יחזקאל, פרק מ״א, פסוק ג׳

The progression of measuring the Temple reaches the threshold of its most sacred space, transitioning from the main sanctuary toward the Holy of Holies. The measuring angel carefully examines the precise dimensions of the entryway dividing these two areas before stepping past the partition into the Holy of Holies itself [רש״י, רד״ק, מלבי״ם, ביאור שטיינזלץ, אברבנאל]. Interestingly, the angel enters this inner sanctum alone, leaving Ezekiel behind. Even within a prophetic vision, the strict laws of the Temple are maintained. Because only the High Priest is permitted to enter the Holy of Holies, and only on the Day of Atonement, Ezekiel must remain outside [מצודת דוד].

As the angel measures the entrance, a dimension of two cubits is recorded, though commentators differ on what this refers to. One perspective suggests this measures the doorposts on either side of the entryway, each being two cubits wide [רד״ק, אברבנאל]. Another approach explains that this represents the thickness of the actual wall separating the main sanctuary from the Holy of Holies. This two-cubit thickness is notable, as it differs from the standard one-cubit partition known from other Temple descriptions [רש״י, מלבי״ם, מצודת דוד].

A further distinction is made regarding the entrance, noting measurements of both six and seven cubits. This discrepancy is resolved in three primary ways. The first view is that six cubits refers to the height of the entrance, while seven cubits describes its width [רש״י, מצודת דוד]. A second interpretation suggests that six cubits represents the thickness of the entrance cavity, with seven cubits again being the width [רד״ק, אברבנאל, ביאור שטיינזלץ]. Finally, a more complex architectural model proposes that seven cubits is the total width of the entrance space, but the physical doors closing it were only six cubits wide. The remaining cubit was not sealed by a door but covered by a curtain. According to this view, the entrance featured two sets of doors and curtains—an inner and an outer system. The open spaces were not aligned but placed on opposite ends, requiring the High Priest to walk between them and turn from side to side to enter, much like the design of the Second Temple. Therefore, the measurement of the closing doors is recorded separately from the total width of the space [מלבי״ם].