The themes of sacrifice and limited access come together in the description of the inner courtyard's size. It was a perfect square, a common shape for holy spaces in the Old Testament (see Exodus 26:1–35; 1 Kings 6:20), measuring 175 feet on each side. At its center stood the altar of sacrifice, the only piece of furniture there. People had to offer holy sacrifices without risking impurity to ensure the Lord's presence when he returned to fill the temple with his glory.