יחזקאל, פרק מ׳, פסוק מ׳

The architecture of the future Temple features a highly precise layout designed to maintain order and efficiency during the sacred service. Central to this design is the strategic placement of tables used for preparing sacrifices, positioned carefully near the entrances and stairways.

The tables flanked the sides of the entrance. The primary approach among commentators is that they sat on the far side of the hall, outside its inner space, facing the entrance of the Israelite courtyard [רש״י, מצודת דוד, ביאור שטיינזלץ]. Alternatively, they may have been situated by a special chamber located inward from the hall but just outside the main gate passage. Because the chamber's doorway faced the gate, the tables were arranged on either side of it [מלבי״ם].

The exact positioning near the northern gate, which mirrors the identical layout of the previously mentioned southern gate [רד״ק], is understood in two ways. Some explain that the setup relates to the path of a person walking into the gate and climbing the steps toward the inner courtyard [רש״י, מצודת דוד, ביאור שטיינזלץ]. Others suggest the focus is on the physical staircase itself, meaning the tables stood directly outside the steps [רד״ק, אברבנאל].

The arrangement of these tables was perfectly symmetrical. Two tables stood on one side of the gate's hall, such as the east, and two more stood on the opposite side, such as the west. Together, they formed part of a comprehensive system of eight tables in that immediate area. These stations served a highly practical purpose, providing the necessary space to slaughter and prepare not only the burnt offerings but all the various sacrifices brought to the Temple [אברבנאל].