יחזקאל, פרק מ״א, פסוק י״ב

Precise architectural measurements outline the future Temple, focusing on the complex of structures surrounding the main sanctuary. At the heart of this complex is the central Temple building, which houses the Hall, the Sanctuary, and the Holy of Holies. Commentators agree that this main building is uniquely identified because it towers above the rest of the complex like a fortress, or because its extreme holiness sets it apart from its surroundings [רש״י, רד״ק, מצודת ציון, מלבי״ם]. An alternative perspective suggests this distinction applies specifically to the upper floors of the Temple, which appear visually separated from the lower levels [רד״ק], while another view simply understands the space as a distinct chamber [רש״י]. In contrast to this towering central structure are the lower buildings positioned directly facing or wrapping around it [מצודת ציון, ביאור שטיינזלץ]. These consist of a network of side chambers and winding stairs bordering the Temple on its northern, southern, and western sides [רש״י, מצודת דוד, מלבי״ם].

The specific dimensions provided focus on the western side of the complex [רש״י, ביאור שטיינזלץ]. The total width, measured from north to south, spans seventy cubits. This span encompasses the internal space of the Temple, the thickness of its main walls, and the side chambers on the north and south along with their respective walls [רש״י, מצודת דוד, מלבי״ם]. Regarding the thickness of the walls enclosing this area, the primary approach among commentators is that the exterior walls of the side chambers were uniformly five cubits thick all the way around [מצודת דוד]. However, a differing opinion suggests that this five cubit measurement describes the wall of the inner courtyard that enclosed the entire chamber complex, rather than the walls of the chambers themselves [מלבי״ם].

The total length of the side chamber system, measured from east to west, extends ninety cubits. Notably, this measurement excludes the front section of the Temple, which contains the Hall and the designated area for storing slaughtering knives. This front section jutted outward, expanding the building's eastern facade to a full width of one hundred cubits. Because of these varying dimensions, the overall shape of the Temple resembled a lion, being narrow at its western back and wide at its eastern front [רש״י, רד״ק, אברבנאל].