יחזקאל, פרק מ״ב, פסוק י״ח

The sequence of measurements taken on the Temple Mount reveals an interesting architectural detail about the complex. While surveying the area, the prophet intentionally bypasses the western side, which would normally be the next logical section to measure, and proceeds directly to the south. This skip occurs because the western side was built with a different arrangement of gates and buildings, setting it apart from the other sides of the structure.

This design choice mirrors the layout of the Women's Courtyard. In that courtyard, the northern, southern, and eastern walls were completely identical in their gates, chambers, and halls, while the western side stood out as an exception [מלבי״ם]. By moving straight to the southern boundary, the prophet is able to examine it and verify that it matches the northern side perfectly in every architectural detail. Upon inspection, the length of the southern side is recorded as exactly five hundred reeds.