Ezekiel 43:13-17

Chapter Nineteen

NEW WORSHIP IN A NEW LAND
43:13-48:35

Ezekiel's lengthy symbolic portrayal of the Messianic age continues in Chapter s 43-48. The emphasis here is on the worship which will be such a prominent part of that new age, and on the glories of the Promised Land wherein that worship will be conducted.

I. THE VISION OF THE FUTURE WORSHIP
43:13-46:24

In this section Ezekiel focuses his attention on (1) the center of worship: the altar (Ezekiel 43:13-27); (2) the ministers of worship: the priests (Ezekiel 44:1 to Ezekiel 45:8); (3) the regulations concerning worship (Ezekiel 45:9 to Ezekiel 46:24).

A. The Center of Worship: The Altar 43:13-27

Ezekiel first describes the altar (Ezekiel 43:13-17), and then speaks at length about the dedication of that sacred spot (Ezekiel 43:18-27).

1. The measurements of the altar (43:13-17)

TRANSLATION

(13) And these are the measures of the altar by cubits: (the cubit is a cubit and a handbreadth:) the bottom shall be a cubit, and the breadth a cubit, and the border thereof by the edge thereof round about a span; and this shall be the base of the altar. (14) And from the bottom upon the ground to the lower ledge shall be two cubits, and the breadth one cubit; and from the lesser ledge to the greater ledge shall be four cubits, and the breadth a cubit. (15) And the upper altar shall be four cubits; and from the altar hearth and upward there shall be four horns. (16) And the altar hearth shall be twelve cubits long by twelve broad, square in the four sides thereof. (17) And the ledge shall be fourteen cubits long by fourteen broad in the four sides thereof; and the border about it shall be half a cubit round about; and the steps thereof shall look toward the east.

COMMENTS

The altar was mentioned previously in Ezekiel 40:47. It was located in the center of the inner court directly in front of the Temple entrance. The Hebrew terms used in Ezekiel 43:13-17 are obscure, and there is no unanimity among scholars about the dimensions and design of this structure. The following conclusions about the altar seem apparent:

1. The measurements of the altar are specified as being by the longer cubit.
2. The altar was built in three square stages, each with a side two cubits shorter than the stage below it. The sides of the three stages were twelve, fourteen and sixteen cubits long respectively.
3. The lowest stage of the altar was set upon a foundation platform. This foundation platform was set in the pavement of the court, its upper surface being apparently level with the surrounding pavement. A rim or border distinguished this foundation platform from the surrounding pavement.
4. The total height of the altar proper was ten cubits. The horns which projected upward another cubit were regarded as the most sacred part of the altar. Here the blood was smeared in the various sacrifices.

5. The hearth area where the sacrifices would be placed measured twelve by twelve cubits or 144 square cubits.

6. The approach to the altar was on the east side. Steps were forbidden in early altars (Exodus 20:24-26). The increased size of later altars made them a necessity.