The Temple Institute: In-Depth Temple Study: The Chamber of Wood
 
The Chamber of Wood

This was one of the four chambers located in the corners of the WomenÕs Court. (alternate view) In this chamber kohanim that had some physical blemish and thus were invalidated from doing other services, inspected the wood to be used upon the altar. Only wood which was found to be free from worms was used upon the Mizbeach. According to the Mishna, Tractate Shkalim, this chamber was associated with the place where the Ark of the Covenant was hidden at the end of the First Temple period. The Mishna relates that two kohanim were inspecting the wood for worms. One of them saw that a floor tile looked different from the rest and "they knew that the Ark had been hidden there." (Sources: Shkalim 6:2, Midot 5:2). 
Contents:   Part I,    Part II,    Part III,    Part IV,    Part V,    Part VI,    Part VII