THEOSISJerome of Stridon
These verses describe the specifications of the altar following the precise cubit, which was measured as a cubit and an inch. The base of the altar was one cubit in height and one cubit in width, with an enclosure around its mouth measuring one inch. This indicates the depth of the altar. From the ground base to the top ledge, the height was two cubits and the width one cubit; from the smaller to the larger ledge, it measured four cubits in height and one cubit in width. The altar itself stands four cubits tall, with four horns emerging from its top, while the altar is a perfect square, being twelve cubits long and twelve cubits wide. There is a ledge measuring fourteen cubits on each side, featuring a decorative crown half a cubit high, with a base of one cubit all around.
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Its steps face towards the east.
It is also mentioned, “Who shall search the depths and wisdom?” and “O the depth of the wisdom and understanding of God!” The intricacies of this altar point to a greater challenge in comparing it to Solomon's temple or the tabernacle. To gain insight, we can draw comparisons between the altar presented to Ezekiel and the one outlined in Exodus. The altar from Exodus measures five cubits in length and breadth, and three cubits in height. In contrast, this altar transcends the basic measurements to incorporate a full cubit with an additional inch, denoting a heightened significance.
The base of the altar encompassed what was offered to the fire, constituting a cubit in height and another in width, making it clear that the inner section concluded in a cubit. The enclosure leading to its mouth has variations in translation, but signifies a beautiful presentation reminiscent of a crown. The altar's depth, spanning from the grounding base to the top ledge, distinctly carries the dual nature of reality, connecting to both the humble and the divine.
From the smaller ledge to the larger ledge, which signifies the journey from lesser purification to greater purification, spans four cubits—representative of the elements of creation, leading to the sacred understanding of unity within the dual nature of Christ. The measurements themselves reveal a perfect unity, with each cubit linked to the entirety of the divine mystery.
The altar extends up to four horns, signifying both strength and divine illumination. Here, the significance of the number twelve arises, corresponding to the twelve tribes of Israel and underscoring a foundational element of the Church, further detailed in the Book of Revelation. Each cubit and its relation to the world enhance the understanding of Christ’s earthly lineage and His redemptive work, seen through the lineage from Abraham to David, illustrating the profound connection between the divine and humanity.
The crown encircling the altar denotes salvation through Christ who reconciles sinners and the righteous alike. The half a cubit indicated for sinners reflects the vast mercy of God, and the perfect number associated with the righteous aligns them with the divine nature.
Thus, the steps of the altar, figuratively leading towards the east, invite believers into a continual ascent towards spiritual maturity, drawing parallels to the twenty-four elders in Revelation who exemplify worship and true reconciliation in God. The indefinite nature of the steps symbolizes our ongoing spiritual journey, reminding us that we continually strive toward holiness, inspired by the Psalmist's declaration: “They shall go from strength to strength.”