יחזקאל, פרק מ׳, פסוק כ״ו

The transition between the Temple courtyards and the entrance to the southern gate featured a precise architectural design, characterized by a distinct set of stairs and striking decorations. The entry involved a specific set of seven stairs, which served as the ascent through the southern gate, leading from the Women's Courtyard into the Israelites' Courtyard [רד״ק, אברבנאל]. Architecturally, the climb was structured so that for every cubit of height gained, there was a step measuring half a cubit in width [מלבי״ם].

Regarding the layout of the gate itself, commentators offer different perspectives on the arrangement of its entrance. Some explain that the walls of the hall were positioned further inward than the stairs [מצודת דוד]. Conversely, others suggest that the pillars of the stairs stood prominently at the very front of the structure [מלבי״ם].

The gate was also adorned with beautiful palm tree motifs placed directly upon its pillars [שטיינזלץ]. At the top of every pillar or doorpost, there was a painted or sculpted capital shaped like a palm tree to enhance the beauty of the entrance [רש״י, מצודת דוד, מלבי״ם]. These artistic decorations were placed symmetrically on both sides of the gate [רד״ק, מנחת שי]. Ultimately, the overall design and the decorative elements of this southern gate followed the exact same pattern found in the other gates of the Temple [אברבנאל].