From 40:5 through 41:26 the movement, in the description of the temple, has been from outside to inside. Now the prophet is led back out to the outer court (42:1), where he is shown two sets of holy chambers (rooms for the priests), one on the north side of the outer court (42:2–9) and one on the south side of the outer court (42:10–12).

Verses 13–14 inform us of the functions of these rooms. They are, first of all, a place where the priests eat the most holy offerings. Second, they are changing rooms, in which the priests remove their sacred vestments before going into the outer court, where the laity are. It may appear to be a contradiction that these rooms are already in the outer court (42:1), and yet the priests must disrobe in these rooms befor…