Ezekiel 43:13-27

The Altar. In a system of worship based upon sacrifice, the altar is of special importance: its dimensions (Ezekiel 43:13) and consecration (Ezekiel 43:18) are therefore elaborately described. Approached by steps (Ezekiel 43:17), it consisted of four square stones, each smaller in breadth but greater in height than the one below it, ranging from a base of 27 feet square and 1½ feet high, to the hearth at the top (on which the victim was laid) 18 feet square and 6 feet high thus preserving the proportion of two to three characteristic of the rooms of the Temple proper. Above the hearth were horns (Ezekiel 43:13). The altar was consecrated by a seven day's sacrifice, offered by the Zadokite priests, who sprinkled with blood the horns and the border round about. Thereafter the regular sacrifices could be acceptably offered upon it.