Ezekiel 43:15

So the altar [shall be] four cubits; and from the altar and upward [shall be] four horns.

So the altar {H741}{H2025} shall be four {H702} cubits {H520}; and from the altar {H741} and upward {H4605} shall be four {H702} horns {H7161}.

The hearth measures seven feet [high], with four horns on top of the hearth.

The altar hearth shall be four cubits high, and four horns shall project upward from the hearth.

And the upper altar shall be four cubits; and from the altar hearth and upward there shall be four horns.

Commentary

Ezekiel 43:15 KJV describes a specific feature of the visionary temple's altar, detailing its dimensions and the presence of "four horns." This verse is part of Ezekiel's extensive prophetic vision of a new temple, which symbolizes a future ideal state of worship and God's renewed presence among His people.

Context of Ezekiel 43:15

This verse is found within chapters 40-48 of Ezekiel, which provide a highly detailed and elaborate vision of a future temple. This "Ezekiel's Temple" is often interpreted as a blueprint for a literal temple in the millennial kingdom, or as a symbolic representation of God's perfect dwelling among His people and the ideal worship of the future. The prophet Ezekiel, exiled in Babylon, received these visions to offer hope and a glimpse of God's ultimate restoration. The meticulous measurements, including those of the altar, emphasize divine order and the sanctity of God's presence.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Precision and Holiness: The precise measurement of "four cubits" for the altar reinforces the idea that God's plans are exact and that worship must be conducted with reverence and according to divine standards. This attention to detail underscores the holiness of the sacred space.
  • Symbolism of the Altar: The altar is the central place of sacrifice and atonement. Its presence in the visionary temple highlights the ongoing need for reconciliation with God, even in a perfected future state, or points to the enduring significance of sacrifice.
  • The Four Horns: The "four horns" on the altar were a common feature of altars in ancient Israel, as seen in the Tabernacle's altar of burnt offering. These horns symbolized strength, power, and protection. In practice, the blood of sacrifices was applied to them, and they were also places of refuge for those seeking asylum (e.g., Adonijah grasping the horns of the altar). Their inclusion in Ezekiel's vision signifies the altar's enduring efficacy and sacred power.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "altar" is mizbeakh (ืžึดื–ึฐื‘ึผึตื—ึท), derived from a root meaning "to slaughter" or "to sacrifice," clearly indicating its primary function. The word for "horns" is qeren (ืงึถืจึถืŸ), which literally means "horn" but metaphorically conveys strength, power, and dignity. The presence of these horns on the altar underscores its symbolic authority and the protective, atoning power associated with the sacrifices offered upon it.

Practical Application and Reflection

While Ezekiel's temple vision is complex and subject to various interpretations, the principles conveyed through the altar remain relevant. The meticulous design speaks to God's desire for pure and holy worship. For Christians, the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross fulfills and transcends all Old Testament sacrifices, providing a once-for-all atonement. Therefore, our worship today is not centered on a physical altar and animal sacrifices, but on the spiritual reality of Christ's finished work. This verse reminds us that worship should always be intentional, reverent, and aligned with God's perfect will, acknowledging His holiness and the power of His redemptive plan.

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated โ€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Exodus 27:2

    And thou shalt make the horns of it upon the four corners thereof: his horns shall be of the same: and thou shalt overlay it with brass.

  • Leviticus 9:9

    And the sons of Aaron brought the blood unto him: and he dipped his finger in the blood, and put [it] upon the horns of the altar, and poured out the blood at the bottom of the altar:

  • Psalms 118:27

    God [is] the LORD, which hath shewed us light: bind the sacrifice with cords, [even] unto the horns of the altar.

  • Isaiah 29:1

    ยถ Woe to Ariel, to Ariel, the city [where] David dwelt! add ye year to year; let them kill sacrifices.

  • Isaiah 29:2

    Yet I will distress Ariel, and there shall be heaviness and sorrow: and it shall be unto me as Ariel.

  • 1 Kings 2:28

    Then tidings came to Joab: for Joab had turned after Adonijah, though he turned not after Absalom. And Joab fled unto the tabernacle of the LORD, and caught hold on the horns of the altar.

  • Isaiah 29:7

    And the multitude of all the nations that fight against Ariel, even all that fight against her and her munition, and that distress her, shall be as a dream of a night vision.
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