Exodus 27:4Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

The setting is notably dark, and various interpreters perceive it in distinct ways. Dom Calmet, in his portrayal and illustration of the altar of burnt offerings, describes a brass net supported by rings affixed to the altar's horns, covering the entire area within the altar and sagging under its own weight to the midpoint of the altar (v. 5). He indicates that the fire was spread across this net, allowing ashes to fall through it. The English Commentary Bible suggests that there was a step beside the altar that reached halfway up its height, from which a net-like grate extended down to the ground.