יחזקאל, פרק מ׳, פסוק מ״ב

Within the northern gate of the Temple, along the path leading up to the inner courtyard, stood a dedicated preparation area for handling the most sacred offerings. Four tables were positioned in this space to assist with the sacrificial process. These tables were constructed from smoothly cut, hewn stone [מצודת ציון, ביאור שטיינזלץ]. The choice of material was highly practical. Stone is naturally cool, a quality that helped preserve the meat resting on the tables and prevented it from spoiling [מצודת דוד]. Each table was built to precise dimensions, measuring one and a half cubits in length and width, and one cubit in height.

While these tables are primarily associated with the burnt offering, they actually served all types of sacrifices. The burnt offering is singled out because it was the constant daily sacrifice and was consumed entirely on the altar [רד״ק, מצודת דוד, ביאור שטיינזלץ]. Even though other types of offerings were not necessarily processed in this exact spot, the equipment kept on these tables was designated for their use as well [מצודת דוד].

Beyond providing a cool surface for the meat, the main purpose of these stone tables was to hold the holy vessels needed by those performing the sacrifices. They functioned as a staging area for the slaughtering knives and the basins used to collect the blood [רש״י, רד״ק, אברבנאל, מלבי״ם]. These four stone tables acted as a supporting station alongside the main tables where the actual preparation occurred, providing a dedicated space to safely rest the holy tools [מלבי״ם].