Although its basic appearance matches that of the other gate structures,
the functions performed at the north gate of the Inner Court differ from
that of the other gates.
Two slaying tables are located beside the stairs which lead up to the
Inner Court from the pavement of the Outer Court.
Slaying tables are also located at the gates of the thresholds within*
, i.e., located between the little-chambers. The total number of
slaying tables is eight.
And, in the porch of the gate house two more slaying tables are located.
The total number of slaying tables is eight.
This gatehouse building -- like both the east and south inner gatehouse
buildings -- is located near the temple of the holy place. Its stairway
has eight steps. The Inner Court outside the gatehouse is "the surrounding
court" on this level of the sanctuary.
The "flesh of the offering" already lies upon the table (or
so the text implies).
* Within -- translates to "from the house." The Hebrew
phrase is m'habeth.