יחזקאל, פרק מ״ו, פסוק ט׳

During the pilgrimage festivals, massive crowds gather at the Temple. To manage this gathering, specific patterns of movement are established for entering and exiting the courtyard. These rules apply specifically during the appointed times, as these are the days when the entire nation is obligated to appear in the Temple [מצודת דוד, ביאור שטיינזלץ].

A strict forward-moving path is required. Those who enter the courtyard from either the northern or southern gate must bow toward the entrance of the Sanctuary and then continue straight ahead [רד״ק, ביאור שטיינזלץ]. They must exit through the gate directly opposite their point of entry, rather than turning around to leave the way they came [מצודת ציון, מצודת דוד]. Walking the entire length of the courtyard ensures that the commandment to appear before God is fulfilled in the most respectful and complete manner possible [רש״י, רד״ק].

This designated route also highlights a restriction regarding the eastern gate. The general public is not permitted to use this gate for entering or exiting. Even when the eastern gate is open, the people may only bow at its entrance; they are not allowed to pass through it into the courtyard [מלבי״ם, רד״ק].

While these instructions are designed to organize the movement of vast multitudes, a subtle grammatical shift highlights a dual focus. The written instruction is phrased in the plural to account for the massive crowds visiting the Temple, yet it is traditionally read in the singular. This shift emphasizes that while the rule governs the masses, the protocol must be followed by every person individually [רד״ק, מנחת שי].