Ezekiel 43:15Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

At each corner, there is a ledge that is fourteen cubits long and wide, encircled by a crown that is half a cubit high, and a base that surrounds it, also one cubit high. Its steps face eastward.

It is indeed written, "Who shall search the depths of wisdom?" (Sir. 1:3) and "O the depth of the wisdom and knowledge of God!" (Rom. 11:33). The vastness of God’s wisdom is incomprehensible. It would require considerable effort to compare this altar with Solomon’s temple and the tabernacle. Thus, instead, we will partially compare the altar revealed to Ezekiel with the one described in Exodus (Ex. 38), which details an altar measuring five cubits in length, five in breadth, and three in height. In contrast, this altar points beyond the five senses to a singular unit, symbolized by a more precise cubit that includes an additional inch, or παλαιστη', which represents one-sixth of a cubit. The base of this altar, where the offerings are consumed by fire, is one cubit in height and width, indicating that its inner part and width culminate at a single cubit.

Next, concerning the enclosure, which Aquila, Symmachus, and Theodotion refer to differently, the LXX translates it as "gisum." I am unable to precisely identify the meaning of this term or to which language it belongs; however, I've previously used "crown" in this context. This indicates that surrounding the altar were sloping edges that resembled a lily crown, enhancing its visual beauty. This enclosure extended around it at a width of one inch. The depth of the altar, or the combination of its height and depth, corresponds to the Hebrew term "gab," from the base of the altar on the ground to the top ledge or larger purification chamber, measuring two cubits tall and one cubit wide. The lower aspect, closely tied to the earth, relates to the concept of uncleanness (Gen. 7), while the upper section, reaching toward the ledge, is designed for purification and measures one cubit wide, transitioning from a dual state to a singular one. The lower aspect symbolizes the good of earthly unions reaching the joy of divine unity.

The passage continues with the description from the smaller ledge to the larger ledge, which spans four cubits in height and one in width. The Septuagint describes this as moving from the smaller to the larger purification place, both of which Theodotion translates to “azara.” This implies that the smaller purifying space is akin to the unhewn stone, while the larger one represents the stone that grew into a great mountain filling the earth (Dan. 2). Or viewed differently, the lesser purgation relates to Christ humbling Himself, taking the form of a servant (Eph. 2:7), while the larger corresponds to His receiving the glory He shared with the Father before creation (John 17:5). Understanding the humility of Christ allows us to grasp the height of His divinity; yet, both the lesser and the greater aspects of purification pertain to the sacrament of the singular altar.

Between the two purification spaces, the smaller and the larger, the span of four cubits signifies the four elements of creation, which also culminate in the singular cubit’s mystery. It is noteworthy, when assessing the altar, that the first cubit in width stands alone without being joined to another, representing complete unity. The second cubit, following the initial two, elevates to greater extents, while the third cubit, following the smaller and larger purging, merges through the four elements into the mystery of the singular cubit. The altar presents the measure of three distinct cubits—not as first, second, and third but as one, and one, and one.

The ariel itself is specified at four cubits, with four horns extending from it upward, or one cubit from the ariel to the top of the horns, as the LXX narrates. Ariel denotes the light of God, as discussed in the commentary on Isaiah, where it states, "woe to you, O city of Ariel" (Is. 29), indicating a city that was previously amongst God’s covenant. This name accurately describes the altar, likened to the illumination of God or the lion's strength, as depicted by Jacob in speaking of Judah, "The lion's cub; for a prey, my son, you have risen" (Gen. 49:9). With its four cubits and horns, the symbolism of God’s enlightenment and the lion’s power is exemplified, reflecting the gospel's reach and the acknowledgement of God across the earth.

To clarify further, an ariel measures twelve cubits long and wide, forming a quadrilateral. This correlates to the twelve tribes outlined in the Revelation of John (Rev. 7) and corresponds to the number of apostles, which carries significant meaning as noted earlier. Additionally, twelve cubits multiplied by the four corners of the world yields forty-eight cubits, establishing a foundation of priestly cities throughout the globe that underpin the Church's authority.

Moving on, the ledge, translated by the LXX as “purgatory,” by Theodotion as "azara," and by Symmachus as “σπεριδομη'ν” (circumference), measures fourteen cubits in both length and width at its four corners. The crown surrounding it, half a cubit high, again interpreted as “gisum” by the LXX, complements a foundational height of one cubit. This intimately conveys that our Lord, known as the cleanser not only for our sins but for the entire world, came through a lineage corresponding to fourteen generations from Abraham to David, followed by another fourteen generations to the exile of Jechoniah. This same significant number symbolizes His descent to earth, whereby in the third sequence and within the divine mystery, He is tasked with redeeming the four corners of the world, as is written: "Many will come from the east and west and will recline at table with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven" (Matt. 8:11).

The subsequent declaration of the crown or enclosure around the purgatory being half a cubit and its foundational measure being one cubit signifies that both sinners and the righteous find salvation through the Lord's purification. As Paul articulates, we are reconciled to God through the blood of His Son (Rom. 5:10). The mention of sinners at a half-cubit mark highlights their salvation through divine mercy, as noted in the Psalm: "You save those who are nothing" (Psalm 53:8). Conversely, the righteous are portrayed as being saved through a complete and perfect measure, reflecting the unity of the Godhead, as the apostle remarks: "God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself" (2 Cor. 5:19).

Concerning the final testimony regarding the steps directed toward the east, these steps symbolize either the twenty-four elders in the Old Testament, who with psalteries are depicted in the Revelation (Rev. 5), or the sacrament of the Holy Trinity, through which true reconciliation is granted to us. It is significant that the number of steps remains undefined, inviting a sense of humility as we ascend, continually reminded by the Psalmist's words, "They go from strength to strength" (Psalms 83:8).