דברי הימים ב, פרק כ״ג, פסוק י״ט

Maintaining the absolute purity and holiness of the Temple required strict vigilance at its entrances. Appointed officials were stationed as guards specifically to watch over the gates of the House of God [מצודת דוד]. Their primary responsibility was to monitor the perimeter and ensure that no impure individual could step inside the sacred courtyard [רש"י, ביאור שטיינזלץ].

The restriction placed on entering the sacred space was comprehensive, applying to anyone affected by any type of impurity [מצודת דוד, ביאור שטיינזלץ]. This ban was absolute, meaning an impure person was denied access even if they had a specific need or compelling reason to enter the courtyard [רש"י]. Furthermore, the responsibilities of these gatekeepers extended beyond merely controlling access to the physical space. They were also charged with safeguarding the sacred items themselves, ensuring that an impure person would not approach any of the holy objects [רלב"ג].