Jerusalem is revealed to Avraham at two different periods in his life. First, in the encounter with Malki-Tzedek, king of Shalem, it is revealed in its dimension of tzedek and shalom. Later, at the akeida on Mount Moriah, it is revealed in its dimensions of re’iya and yira.
The building of Jerusalem by David and Shlomo is likewise accomplished in two stages. King David conquers the city and sanctifies Mount Moriah, but it is his son, Shlomo, who merits to build the Temple. These two kings represent the two aspects of Yerushalayim. David represents re’iya, while Shlomo represents shalom. Jerusalem could only be whole through the combination.
Translated by Kaeren Fish
