The Porch of the Temple
40:48-49

• The porch of the temple is the same length as the interior width of the inner sanctum. That measure of the holy place and the most holy place is twenty (20) long cubits. The length of the temple's porch extends northward and southward.
• The posts beside the pillars probably extend in this direction from both sides of the porch for the full length of the site facing the altar court. They mark the ways to and from the courts before the chambers of the priests.
• The porch of the temple has steps which are mainly approached from the court of the altar.
• The porch is also accessed via the small gates on each side of the pillars beside the porch.
• From these smaller gates, pathways probably lead to the ways of the priests chambers at the north side, and at the south side of the court surrounding the temple structure.
• This main porch of the temple is the place to which the high priest returns to bless the congregation, after offering the incense at the golden altar within the most holy place on the Day of Atonement.