The thesis of John Michell’s The Temple at Jerusalem: a Revelation is that the real measurements (cubits) for the Temple in Jerusalem should be multiplied by six compared to the commonly accepted unit. This would make the Temple much larger, covering a significant portion of ancient and contemporary Jerusalem. One of the consequences is that (Jewish) Holy of Holies would be right in the (Christian) Holy Sepulcher church. This sits well with the author’s multifaith intention. Throughout the book he is using both the Hebrew and the Christian Bible to support his points. His approach integrating both traditions and Islam too, but he didn’t quote anything from Qur’an.
Besides using sacred scriptures the argumentation is built around geography and playing with numbers. However the key concept is found on page 47, where the author introduces the three kind of measurements: the cubit, the handbreadth and the greater cubit. Mitchell identifies this last one, based on Ezekiel 40 as being the equivalent of six regular cubits. Then he goes in complex calculations of how big the Temple is and where it would be compared to the known streets and structures of Jerusalem if we use this measurement. Ezekiel 40 indeed describes a rod s being used to measure the outside of the Temple. However the rod is six cubit and six handwidth long, thus the basis of Michell’s calculations is incorrect. Furthermore that chapter, and specifically the measurement sections are far from being clear; includes words with unknown meanings and words which are often mistranslated. This is one reason I think Michell’s thesis stands on shaky ground.
The other is his circular logic. At the end of the book he concludes that the Temple is not just the whole of Jerusalem, but the lost tribes (who are prophecised to return to the Temple) will be the whole of humanity. Furthermore the Temple is not just the Temple of the three Abrahamic faiths, but because Golgotha had a pagan altar on it, it belongs to all faiths. For Mitchell paganism is “the classical or philosopher’s religion. Truth, wisdom, and knowledge (in descending order) are its ideals; it demands no artificial beliefs.” (page 63) This assertion is not supported by any evidence; i. e. it is the author’s belief. I believe this is one of the points he wanted to support with this book. Thus he had a conclusion first, around which he built an argumentation.
Michell also spends some time on explaining the duodecimal base system and its advantages compared to the decimal system. Again, he talks up the formal quite a bit, often without explaining the value statements. I recognize that my thinking is tainted by being brought up in the decimal system, but at least I am not saying it is better. It is easier to use, but I agree that where the 12 based systemis used (measuring angles and time) it makes sense too.
While I disagree with all of its conclusions, I really enjoyed reading this book. It made my mind work, taught me about numbers, the streets, buildings and history and Jerusalem and it had plenty of old drawings and maps, which I am a sucker of.