3,827. The Stones of the Temple

Hilchos Beis HaBechirah 1:7

The Menorah was to the south, on the lefthand side as one entered; the Table was on the right, and the showbread was placed on it. Both of these were on the side of the Holy of Holies, outside. The incense altar was between them, outside. Sections are made in the Azarah (courtyard) showing how far Yisroelim and non-serving kohanim might go, respectively. We must also construct buildings there for the various needs of the Temple. These buildings are called chambers.

Hilchos Beis HaBechirah 1:8

When we build the Heichal and the Azarah, we use large stones. If stones aren’t available, we use bricks. We don’t chisel the stones for the Temple on the Temple Mount; rather, they must be carved elsewhere and subsequently brought in. We see this from I Kings 5:31: “They brought large stones, luxurious stones, to lay the foundation of the Temple – hewn stone.” Similarly, verse 6:7 tells us that “No hammer, axe or other tool of iron was heard in the Temple while it was being built.”