Nicanor Gate

View looking west at the Nicanor Gate that led from the Court of Women to the Court of Israel where the male Israelites offered sacrifices.

Note the 15 semi-circular steps that lead up to the gate.  The Levites stood on these steps singing praises to God—compare the 15 Psalms of Ascent (Psalms 120–134).

The Nicanor Gate was named after a wealthy Jew of Alexandria who donated it to the temple.  Traditions says that it was miraculous saved at sea and thus it was left as a copper gate—rather than a gold plated one.