The very architecture of the Temple was designed to guide the human heart away from the worship of nature. By placing the Holy of Holies on the western side, opposite the sunrise, the physical structure directed focus inward toward the sacred rather than outward toward the celestial bodies [שטיינזלץ]. Yet, in a striking vision of spiritual decay, the prophet is taken on a tour that reveals the ultimate betrayal occurring within this most sacred space. Moving from the northern gate, where earlier acts of idolatry were witnessed, he is brought to the eastern side of the Temple [רש״י, רד״ק].
He enters the inner courtyard, specifically the area reserved for the priests, right next to the main Temple building [רש״י, מצודת דוד, שטיינזלץ]. There, in the open space between the entrance hall of the sanctuary and the altar used for burnt offerings [רד״ק, שטיינזלץ], a group of about twenty-five men are gathered. They are positioned with their backs to God's sanctuary and their faces turned toward the east. Since bowing to the east naturally requires turning away from the western sanctuary, the specific detail that their backs were toward the sanctuary is not just about direction. It highlights an act of profound disrespect. The men deliberately uncovered themselves and relieved themselves facing the Holy of Holies, showing absolute contempt and disgust for the sacred space [רש״י, מצודת דוד].
This shocking scene involves a dual act of deep insult and active idolatry. The primary approach among commentators is that the men were simultaneously destroying the dignity of the sanctuary while bowing in worship to the sun [רש״י, מצודת דוד, רד״ק]. However, other perspectives exist regarding the exact nature of this moment. One view suggests the scene captures the prophet's own shock, serving as a startled exclamation as he questions the men about their horrific actions [רד״ק]. Another perspective offers a simpler understanding, viewing the event merely as a physical description of the men bending and bowing down to the ground [רש״י].