יחזקאל, פרק מ״ו, פסוק י״ט

After detailing the Temple's architecture from the outside in, along with the glory of the Divine Presence and the altar, the visionary tour changes course. The focus shifts to exploring the Temple courtyards from the inside out, moving into the practical and logistical areas designed for the daily work of the priests [ביאור שטיינזלץ, אברבנאל].

A guiding angel leads the prophet through a passage starting from the Israelite courtyard near the northern gate [מלבי״ם, מצודת ציון]. This path runs along the side or just behind the gate [רד״ק, מצודת ציון, אברבנאל], heading westward into a narrow space situated between the various Temple structures [רש״י, מלבי״ם].

The destination of this walkway is a set of distinct, sacred chambers [רד״ק, אברבנאל, מלבי״ם]. Deliberately kept separate from other buildings [מצודת דוד], these rooms hold the same level of holiness as the main courtyard. They serve as a designated dining area where the priests eat the meat of the sacrifices [רד״ק, אברבנאל, מלבי״ם]. The entrances to these chambers face north, opening toward the northern outer courtyard [רש״י, רד״ק, מצודת ציון, אברבנאל].

As the tour through this section concludes, a clearly defined compound comes into view [מצודת דוד]. Located at the extreme western edge of these chambers [רש״י, רד״ק, מצודת ציון, אברבנאל], this unique area serves a specific purpose. The primary approach among commentators is that this space operates as a dedicated kitchen. Here, the priests boil the sin and guilt offerings and bake the meal offerings. Its secluded placement is intentional, designed to keep the most holy sacrifices hidden from the view of the general public gathered in the outer courtyard [אברבנאל, מלבי״ם, ביאור שטיינזלץ].