Ezekiel 43:13-17

The Altar

13 "These are the measurements of 1the altar by cubits (the cubit being 2a cubit and a handbreadth):[a] its base shall be one cubit high[b] and one cubit broad, with a rim of one span[c] around its edge. And this shall be the height of the altar:
14 from the base on the ground to the lower ledge, two cubits, with a breadth of one cubit; and from the smaller ledge to the larger ledge, four cubits, with a breadth of one cubit;
15 and the altar hearth, four cubits; and from the altar hearth projecting upward, 3four horns.
16 The altar hearth shall be 4square, twelve cubits long by twelve broad.
17 The ledge also shall be square, fourteen cubits long by fourteen broad, with a rim around it half a cubit broad, and its base one cubit all around. 5The steps of the altar shall face east."

Ezekiel 43:13-17 Meaning and Commentary

INTRODUCTION TO EZEKIEL 43

The temple or house of God being measured, the worship of God in it is pointed out and observed in this and the following chapter; and which, though evangelical, is expressed in the language of the Old Testament. An account is given of the glory of the Lord returning to the house, and the way he did, and his taking possession of it, which the prophet was favoured with a view of, Eze 43:1-5, a promise is made of his continuance there, provided his people behaved as they should, Eze 43:6-9, an order is given to the prophet, to show them the form and fashion, the laws, orders, and ordinances of the house to them, to be observed by them, Eze 43:10-12, then follows the measuring of the altar of burnt offerings; which, though measured before in chapter forty, the dimensions are here given, Eze 43:13-17, and the chapter is concluded with directions about the consecration of it, Eze 43:18-27.

Cross References 5

  • 1. [Ezekiel 40:47; Ezekiel 47:1]; See Exodus 27:1-8
  • 2. Ezekiel 40:5; [Ezekiel 41:8]
  • 3. See Exodus 27:2
  • 4. [Ezekiel 40:47; Exodus 27:1]
  • 5. [Exodus 20:26]

Footnotes 3

  • [a]. A cubit was about 18 inches or 45 centimeters; a handbreadth was about 3 inches or 7.5 centimeters
  • [b]. Or its gutter shall be one cubit deep
  • [c]. A span was about 9 inches or 22 centimeters
The English Standard Version is published with the permission of Good News Publishers.