Model of the Second Temple in Jerusalem in a Bottle

No artifacts survive from Solomon's Temple, which probably lies under a later mosque and cannot be excavated. We can envision its appearance and ritual through the Bible's description of a magnificent building of costly woods and gilded decoration, with furnishings of pure gold.

Although the Temple no longer exists, Jews continue to pray that it be rebuilt in the messianic era. Artists through the ages have imaginatively interpreted the biblical description to recreate Solomon's Temple and its implements, as in this example.