יחזקאל, פרק מ׳, פסוק ו׳

The prophetic vision continues as a detailed architectural tour of the future Temple complex, moving systematically from the outer perimeter inward. The measurer, tasked with surveying the sacred site, approaches a structure built upon a mountain, a location whose natural slope requires specific architectural adaptations. The tour begins at the open gate facing east. The primary approach among commentators is that this entrance led to the Women's Courtyard, which is considered the outer courtyard because it sat just before the inner Israelites' Courtyard [רש״י, מצודת דוד, מלבי״ם, אברבנאל]. However, another perspective suggests this was the eastern gate of the Temple Mount itself, serving as the main entry point from outside the outer wall into the sacred perimeter [רד״ק].

Because the mountain naturally sloped upward toward the west, entering the gate required ascending a flight of stairs [מצודת דוד, מצודת ציון, ביאור שטיינזלץ]. The exact number of these stairs is a matter of discussion. The widely held view is that there were twelve steps leading from the lower area known as the rampart up to the Women's Courtyard [רש״י, אברבנאל]. Others maintain there were only seven steps, mirroring the design of the gates on the northern and southern sides [מלבי״ם]. Following the view that this was the main Temple Mount entrance, the stairs simply served to elevate visitors from the lower surrounding areas up to the raised complex [רד״ק].

Upon ascending, the measurer examines the entranceway itself. The area measured refers either to the vertical doorposts [רש״י, מצודת ציון, רד״ק, אברבנאל] or to the physical floor threshold [ביאור שטיינזלץ, מלבי״ם]. The width of this entrance is measured at one rod, an increment equal to six cubits, which commentators agree perfectly matches the thickness of the surrounding wall. The measurement is recorded twice, a detail most explain as a reference to the two opposing doorposts—one on the northern side and one on the southern side—each measuring exactly one rod in width [רש״י, מצודת דוד, רד״ק, אברבנאל]. Alternatively, a more complex architectural layout suggests that the thick wall of the gate actually contained two separate thresholds, an outer one and an inner one. Each of these thresholds was one rod wide, and they were separated by the central doorpost where the doors were hung [מלבי״ם].