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Court of the Women

Only Jewish men and women could venture beyond this point, which led, through three large gates, into the COURT OF WOMEN. Ornate columns too surrounded this court.

Steps led up to the terrace which gave access to the Temple by any one of nine gateways, four on the north side, four on the south and one on the east; this last was the main gate called "the Beautiful Gate" (Acts 3:2), which led to the Court of the Women. There during the Feast of Tabernacles two large candlesticks were placed, and every evening the crowds would assemble with burning torches and the lights were lit midst great rejoicing. There may be a reference to this in Christ's words, " I am the light of the world; who follows me shall not walk in darkness but shall have the light of life " (John 8:12). Here in the Court of the Women was also "the treasury" (Mark 12:41-4).

See The Nicanor Gate