Several magnificent gates led into the inner court. Each of these gates had eight steps which meant the inner court was on a raised platform. The gates were made of wood (probably cedar) and overlaid with bronze. Guards were posted at all the outer gates, and at the inner storehouse (1 Chronicles 26:12-18).

When you open the East gate, you can see the great altar from the outer court. In front of the East Gate was probably where King Solomon placed the bronze platform when he offered his dedication prayer to the Lord (2 Chronicles 6:12-13). This would be the only location in the outer court where he would have stood before the altar and be in the presence of all the assembly of Israel.