The text emphasizes that the "cubit" used for measuring this monumental altar is specifically defined as "a cubit and a handbreadth." This subtle detail points to a divinely appointed, sacred measurement, distinguishing it from ordinary measures and hinting at the holiness and divine proportion of the altar itself. It’s not just an altar; it’s God’s prescribed altar, measured by His own standard.
“These are the measurements of the altar by cubits (the cubit being a cubit and a handbreadth): its base shall be one cubit high and one cubit broad, with a rim of one span around its edge. And this shall be the height of the altar:
English Standard Version (ESV)
Following the detailed description of the visionary temple's layout, the text now shifts to the burnt offering altar, focusing on its precise measurements for consecration. This section lays the groundwork for understanding the prescribed ritual to be performed on this altar, emphasizing its significance within the new divine order. The detailed dimensions, including the base, breadth, and border, reveal the altar's foundational structure before its consecration is described.
Ever notice how God's instructions are incredibly specific? In Ezekiel's vision, even the measurements of the altar carry profound meaning.
The text begins by defining the standard of measurement: 'a cubit and a handbreadth.' This wasn't just any random length.
A Standard for Holiness
This specific cubit was longer than the common Babylonian cubit, suggesting a standard set apart for God's purposes. It signifies that everything related to God's dwelling and worship is measured by a divine, holy standard, not the ordinary one.
Building for God's Presence
The detailed measurements that follow describe the altar's base and layers. This meticulousness points to the importance of order and structure in approaching a holy God. It's a reminder that our worship and service should be built upon His established ways.
The altar isn't just a simple block; its layered design speaks volumes about access to God.
Ezekiel details the altar's 'bottom' (or base) and its 'border.' This wasn't merely structural; it had functional and symbolic significance.
A Solid Foundation
The 'bottom' or 'base' is described as being a cubit high and a cubit broad. This solid foundation signifies stability and strength, the essential support for the entire structure of worship and sacrifice.
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Safety and Accessibility
The 'border' or 'rim' is like a safeguard, preventing priests or others from slipping while ministering. It also implies layers or levels of approach. Some interpreters suggest these ledges were practical platforms for priests to perform their duties. This speaks to how God, in His wisdom, provides for both the holiness of His presence and the practical needs of His servants ministering within it.
Why is the altar called the 'higher place'? It points to where true access and elevation are found.
The verse concludes by stating, 'And this shall be the higher place of the altar.' This phrase is key to understanding the altar's ultimate purpose.
Elevation Through Sacrifice
While physically part of the altar's base structure, being the 'higher place' signifies its supreme importance. It's the focal point, the place where atonement is made and where God's presence is met. It represents the elevated status and divine connection that sacrifice provides.
Christ, Our Altar
In the New Testament, this 'higher place' finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ. He is our altar, our sacrifice, and the very means by which we are brought into God's presence and elevated from sin. The physical altar in Ezekiel's vision foreshadows the spiritual reality that through Christ, we find our true elevation and access to God.
Understand the original words
mizbeach · Hebrew Noun
A structure used for sacrificial offerings; it serves as the focal point for atonement and reconciliation between God and humanity.
Ezekiel's detailed measurements for the altar and Temple were given during the exile, long before their physical rebuilding, emphasizing God's future faithfulness and the ideal nature of His restored presence.
c. 597 BC
First Babylonian Deportation
King Jehoiachin and many prominent citizens, including the prophet Ezekiel, are exiled to Babylon by Nebuchadnezzar II.
c. 586 BC
Destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple
Nebuchadnezzar destroys Jerusalem and the First Temple, ending the Davidic monarchy and scattering many of the remaining population.
c. 573 BC— this verse
Ezekiel's Vision of the New Temple
While in exile, Ezekiel receives a detailed vision of a future, re-established Temple in Jerusalem, including its measurements and divine presence.
c. 538 BC
Edict of Cyrus
Cyrus the Great allows the Jewish exiles to return to Jerusalem and begin rebuilding the Temple.
c. 516 BC
Completion of the Second Temple
The Second Temple is completed, though it is a much simpler structure than the one Solomon built and lacks the visible glory of God described in Ezekiel's vision.
This passage describes the dimensions of the bronze altar in the Tabernacle, providing a historical comparison to Ezekiel's vision of a future altar.
2 Chronicles 4:1This text details the construction of a larger bronze altar in Solomon's Temple, offering another point of comparison for the altar's measurements in Ezekiel's vision.
Leviticus 1:10-13These verses describe the proper method of sacrifice on the burnt offering altar, illustrating the function that the detailed dimensions in Ezekiel's vision would have served.
Hebrews 10:14This New Testament passage speaks of Christ's one perfect sacrifice, which fulfills and supersedes the need for the physical altars and their elaborate rituals described in the Old Testament, including Ezekiel's vision.
clarkeEzekiel 43:13: "And these are the measures of the altar after the cubits: The cubit is a cubit and an hand breadth; even the bottom shall be a cubit, and the breadth a cubit, and the border thereof by the edge thereof round about shall be a span: and this shall be the higher place of the altar."
The cubit is a cubit and a hand breadth - It is the same cubit by which all the previous admeasurements were made, and was a hand breadth or four inches longer than the Babylonian cubit.
pulpitEzekiel 43:13: "And these are the measures of the altar after the cubits: The cubit is a cubit and an hand breadth; even the bottom shall be a cubit, and the breadth a cubit, and the border thereof by the edge thereof round about shall be a span: and this shall be the higher place of the altar."
Verses 13-27. - The temple-altar described (vers. 13-17), and the ritual for its consecration explained (vers. 18-27). Verse 13. - The measures of the altar. The altar is הַמִּזְבֵּחַ, that formerly men…
The text emphasizes that the "cubit" used for measuring this monumental altar is specifically defined as "a cubit and a handbreadth." This subtle detail points to a divinely appointed, sacred measurement, distinguishing it from ordinary measures and hinting at the holiness and divine proportion of the altar itself. It’s not just an altar; it’s God’s prescribed altar, measured by His own standard.
Following the detailed description of the visionary temple's layout, the text now shifts to the burnt offering altar, focusing on its precise measurements for consecration. This section lays the groundwork for understanding the prescribed ritual to be performed on this altar, emphasizing its significance within the new divine order. The detailed dimensions, including the base, breadth, and border, reveal the altar's foundational structure before its consecration is described.
Following the detailed description of the visionary temple's layout, the text now shifts to the burnt offering altar, focusing on its precise measurements for consecration. This section lays the groundwork for understanding the prescribed ritual to be performed on this altar, emphasizing its significance within the new divine order. The detailed dimensions, including the base, breadth, and border, reveal the altar's foundational structure before its consecration is described.
"“These are the measurements of the altar by cubits (the cubit being a cubit and a handbreadth): its base shall be one cubit high and one cubit broad, with a rim of one span around its edge. And this shall be the height of the altar:" — The text emphasizes that the "cubit" used for measuring this monumental altar is specifically defined as "a cubit and a handbreadth." This subtle detail points to a divinely appointed, sacred measure…
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Last reviewed October 2026
