The Gates of the Inner Court

Ezekiel enters the inner court through the south gate, then the east, then the north, and each inner gate is measured in turn. Their chambers, pillars, porticos, windows, and dimensions match the established pattern, though the inner-court porticos face outward and are reached by eight steps rather than seven. Palm trees decorate the side pillars, reinforcing continuity across the complex while the increased ascent marks deeper approach toward holiness.

N²⁸ext he brought me into the inner court through the south gate, and he measured the south gate; it had the same measurements as the others. ²⁹Its gate chambers, side pillars, and portico had the same measurements as the others. Both the gateway and its portico had windows all around; it was fifty cubits long and twenty-five cubits wide. ³⁰(The porticoes around the inner court were twenty-five cubits long and five cubits deep.) ³¹Its portico faced the outer court, and its side pillars were decorated with palm trees. Eight steps led up to it. ³²And he brought me to the inner court on the east side, and he measured the gateway; it had the same measurements as the others. ³³Its gate chambers, side pillars, and portico had the same measurements as the others. Both the gateway and its portico had windows all around. It was fifty cubits long and twenty-five cubits wide. ³⁴Its portico faced the outer court, and its side pillars were decorated with palm trees on each side. Eight steps led up to it. ³⁵Then he brought me to the north gate and measured it. It had the same measurements as the others, ³⁶as did its gate chambers, side pillars, and portico. It also had windows all around. It was fifty cubits long and twenty-five cubits wide. ³⁷Its portico faced the outer court, and its side pillars were decorated with palm trees on each side. Eight steps led up to it.