If you spent time in Israel this summer, you likely visited Chizkiyahu’s water tunnel in Yerushalayim. Let us explore the spiritual significance of this spectacular artifact from 2,700 years ago …

A Need for the Generations?

In the concluding pesukim of the Tanach’s depiction of Chizkiyahu HaMelech, sefer Melachim II (perek 20, pasuk 20) mentions the water tunnel Chizkiyahu HaMelech constructed. While this was a mammoth accomplishment, one wonders why Tanach references it. The Tanach, most decidedly, is not a history book. It is axiomatic that Tanach only records information necessary for the generations (Megillah 14a). The stories of Chizkiyahu HaMelech seem to suffice without knowing about the tunnel. So, why does Hashem include it in Tanach?

Pesachim 56

One lesson for the ages emerges from Pesachim 56a, which notes that the Chachamim did not approve of Chizkyahu HaMelech creating the tunnel. Chizkiyahu HaMelech constructed the tunnel to divert the Gichon/Shiloach spring from outside Jerusalem’s walls to inside them. The goal was to deprive the correctly anticipated Assyrian invaders of water and provide it to Jerusalem’s residents instead. Rashi (ad. loc. s.v. V’ Lo Hodu Lo) explains they felt he should have had more faith in Hashem to resist the Assyrian invasion successfully.

Although we cannot rely on a miracle and must exert effort (hishtadlut) to help ourselves, there are limits. Chizkiyahu HaMelech’s extraordinary efforts to create the water tunnel were excessive hishtadlut, for at some point, we must say we leave things to rest in Hashem’s hands.

In addition, the Tiferet Yisrael (Pesachim 4:9) explains that although Chazal did not approve of the tunnel’s creation, they did not call for disobedience to the king. Tiferet Yisrael explains Chazal had eimat malchut, fear of the king.

I believe that Chazal were not afraid that Chizkiyahu would harm them, as Chizkiyahu was an exceptionally righteous king. Rather, Chazal protected the respect and integrity of the king. They appreciated the ambiguity of the situation, and, therefore, it did not warrant mutiny that could threaten societal stability.

Later Generations

In addition, I suggest that Hashem included the tunnels in Tanach for the spiritual needs of the later generations that rediscovered it. Firstly, it helps us appreciate Chizkiyahu HaMelech’s great wisdom and abilities. The tunnel and the many other recent findings from Chizkiyahu provide a glimpse into this great man’s larger-than-life skills and accomplishments, whose magnitude is easy to overlook.

More importantly, the tunnel creates a tangible connection to Tanach. We can touch a structure mentioned in sefer Melachim and sefer Divrei HaYamim! An artifact from 2,700 years ago that still functions is breathtaking. It is one of many affirmations of the Tanach’s authenticity. How wonderful that Chizkiyahu HaMelech still contributes to our people by providing residents and visitors to Israel with a cool underground experience to escape the heavy heat of the Middle Eastern summer.

Conclusion

Occasionally, time is needed to understand certain facets of Tanach. A fuller appreciation for Hashem’s incorporating Chizkiyahu’s tunnels in Tanach emerged only in recent generations. Chizkiyahu’s tunnels are a powerful shout-out from Chizkiyahu to later generations, saying that he and all of Tanach are true!

Rabbi Jachter serves as the rav of Congregation Shaarei Orah, rebbe at Torah Academy of Bergen County, and a get administrator with the Beth Din of Elizabeth. Rabbi Jachter’s 16 books, including a new one on Sefer Devarim, may be purchased at Amazon and Judaica House.