Breakdown of Ezekiel 43:13-15

"“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: from t…" — The verse begins by clarifying that the "cubit" used for measurement is longer than a standard cubit, emphasizing a more sacred or divinely intended proportion. This isn't just about size, but about…

Ezekiel 43:13-15 Meaning Explained

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Ezekiel 43:13-15

“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: 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; and the altar hearth, four cubits; and from the altar hearth projecting upward, four horns.

English Standard Version (ESV)

The verse begins by clarifying that the "cubit" used for measurement is longer than a standard cubit, emphasizing a more sacred or divinely intended proportion. This isn't just about size, but about the holy significance of every detail in God's dwelling place.

What Ezekiel 43:13-15 means

Following a detailed vision of the new temple, Ezekiel is now shown the specifications for the altar of burnt offering within its inner court. This section meticulously outlines the altar's dimensions, starting from its base and moving upward, preparing for the subsequent instructions on its consecration and use. The text emphasizes that these measurements are precise and foundational for the holy space.

A Specific, Sacred Cubit

The Bible often gives precise measurements for sacred objects. Why is this one so important?

This verse starts by defining the 'cubit' being used for the altar. It's not just any measurement; it's a 'cubit and a handbreadth.' This specific length was consistently used throughout the description of the new temple, emphasizing that this wasn't a casual construction. It points to a divinely ordered design, where every detail matters. The altar's dimensions are given with intentionality, mirroring the seriousness of its function: connecting God and humanity.

Think of it like this: when God gives instructions, He's not vague. He's precise because His ways are perfect and His plans are for our good. The exact measurements here underscore the sanctity and divine authority behind this structure.

The Altar's Base: Foundation for Approach

What was the purpose of the altar's 'base' and 'border'?

The description of the altar's 'bottom' (or base) and its 'border' highlights its foundational role. This wasn't just a simple block; it had distinct parts. The base, a cubit high and a cubit broad, provided a solid foundation, and the border added a protective rim.

These features weren't just structural; they speak to the nature of approaching God. The altar was where sins were atoned for, and the careful construction reminds us that our access to God is not haphazard. It's made possible through a divinely appointed means – a sacrifice that establishes a secure and orderly way to draw near.

The 'higher place' mentioned refers to this substantial base that elevated the entire structure, signifying that the means of approach to God is elevated and sacred.

Understand the original words

Original language

altarמִזְבֵּחַ

mizbeach · Hebrew Noun

A structure used for sacrificial offerings; it serves as the focal point for atonement and reconciliation between God and humanity.

altar hearthהַרְאֵל

har'el · Hebrew Noun

The top section of the altar where sacrifices were consumed by fire, representing the place of divine consumption and acceptance of the offering.

hornsקֶרֶן

qeren · Hebrew Noun

Projections at the four corners of the altar; they symbolize the power of the sacrifice and are points of refuge or places where blood is applied for atonement.

Historical context

Written: Likely between 593 and 571 BC, during the Babylonian exile.
Author: Traditionally understood as the prophet Ezekiel, a priest exiled to Babylon.
Location: Written from Babylonian exile, describing visions of a future temple in Jerusalem.
Genre: Prophecy with apocalyptic elements, featuring detailed symbolic visions and measurements.

Historical background

Ezekiel's detailed measurements for a future altar and temple were given during the Babylonian exile, a time when Jerusalem lay in ruins. This vision provided a blueprint for hope and a renewed sense of divine presence, emphasizing God's enduring faithfulness despite the devastation.

c. 597 BC
First Deportation to Babylon
King Jehoiachin and many prominent citizens, including the prophet Ezekiel, are exiled to Babylon following a Babylonian victory over Judah. This event marks the beginning of the Judahite exile.
c. 586 BC
Fall of Jerusalem and Destruction of the Temple
The Babylonians, under Nebuchadnezzar II, conquer Jerusalem, destroy Solomon's Temple, and deport more of the population. This catastrophic event deeply impacts the Jewish identity and faith.
c. 571 BC— this verse
Ezekiel's Final Visions
Ezekiel delivers his final recorded prophecies, including the detailed vision of a new temple, altar, and city, as recorded in chapters 40-48. This vision offers hope for future restoration.
c. 538 BC
Cyrus's Edict and Return from Exile
The Persian king Cyrus the Great allows the Jewish exiles to return to Jerusalem and rebuild their Temple. This marks the end of the Babylonian exile.

Key themes

01Sacred space dimensions
02Altar's foundational structure
03Precise divine measurements
04Temple's re-consecration

Cross-references

Exodus 27:1

This passage describes the dimensions of the bronze altar in the Tabernacle, providing a comparison point to Ezekiel's vision of a future altar and highlighting how its measurements might be symbolic and different from previous divine structures.

Leviticus 1:10-11

This passage details the requirements for presenting a burnt offering, emphasizing the blood and the nature of the sacrifice, which would have been presented on an altar like the one described in Ezekiel, connecting the ritual to the physical structure.

Hebrews 10:4

This New Testament passage explains the theological inadequacy of animal sacrifices to truly atone for sin, directly contrasting with the physical altar and sacrifices described in the Old Testament, including Ezekiel's vision, pointing towards Christ as the ultimate sacrifice.

2 Chronicles 4:1

This describes the great bronze altar made for Solomon's Temple, offering another point of comparison for the altar's dimensions and materials, and underscoring the importance of the altar in temple worship throughout Israel's history.

Scholarly commentary

Ezekiel 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.
clarke

Ezekiel 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…
pulpit

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What Ezekiel 43:13-15 means

Original language

altarמִזְבֵּחַ

mizbeach · Hebrew Noun

A structure used for sacrificial offerings; it serves as the focal point for atonement and reconciliation between God and humanity.

altar hearthהַרְאֵל

har'el · Hebrew Noun

The top section of the altar where sacrifices were consumed by fire, representing the place of divine consumption and acceptance of the offering.

hornsקֶרֶן

qeren · Hebrew Noun

Projections at the four corners of the altar; they symbolize the power of the sacrifice and are points of refuge or places where blood is applied for atonement.

Historical context

Written: Likely between 593 and 571 BC, during the Babylonian exile.
Author: Traditionally understood as the prophet Ezekiel, a priest exiled to Babylon.
Location: Written from Babylonian exile, describing visions of a future temple in Jerusalem.
Genre: Prophecy with apocalyptic elements, featuring detailed symbolic visions and measurements.

Historical background

c. 597 BC

First Deportation to Babylon

King Jehoiachin and many prominent citizens, including the prophet Ezekiel, are exiled to Babylon following a Babylonian victory over Judah. This event marks the beginning of the Judahite exile.

c. 586 BC

Fall of Jerusalem and Destruction of the Temple

The Babylonians, under Nebuchadnezzar II, conquer Jerusalem, destroy Solomon's Temple, and deport more of the population. This catastrophic event deeply impacts the Jewish identity and faith.

c. 571 BC— this verse

Ezekiel's Final Visions

Ezekiel delivers his final recorded prophecies, including the detailed vision of a new temple, altar, and city, as recorded in chapters 40-48. This vision offers hope for future restoration.

c. 538 BC

Cyrus's Edict and Return from Exile

The Persian king Cyrus the Great allows the Jewish exiles to return to Jerusalem and rebuild their Temple. This marks the end of the Babylonian exile.