that they didn’t truly perceive the G-dlines that resided in the Temples as this is beyond man’s abilities.
However, when G-d shows us the third Temple, He shows it to us in the way that it truly is. We are able to perceive a level of G-dliness that would otherwise have been impossible if we ourselves were to gaze upon it.
It is for this reason that although the Jewish People traveled to the first two temples, the revelation did not completely transform them—that they should change their wayward ways. Only G-d showing us the third Temple is able to effectuate such a change.
This is because one is limited in the finite capabilities of man and the other has the limitless potential of G-d.
