King Solomon, the wisest of men, resolved to build a temple dedicated
to the glory of the God of Israel. He remembered the sacred words of
Scripture: “And if thou make me an altar of stone, thou shalt not build
it of hewn stones: for if thou lift up thy tool upon it, thou hast
polluted it” (Exod. xx. 25). The tools of iron symbolized the sword,
the instrument of war and death; whilst the altar and temple were the
symbols of peace and life. Solomon desired that not only the altar, but
all the stone-work in the sacred edifice should be made ready for the
builders at the quarry without using any metal implement, so that in
the course of building the temple no instrument of iron should be
employed.
How was this wish to be realized? Even Solomon, the wisest of monarchs,
did not know how to set about his task. Again and again he asked
himself, How is it possible to split the immense blocks of stone or to
cut down the huge trees if the workmen are not allowed to use metal
implements? In despair the King summoned his great council of state,
consisting of the wisest men in his kingdom. He told them his
difficulty and asked them if they could help him to achieve his
purpose. The counsellors listened to the words of their beloved monarch
in profound silence. After a while one of the most venerable of those
present arose and, turning to the King, spake as follows:—
“Long live the King! Mighty Sovereign! Hast thou not heard that among
the countless creatures of the Most High there is one which can serve
thee as thy heart desires? It can cut stone better than the sharpest
tool of iron. I refer to the tiny but wonderful worm called the Shamir,
or diamond insect. Dost thou not know, O wisest of rulers, how the
Almighty created ten marvels in the twilight of the eve of the first
Sabbath in the week of creation? Among these marvels was the worm
Shamir. Its size is that of a grain of barley. It is endowed with
miraculous power, for, behold! it can split the hardest stone by merely
touching it. Moreover, iron is broken by its mere presence.”
“Excellent wisdom is this which thou shewest forth, beloved
counsellor,” cried Solomon with joy in his heart. “Now tell me, where
is this marvellous little worm to be found?”
“May thy days be as glorious as the days of David thy father,” replied
the wise servant of the King, “but more than I have already told thee I
know not. No mortal being has ever discovered the home of the Shamir.
It is useless to seek the information thou desirest by consulting the
sons of men; has not God bestowed upon thee, knowledge and
understanding more than He has given to any one else? Is it for nought
that thy wisdom exceeds that of all the children of men? Art thou not
ruler of all the spirits and demons? Seek their aid, Sire! and thou
wilt find the Shamir. Invoke the wisest of the spirits who will reveal
to thee even the secrets of the heavens above, of the earth beneath,
and of the waters under the earth.”
The good advice of the counsellor appealed with irresistible conviction
to Solomon’s heart, and after thanking his wise minister, dismissed his
council in order to carry out the suggested plan. He looked at the ring
on his right hand and read the Holy Name of God engraved thereon. No
sooner had he pronounced the Divine Name than a demon appeared before
him and, making obeisance, cried,—
“What is thy wish, Solomon, King of Israel?”
“I command thee,” said Solomon, “to tell me where is the worm Shamir to
be found?”