נחמיה, פרק י״ב, פסוק ל״ז

The procession around the walls of Jerusalem follows a precise route, passing the city's major landmarks. Continuing their march from the Dung Gate, the group arrives at the Fountain Gate. Rather than climbing over the gate itself, they walk alongside and directly in front of the structure [מצודת ציון, רש"י, מצודת דוד, ביאור שטיינזלץ].

From there, the journey moves toward the steps of the City of David. Perspectives differ on exactly how this ascent unfolds. One approach suggests that the main group of marchers simply continues their route, climbing from the Fountain Gate toward the stairs [רש"י, מצודת דוד]. Another view proposes that a separate group of people makes the ascent from the opposite direction [ביאור שטיינזלץ].

The path they take leads straight up to the city wall [מצודת דוד]. These are not ordinary stairs, but rather a staircase built directly into the structure of the wall itself [רש"י, אבן עזרא]. After making this ascent, the procession passes by the area of the House of David. Their march along this section concludes as they arrive at the Water Gate, located on the eastern side of the city [מצודת דוד].