THEOSISJerome of Stridon
Verses 13-17 describe the specifications of the altar using the most precise cubit, which includes an additional inch. The base of the altar measured one cubit in height and breadth, surrounded by an enclosure extending an inch around its mouth. This delineation represents the depth of the altar. The distance from the base to the upper ledge is two cubits, with a breadth of one cubit; from the smaller ledge to the larger ledge measures four cubits, also with a breadth of one cubit. The height of the altar itself is four cubits, and from the altar, four horns extend upward. The altar measures twelve cubits in length and breadth, having equal sides, with a ledge measuring fourteen cubits long and wide at each corner.
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Around it, a crown encircles it by half a cubit, while the base measures one cubit all around. Its steps face east.
As stated in the Septuagint: “And behold the size of the altar is a full cubit, in cubits and an inch: the base in one cubit of height and breadth, and the enclosure around the mouth in one inch. The altar's height, from the ground to the higher purifying ledge, was two cubits tall and one cubit wide, and from the smaller to the larger purifying ledge, it measures four cubits with a breadth of one cubit. The altar itself is four cubits, with one cubit from the altar to the tops of the horns. The altar itself is twelve cubits long and twelve cubits broad at each corner, with the ledge fourteen cubits broad on all four sides and the enclosure around it half a cubit. The steps shall face east.”
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 depth is vast, and who can truly fathom it? Much effort would be needed to gauge the dimensions of Solomon’s temple and the entirety of its components compared to this temple. Since such a comparison is complex, we will briefly examine the altar shown to Ezekiel against the altar detailed in Exodus (Ex. 38). There, the altar measures five cubits in length and breadth—specifically quadrangular—and three cubits in height. Here, however, the measurements diverge from five senses and focus on unity, with the full or most precise cubit including an inch, which is one-sixth of a cubit.
At the base of this altar, where the offerings were consumed by fire, measures one cubit high and wide, indicating that the concealed, inner part of the altar concludes at one cubit in breadth. From there, the enclosure up to its mouth, which in other translations is represented differently and in the Septuagint is referred to as "gisum," signifies a barrier. The precise meaning of this term remains elusive; however, it has been previously translated as "crown" and now as "fence." Thus, it is notable that surrounding the altar, on its edges and perimeter, there is a gently sloping mouth, reminiscent of a crown akin to a lily, enhancing its beauty.
The altar's depth and height—from the base to the last ledge or larger purification chamber—are two cubits with a breadth of one cubit. The lower portion, connected with the earth, is denoted in the dual form, which connects to concepts of unclean creatures (Gen. 7), whereas the higher ledge or purification chamber, referred to by Theodotion with the Hebrew term "azara," measures one cubit wide, illustrating a transition from duality to singularity. The lower state of marriage reaches the bliss of unity. Regarding the next aspect, the distance from the smaller to the larger ledge is four cubits wide, with a breadth of one cubit. The Septuagint translates this as the transition from the smaller to the larger purification locations, explained as the smaller being carved from the rock without human hands, while the larger cleansing place symbolizes the stone that became a great mountain filling the earth (Dan. 2). In other terms, the lesser purifying place represents Christ's humility, taking the form of a servant (Eph. 2:7), while the greater signifies the glory restored to Him by the Father before the world's foundation (John 17:5).
This twofold purification—lesser and greater—relates to the sacrament of one altar. The four cubits measured between them symbolize the four elements of the world, which also reach the singular unity of one cubit. When measuring the altar, the initial cubit in breadth stands alone, maintaining its unity, while the following cubit increases in sequence, culminating in the highest dimensions. The subsequent cubit from the lesser to the greater purification transitions through the four elements to the mystery contained within the singular cubit, highlighting that the altar of the Lord refers to one, not a sequence of multiple cubits but rather to one unified measure.
The altar's specific height of four cubits features four horns rising upward—according to the Septuagint, from the altar to the top of these horns measures one cubit. The term "ariel" is thought by many to signify the light of God, as discussed in the commentary on Isaiah, where it states, “Woe unto you, O city of Ariel, which was conquered by David” (Is. 29). However, I view it as referencing the lion or strong one of God. This name accurately applies to the altar, embodying either divine illumination or the strength of the lion. As Jacob proclaimed regarding Judah, “The young lion Judah; for a prey, my son, you have risen; you lie down like a lion” (Gen. 49:9). The four cubits and horns signify the manifestation of the Gospels and the power radiating throughout the world, reaching one cubit affirming God's majesty.
As clarity increases, it follows that the ariel measures twelve cubits in both length and breadth, featuring quadrangular shapes with equal sides. There is no dispute that this relates to the twelve tribes established in the Apocalypse of John (Rev. 7) as well as the twelve apostles; their mystical significance has been previously discussed. Twelve cubits multiplied by the four corners of the globe yield forty-eight cubits representing the cities of the priests that act as foundational supports for the Church throughout the world.
The ledge, alternatively rendered in the Septuagint as purification and referred to by Theodotion as "azara," measures fourteen cubits long and fourteen wide at its corners. The crown encircling it measures half a cubit, as the Septuagint again terms it "gisum," while the base or completion aspect denotes by Symmachus is one cubit in size. This highlights that our Lord, rightfully identified as the Savior not solely for our sins but for the entire world, traversed fourteen generations from Abraham to David, followed by another fourteen to the exile of Jechoniah. This significant number reflects his divine plan to reach every corner of the globe, as is written: many will come from the east and west, north and south, to sit with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven (Matt. 8:11).
As it concludes, the surrounding crown or fence, signifying purification, measures half a cubit, while the foundational aspect signifies one cubit. This conveys that both sinners and the righteous attain salvation through the Lord's purifying grace, as Paul states: we are reconciled to God through the blood of His Son (Rom. 5:10). Sinners are noted for having the measure of half a cubit yet find salvation through the Creator's mercy, as mentioned in the Psalm, “You will save them from nothing” (Psalm 53:8). Righteous ones, conversely, are saved through singular and perfect measures likened to the one Godhead, as the same Apostle illustrates: “God was in Christ, reconciling the world to Himself” (2 Cor. 5:19).
Regarding the steps mentioned at the conclusion: they are directed towards the east. The steps signify either the twenty-four elders from the Old Testament who bore psalters as described in the Apocalypse of John (Rev. 5) or represents the sacrament of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, through which true reconciliation is provided. To elaborate, the number of steps remains unspecified, ensuring that as we aspire towards higher paths, we maintain a perception of our humble beginnings. It is wise to reflect on the Psalmist's words: “They will go from strength to strength” (Psalms 83:8).