יחזקאל, פרק מ״א, פסוק ה׳

The architectural vision of the future Temple reveals a complex structure defined by exceptionally thick walls and a network of surrounding side chambers. Because these exact dimensions differ from those of previous Temples, they are understood as a unique blueprint specifically intended for the Third Temple [רש״י].

The main wall of the building measures six cubits in thickness [ביאור שטיינזלץ]. There are different perspectives regarding exactly which wall this measurement applies to. Some identify it specifically as the western wall of the Holy of Holies [רש״י, מצודת דוד], while others maintain it refers to the wall of the main Sanctuary [רד״ק]. A broader view suggests this thickness applies to the northern, southern, and western walls of both the Sanctuary and the Holy of Holies combined [מלבי״ם].

Built against the exterior of these massive walls are narrow, attached rooms or cells [רש״י, מצודת ציון, ביאור שטיינזלץ]. In King Solomon’s time, these structures were known by a term denoting a modest, enclosed space. In this future design, however, they are named for their specific placement along the sides of the main building [מצודת ציון, רד״ק].

The interior width of these side rooms is four cubits, a departure from Solomon's Temple, where they measured five cubits across [רד״ק]. Architecturally, these chambers are designed as a double structure, featuring an inner cell and an outer cell. The four-cubit measurement specifically defines the space of the inner cell directly touching the Temple wall [מלבי״ם]. Rather than being isolated to a single area, this intricate system of rooms completely wraps around the Sanctuary and the Holy of Holies, enclosing the sacred space from the north, south, and west [מצודת דוד, רד״ק].