יחזקאל, פרק מ״ד, פסוק ג׳

The architecture of the future Temple reflects the unique status of the nation's highest leader. While the central eastern gate remains permanently closed, a distinct and exclusive space is reserved there specifically for his use. The primary approach among commentators is that this leader is the Messianic king from the line of David, though another perspective suggests the reference is to the High Priest [רש״י].

Because of his profound importance and honor, it is considered inappropriate for the leader to sit and eat alongside the general public or the regular priests in the standard chambers [רש״י, מצודת דוד, אברבנאל]. Instead, God grants him permission to use a specially designated area to consume his portion of the sacrifices. In this setting, his meal consists specifically of the meat from the peace offerings eaten before God, rather than ordinary baked goods [מצודת ציון, רד״ק, מלבי״ם, אברבנאל].

Since the eastern gate itself is shut, commentators differ on his exact seating arrangement. One perspective suggests he sits inside the inner space of the gate or at a small opening within it [רש״י, מצודת דוד, ביאור שטיינזלץ]. Conversely, another view maintains that he sits on the threshold just outside the gate, ensuring the main doors remain completely closed [רד״ק, אברבנאל].

When arriving at this location, the leader enters the inner courtyard through other gates that are open to the public. He then approaches the hall of the eastern gate from the inside in a public and dignified manner, avoiding any hidden or lower passageways [מצודת דוד, מלבי״ם, ביאור שטיינזלץ]. After finishing his meal, he must exit by retracing his exact steps. Departing through the same route emphasizes that the Temple courtyard is not to be used as a convenient shortcut, but rather that his entry is purposeful and dedicated solely to eating the sacred offerings [רש״י, אברבנאל].

This specific routine of entering and exiting through the same path applies only on ordinary weekdays. During the festivals, the leader walks in a straight, continuous line along with the rest of the people [מצודת דוד]. Furthermore, this entire arrangement is exclusively meant for the era of the future Third Temple. During the time of the Second Temple, the glory of God did not enter through the eastern gate, meaning this vision of a permanently closed gate cannot be associated with any past historical structure [אברבנאל].