יחזקאל, פרק מ׳, פסוק ל״ט

Within the architectural layout of the Temple, a specific space was dedicated to the preparation of the holiest sacrifices. This area was located in the hall of the northern gate [רש״י]. It measured ten cubits long from east to west, and six cubits wide from north to south [מלבי״ם]. Inside this hall stood four tables, arranged with two on the eastern side and two on the western side [רש״י, מצודת דוד, מלבי״ם].

Even though the position of these tables extended slightly outward toward the outer courtyard, commentators agree that this space was sanctified with the same holiness as the inner courtyard. Crucially, it held the legal status of the northern side of the Temple, which is the strictly required location for processing the holiest sacrifices [רש״י, מצודת דוד, מלבי״ם]. The tables themselves were used for the slaughtering of the animals. Opinions differ on the exact procedure: some explain that the sacrifices were slaughtered directly on top of the tables [רד״ק, מלבי״ם], while others maintain that the slaughtering took place immediately next to them [מצודת דוד, מצודת ציון].

The specific offerings prepared in this area included the burnt offering, the sin offering, and the guilt offering, all of which must be processed in the north [ביאור שטיינזלץ]. Grouping these specific sacrifices together in one location carries a deep moral message. The law requires the mandatory sin offering to be slaughtered in the exact same place as the voluntary burnt offering. This ensures that any onlooker cannot tell which type of sacrifice is being brought, thereby protecting individuals seeking atonement from public shame [רד״ק].