THEOSISJerome of Stridon
**The dimensions of the altar are detailed with precision, following the exact cubit, which is defined as a cubit plus an inch; at its base, it measures one cubit in height and breadth, with a surrounding enclosure reaching one inch. The altar deepens accordingly. From the ground base to the final ledge, the height is two cubits, and the width is one cubit; from the lesser ledge to the greater ledge, the height extends four cubits, with a width of one cubit. The altar itself stands four cubits tall, with four horns rising from it. The altar measures twelve cubits in both length and width, forming a square with equal sides. It features a ledge fourteen cubits long and wide at each corner, adorned with a crown half a cubit in height, and its base measures one cubit all around.
Read more (610 words)
The steps of the altar face eastward.**
**As it is written, ‘Who shall search the depths and wisdom’ (Sir. 1:3)? And, ‘O the depth of the wisdom and understanding of God’ (Rom. 11:33)! The profound nature of such wisdom is unfathomable. A significant effort is necessary to align Solomon's temple, alongside its components and the tabernacle, with this temple, which is a formidable task. However, we can partially compare the altar revealed to Ezekiel with the altar mentioned in Exodus (Ex. 38). There, an altar measuring five cubits in length and breadth, forming a quadrangle and standing three cubits high, is described. Here, however, moving beyond the five senses leads to a singular unit, with the full cubit, along with an inch—essentially one-sixth of a cubit—being acknowledged. The altar’s base has a height of one cubit, with a corresponding breadth, culminating together in a unit. The surrounding enclosure up to the mouth, termed by various translations, is presented with ambiguity in meaning. However, it emphasizes that around the altar, there is a sloping mouth—akin to a beautiful crown—extending one inch in width. The depth from the base to the last ledge, or greater purification chamber, is two cubits with a breadth of one cubit. Both the lower, deeply connected to the earth, and the upper, reaching toward the ledge, have different implications, symbolizing the purgation of unclean entities.**
**In further detail, from the smaller purifying ledge to the larger one, the height is four cubits, with one cubit in breadth. This, interpreted through several translations, refers to the rock-hewn stone—a symbol of Christ diminishing Himself in servanthood (Eph. 2:7)—and the greater cleansing leading to His exaltation (John 17:5). These stages of purification relate to our understanding of Christ's humility preceding His divine elevation, reflecting the sacramental significance of the one altar. The measurements signify both the four elements and the mystery of unity. In examining these cubits, the first remains singular, with subsequent measures developing toward the ultimate summation of one cubit, illustrating the holistic nature of the altar.**
**The “ariel” stands at four cubits, with horns extending upward, described in the LXX as reaching one cubit from the ariel to the horns. This term, often associated with God's light, aptly characterizes the altar as a source of divine enlightenment or strength. Furthermore, the twelve cubits of the altar link to the twelve tribes of Israel depicted in Revelation (Rev. 7) and the collective numbers associated with the apostles, establishing a foundation for the universal Church. The ledge, termed similarly in varied translations, is fourteen cubits on each side, complementing the narrative of Christ coming through fourteen generations—from Abraham to David, to the exile—and ultimately through the mystery of the divine number to redeem the world. As written, ‘Many shall come from east and west, and from north and south, and shall recline in the kingdom of God’ (Matt. 8:11).**
**Moreover, the surrounding crown or fence—also identified as purgatory—is half a cubit, indicating that both the righteous and the unrighteous are saved through Christ, as exemplified in Paul’s teaching of reconciliation through the blood of His Son (Rom. 5:10). Those with half a cubit signify those sinners saved by divine mercy, while the righteous achieve perfection, evidenced by the divine nature. The steps of the altar symbolize either the twenty-four elders, as depicted in John’s vision (Rev. 5), or encapsulate the sacramental essence of the Holy Trinity, portraying the journey toward true reconciliation. Ultimately, the vagueness of the steps serves to remind us that, regardless of our aspirations, we remain in need of divine grace as expressed in the Psalmist's declaration, ‘They shall go from strength to strength’ (Ps. 83:8).**