יחזקאל, פרק מ״א, פסוק ט״ו

During a visionary tour of the future Temple, a precise measuring of the sacred structures takes place. The architectural details outline the perimeter of the buildings, spaces, and annexes, which together form a harmonious measurement of one hundred cubits. As the measurement proceeds, there is a focus on the direction taken by the measurer. Some commentators suggest that he turned backward toward the western side, which was located behind the buildings [מלבי״ם, ביאור שטיינזלץ]. Others propose that he measured both the eastern and western sides together [רד״ק, אברבנאל]. A contrasting approach explains that the measurer retraced his steps to measure the southern side, having already completed a circuit around the other directions of the building [רש״י, מצודת דוד].

The tour also highlights specific architectural features along the structure. These are identified by some as square columns protruding from the wall to provide vital reinforcement and support [רש״י, ביאור שטיינזלץ]. A broader interpretation describes them as raised structures, similar to balconies, supported by pillars or beams stretching between the roofs of adjacent buildings to make use of empty spaces [מלבי״ם]. Alternatively, this may serve as a general term for the various cells and chambers that surrounded the main building [רד״ק, אברבנאל]. Another perspective, drawing from an ancient Aramaic translation, understands these features as corners, specifically referring to the storage areas where slaughtering knives were kept at the corners of the Temple [רש״י, מצודת דוד, מצודת ציון]. The measurement of these features included both the north and south parallel sides [רד״ק, ביאור שטיינזלץ, מלבי״ם], with the total distance across these structures completing the span of one hundred cubits.

Within this complex, the inner sanctuary is identified as the Holy of Holies, while the surrounding halls or the long, narrow western chamber make up the adjacent court areas [מלבי״ם]. The primary approach among commentators is that the conclusion of this measurement connects directly to the concepts that follow. This connection reveals that all the inner structures shared common architectural elements, such as thresholds and opaque windows [רש״י, מצודת דוד]. Furthermore, it emphasizes that despite the general overall measurements provided, each of these inner sacred spaces maintained its own precise and unique dimensions [רד״ק, אברבנאל].