THEOSISJerome of Stridon
The dimensions of the altar are outlined here according to a precise cubit, which is measured as a cubit plus an inch. The base measured one cubit in height and one cubit in width, surrounded by a one-inch enclosure at its top edge. This description illustrates the profound depth of the altar. From the base to the highest ledge, the measurement is two cubits, while the width remains one cubit. The space between the smaller and larger ledges is four cubits, again maintaining a width of one cubit. The altar itself rises four cubits high, and from its top, four horns extend upward. The altar's surface is a square, measuring twelve cubits long and twelve cubits wide.
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Additionally, there is a ledge measuring fourteen cubits on each side, with a half-cubit crown around it and a base of one cubit surrounding the entire structure. These steps are oriented toward the east.
It is recorded, "Who shall trace the depths of wisdom?" (Sir. 1:3) and "O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God!" (Rom. 11:33). Indeed, these depths are vast, and it requires much effort to compare the temple of Solomon and all its elements with this temple. As such a comparison is complex, we will partially compare the altar described to Ezekiel with the altar mentioned in Exodus (Ex. 38). The altar in Exodus is described as five cubits in both length and width, making it a square, and three cubits in height. However, here it diverges from those five cubits towards a singular unit, which is the full cubit plus an inch, with the inch representing the sixth part of a cubit.
At its base—the area designated for offerings—there stands a cubit in height and an additional cubit in width, making the inner space of the altar and its breadth conclude at a total of one cubit. The enclosure leading up to the altar's mouth is described differently in various translations, yet I previously noted that I could not definitively define the term "gisus." I have earlier associated "crown" with what is now referred to as "fence." This description indicates that surrounding the altar was a sloping mouth, akin to a lily crown, which greatly enhanced its beauty.
The depth of the altar, referring to both its depth and height, extends from its base to the upper ledge or to the larger purification area, which measures two cubits in height and one cubit in width. The lower section, associated with the earth, is numerically dual, linked with unclean animals (Gen. 7), while the segment leading to the ledge, known by the Hebrew term azara, measures one cubit wide. This signifies a transition from the duality of earthly matters to the singularity of divine union, paralleling the ascent from matrimonial blessings to eternal union.
The space between the smaller and larger ledges measures four cubits, with each cubit reflecting the foundational elements of the world and culminating in a single cubit. Notably, the first cubit measured in width stands alone in its perfection, while the second cubit rises towards the highest limits, leading to a third cubit associated with the four elements converging on the unity of one cubit—emphasizing that each measure of the altar is referred to as one, not classified as first, second, or third.
The ariel of the altar reaches four cubits, with four horns extending from it. According to many interpretations, the term "ariel" signifies the light of God, as elaborately discussed in the commentary on Isaiah. It is stated, "Woe to you, city of Ariel" (Is. 29), which is interpreted to mean the lion of God. This term appropriately describes the altar, signifying the presence of either God's enlightenment or His strength, similar to Jacob's description of Judah, "The lion's whelp" (Gen. 49:9).
The ariel measures twelve cubits in both length and width, maintaining a square shape. This is commonly understood as a reference to the twelve tribes noted in the Revelation of John (Rev. 7) and to the apostles, linking them to profound spiritual significance. By intertwining twelve cubits with the four corners of the earth, the total reaches forty-eight cubits for the priestly cities, upon which the Church’s power is established globally.
The ledge, translated variously, measures fourteen cubits long and fourteen cubits wide at the corners, with a crown around it of half a cubit. The base measures one cubit, which symbolizes Christ’s journey through fourteen generations from Abraham to David, then another fourteen generations to the exile in Babylon. This mysterious numerical sequence signifies the divine effort to reconcile the four corners of the world, affirming, "Many will come from the east and west and recline at table with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven" (Matt. 8:11).
Moreover, the crown surrounding the purification area measures half a cubit, coupled with the base—a symbolic gesture to represent that both sinners and the righteous find salvation through Christ’s purgation. As Paul explains, we are reconciled to God by the blood of His Son (Rom. 5:10). Sinners are visualized as having the measure of half a cubit around them, yet they receive mercy from the Creator, as stated in the Psalm, "You will save the humble" (Psalm 53:8). The righteous, by contrast, achieve salvation through the completion of divine unity, exemplified when "God was in Christ, reconciling the world to Himself" (2 Cor. 5:19).
In conclusion, the step structure of the altar, oriented to the east, embodies either the twenty-four elders described in the Old Testament or represents the sacrament of the Holy Trinity, in whom true reconciliation is found. This signifies that although the total number of steps remains unspecified, we may continually strive for ascent, remembering the words of the Psalmist, "They go from strength to strength" (Psalms 83:8).