Footnote 2 – Was There a Seven-Branched Lampstand in Solomon’s Temple?

The Talmudic prohibition, quoted in the previous footnote, could have pre-dated the destruction of the Temple. Perhaps it was applied then to all depictions or reproductions. A reproduction of part of the existing temple might be interpreted more easily as an affront to its centrality or sacred character; or perhaps the existence of the Temple, as a symbol of God’s presence in ancient Israel, obviated the need for replication of any of its parts.