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Ezekiel 43:13

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¶ 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.

And these are the measures {H4060} of the altar {H4196} after the cubits {H520}: The cubit {H520} is a cubit {H520} and an hand breadth {H2948}; even the bottom {H2436} shall be a cubit {H520}, and the breadth {H7341} a cubit {H520}, and the border {H1366} thereof by the edge {H8193} thereof round about {H5439} shall be a {H259} span {H2239}: and this shall be the higher place {H1354} of the altar {H4196}.

These are the measurements of the altar in cubits (a cubit here is defined as a normal cubit [eighteen inches] plus a handbreadth [three inches]): the base, one cubit [twenty-one inches] deep and one cubit wide; with the molding surrounding it at its rim about a hand-span [nine inches] in width. The height of the altar is thus:

These are the measurements of the altar in long cubits (a cubit and a handbreadth): Its gutter shall be a cubit deep and a cubit wide, with a rim of one span around its edge. And this is the height of the altar:

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.

Commentary

Ezekiel 43:13 provides specific measurements for the altar within the visionary temple that the prophet Ezekiel sees. This detailed instruction underscores the divine precision and the profound holiness associated with worship and atonement in God's presence.

Context

Chapters 40-48 of Ezekiel contain a detailed, visionary blueprint for a new temple, seen by the prophet during his exile in Babylon. This vision follows the destruction of Solomon's temple and offers a profound message of hope and restoration for Israel. The altar, central to the temple's function, is described with meticulous detail, signifying its crucial role in worship and sacrifice. The measurements given in this verse are part of a larger divine instruction for the entire sanctuary, emphasizing the order and sanctity of God's dwelling place, as seen in the broader descriptions of the visionary temple in Ezekiel 40.

Key Themes

  • Divine Precision and Order: The exact dimensions provided for the altar highlight God's meticulous nature and the importance of order in divine matters. Every detail, down to the "cubit and an hand breadth," is divinely appointed, signifying a perfect design.
  • Holiness of Worship: The altar was the place of sacrifice and atonement, making it supremely holy. The precise measurements ensure that the altar meets God's exact standards for sacred space and pure worship. This echoes the holiness required for approaching God, as seen in the warnings given in Ezekiel 44:7 regarding defiling the sanctuary.
  • Future Hope and Restoration: This detailed vision, including the altar's specifications, provided a tangible hope for the exiled Israelites. It depicted a future era of restored worship and God's renewed presence among His people, a theme consistent with the broader promises of God's new covenant.

Linguistic Insights

The verse specifies unique units of measurement: "The cubit [is] a cubit and an hand breadth." The standard cubit (Hebrew: ammah) was typically about 18 inches (approx. 45 cm). However, the addition of a "hand breadth" (Hebrew: tephach, approx. 3 inches or 7.5 cm) indicates a longer, perhaps royal or sacred, cubit of roughly 21 inches (approx. 52.5 cm). This longer cubit is also mentioned in Ezekiel 40:5, suggesting a consistent, elevated standard for the entire temple complex. The "span" (Hebrew: zeret) is half a cubit, emphasizing the detailed nature of the divine blueprint.

Practical Application

While the altar in Ezekiel's vision describes a future temple, its meticulous description holds timeless truths for believers today. It reminds us that God is a God of order and expects reverence in our approach to Him. The emphasis on precise measurements for the altar, the place of sacrifice, foreshadows the perfect and complete sacrifice of Jesus Christ. Just as the physical altar needed to meet divine standards, our spiritual worship should be offered in spirit and truth, reflecting the holiness of God. This vision encourages us to consider the seriousness and sacredness of our relationship with God, recognizing His supreme authority and the perfection of Christ's sacrifice which makes true access to God possible.

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Cross-References

  • Exodus 27:1 (4 votes)

    ¶ And thou shalt make an altar [of] shittim wood, five cubits long, and five cubits broad; the altar shall be foursquare: and the height thereof [shall be] three cubits.

  • Exodus 27:8 (4 votes)

    Hollow with boards shalt thou make it: as it was shewed thee in the mount, so shall they make [it].

  • 2 Chronicles 4:1 (4 votes)

    ¶ Moreover he made an altar of brass, twenty cubits the length thereof, and twenty cubits the breadth thereof, and ten cubits the height thereof.

  • Ezekiel 40:5 (4 votes)

    ¶ And behold a wall on the outside of the house round about, and in the man's hand a measuring reed of six cubits [long] by the cubit and an hand breadth: so he measured the breadth of the building, one reed; and the height, one reed.

  • Ezekiel 41:8 (4 votes)

    I saw also the height of the house round about: the foundations of the side chambers [were] a full reed of six great cubits.