יחזקאל, פרק מ״א, פסוק כ״א

The design of the Temple blends precise architectural details with profound spiritual revelations. This synthesis is clearly seen in the structure of the entrances and the visions experienced through them. The primary approach among commentators is that the entrance to the Sanctuary, or its doorposts, featured a square rather than circular shape, though the sides were not necessarily equal in length [מצודת ציון]. Other explanations focus on the structural components of the doorway. Some suggest there were four distinct doorposts, two on each side, designed to support double doors [מלבי״ם, ביאור שטיינזלץ]. Others propose that the squared nature refers to the four framing elements of the entrance: the two side posts, a threshold below, and a lintel above [רש״י]. A completely different approach relates this description to the Sanctuary's location, identifying it as the fourth entrance encountered when journeying inward, following the outer courtyard, the inner courtyard, and the hall [מלבי״ם].

Moving deeper into the complex, the focus shifts to the entrance of the Holy of Holies or the space of the Sanctuary itself [מצודת דוד, רד״ק, ביאור שטיינזלץ]. In understanding the visual nature of this inner space, commentators are divided into architectural and prophetic lines of thought. From an architectural standpoint, the entrance to the Holy of Holies perfectly matched the entrance to the Sanctuary, sharing the identical squared design [מצודת דוד, רד״ק]. Another specific explanation connects the visual description to the Temple Menorah, which illuminated the room and appeared like a standard lamp situated near the table [מצודת דוד].

Conversely, the prophetic approach views this visual description as a direct divine revelation. At the entrance to the Holy of Holies, the prophet witnessed a radiant light and a profound vision of the Throne of Glory, echoing the famous vision of the Divine Chariot he experienced at the start of his prophecies [רש״י, ביאור שטיינזלץ]. A unique perspective merges the physical architecture with this spiritual encounter. The inner sanctum functioned like a mirror, providing a reflective surface where the divine vision of the Chariot echoed. Through this, the prophet was able to witness God's revelation reflecting directly within the physical walls of the Temple itself [מלבי״ם].