In the Book of Ezekiel (chapters 40–43), there is a precise description of the Temple, which, according to the commentators, refers to the Third Temple. The Temple described there differs from the First and Second Temples. However, we do not currently know how to translate these descriptions into a practical architectural plan, as many elements are unclear and the commentators refer to them as sealed or obscure.
Building of the Third Temple
In several sources, it is stated that it will descend from Heaven, while in other places it is said that it will be built by human hands (by Moshiach). One explanation that reconciles this apparent contradiction is that the construction of the Third Temple will involve a combination of human action and divine intervention: its initial construction will be carried out by humans, and into this structure, elements from Heaven will descend.
A practical application of this explanation is the synthesis between the description of the Second Temple, detailed in Tractate Middot, and the description of the Third Temple in the Book of Ezekiel. The structure built by human hands will follow the design of Middot, and into it will descend the elements described in Ezekiel.
A Similar Combination
The priests were commanded to bring fire to offer the sacrifices, and at the same time, fire descended from Heaven. A person must do their part, and G-d adds the ultimate perfection from Above.
In the Third Temple, this combination will reach its ultimate expression—even the actual building of the Temple will reflect it.
Combining the Advantages
This is what distinguishes the Third Temple from the two that preceded it. The First Temple had a great advantage in terms of holiness that descended from Above, but the world was not yet ready to fully absorb such exalted revelations. The Second Temple had the opposite situation—a great refinement from below, as its builders were on the level of baalei teshuvah (penitents), but the holiness revealed in it was not on such a high level (which is why it lacked the five elements that express divine revelation).
In the Third Temple, both aspects will merge: the holiness that descends from Above and the refinement of the lower world.
The Third Temple will be built after the long and difficult exile, during which the world has undergone deep internal refinement. Generations of Jews have sanctified and purified the world, making it ready to receive the highest revelations of divine holiness. Now, the full synthesis can occur—between the refinement from below and the divine revelation from Above.
This will be expressed in the integrated construction of the Third Temple. Therefore, it will be built by human hands, as part of the commandment, “And they shall make Me a sanctuary”, and at the same time it will descend in fire from Above. It will be built according to the design of the Second Temple, and simultaneously incorporate the 'sealed' elements described in Ezekiel from Above.
Adapted from Rabbi Menachem Brod
