יחזקאל, פרק מ״ו, פסוק כ״א

The visionary tour of the future Temple complex continues as the prophet is guided into the outer courtyard, an area identified as the Women's Courtyard [רד״ק, אברבנאל]. He accesses this space through a narrow, open pathway measuring a single cubit [מצודת דוד]. As he walks through the area, his attention is drawn to the four corners of this large space. At each of these angles, he discovers a unique architectural feature: a smaller, specialized courtyard built directly into the corner to serve as a dedicated chamber [מצודת דוד, רד״ק, מלבי״ם, שטיינזלץ]. Based on ancient traditions, these smaller corner enclosures were completely open to the sky, lacking any roof. This unroofed design, which existed in the historical Temple, is destined to be replicated in the future one as well [רד״ק, אברבנאל].

Each of these four small enclosures served a highly specific purpose based on its location [רד״ק, אברבנאל]. In the southeast corner stood the chamber for the Nazirites. Here, those who had taken the Nazirite vow would cook their peace offerings, shave their hair at the conclusion of their vow, and cast it into the fire burning beneath the cooking pots. The northeast corner housed the woodshed. In this space, priests who had physical blemishes and could not serve at the altar were tasked with carefully inspecting firewood for worms, because any wood infested with worms was strictly disqualified from being used on the altar. The northwest corner was designated as the chamber for those recovering from leprosy. Finally, the function of the southwest corner carries a bit of historical mystery. According to one tradition, its original purpose was actually forgotten over time, while another account identifies it as the chamber of oils, serving as the primary storage space for the wine and oil used in the Temple services [רד״ק, אברבנאל].