יחזקאל, פרק מ׳, פסוק מ״א

Within the structure of the northern gate of the Temple, a series of specialized tables were set up to handle the preparation of sacrifices. These tables were positioned on each side of the entryway [מצודת דוד, ביאור שטיינזלץ]. They were specifically designated for offerings that were required to be processed in the northern section of the Temple courtyard [מצודת דוד].

There are different perspectives regarding the exact number and layout of these tables. One approach suggests there were eight tables in total, with four placed on the right side of the gate and four on the left. In this setup, each side had two inner tables located inside the hall and two outer tables placed in the space between the chambers [מצודת דוד, ביאור שטיינזלץ]. Another perspective proposes a larger arrangement of sixteen tables. According to this view, eight tables stood directly on the sides of the gate itself, and these were in addition to eight other tables located in the hall and between the chambers [מלבי״ם].

The physical act of preparing the offerings also presents two distinct possibilities. Some explain that the animals were slaughtered directly on top of the tables [רד״ק, ביאור שטיינזלץ]. Others maintain that the slaughtering did not happen on the tables themselves, but rather immediately next to them [מצודת דוד]. Ultimately, regardless of whether there were eight tables or sixteen [מלבי״ם], the entire arrangement was dedicated to the organized slaughtering and preparation of the Temple sacrifices.