And the settle shall be fourteen cubits long and fourteen broad in the four squares thereof; and the border about it shall be half a cubit; and the bottom thereof shall be a cubit about; and his stairs shall look toward the east.
And the settle shall be fourteen cubits long and fourteen broad in the four squares thereof. The 'azārâ (עֲזָרָה, "settle" or "ledge"), the platform below the altar hearth, measures fourteen cubits square—two cubits larger than the hearth above it (12 cubits square). This creates a protruding ledge all around the altar hearth, providing priests space to perform sacrificial duties. The increasing dimensions as one descends (14-cubit ledge, then presumably larger base) create a pyramidal or ziggurat-like structure, rising in stages toward heaven.
"And the border about it shall be half a cubit; and the bottom thereof shall be a cubit about." The gəbûl (גְּבוּל, "border" or "rim") of half a cubit (about 9 inches) surrounded the ledge, preventing priests from falling and channeling blood appropriately. The ḥêq (חֵיק, "bottom" or "gutter") of one cubit provided drainage for sacrificial blood and water used in cleansing. These practical details reveal God's care for both holiness (proper blood handling) and safety (protecting ministering priests).
"And his stairs shall look toward the east." The eastern orientation is theologically significant throughout Ezekiel's temple vision. God's glory departed eastward (10:18-19, 11:23) and returns from the east (43:1-5). The rising sun in the east symbolizes light, life, and divine presence. East-facing stairs meant priests ascended toward the rising sun while God's glory-cloud filled the temple from the east—visual proclamation that all access to God comes through His initiative, His provision, His presence. Christ, the "dayspring from on high" (Luke 1:78) and "Sun of righteousness" (Malachi 4:2), is the true eastern orientation—the Light by which we approach the Father.
Historical Context
Ancient Near Eastern temples typically faced east to greet the rising sun, often with pagan solar worship connotations. Israel's east-facing orientation, however, celebrated not sun-worship but the God who created the sun. The tabernacle and Solomon's temple both faced east (Exodus 27:13, 1 Kings 8:22, 2 Chronicles 4:10). The eastern gate's significance intensifies in Ezekiel's vision—shut because the Lord entered through it (44:1-2), reserved exclusively for divine use. Christ fulfills this as the gate/door through whom alone we enter salvation (John 10:7-9).
Questions for Reflection
How do the altar's protective borders and drainage system illustrate God's concern for both holiness and the welfare of those who serve Him?
What does the eastern orientation teach about approaching God on His terms and through His provision rather than human initiative?
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Analysis & Commentary
And the settle shall be fourteen cubits long and fourteen broad in the four squares thereof. The 'azārâ (עֲזָרָה, "settle" or "ledge"), the platform below the altar hearth, measures fourteen cubits square—two cubits larger than the hearth above it (12 cubits square). This creates a protruding ledge all around the altar hearth, providing priests space to perform sacrificial duties. The increasing dimensions as one descends (14-cubit ledge, then presumably larger base) create a pyramidal or ziggurat-like structure, rising in stages toward heaven.
"And the border about it shall be half a cubit; and the bottom thereof shall be a cubit about." The gəbûl (גְּבוּל, "border" or "rim") of half a cubit (about 9 inches) surrounded the ledge, preventing priests from falling and channeling blood appropriately. The ḥêq (חֵיק, "bottom" or "gutter") of one cubit provided drainage for sacrificial blood and water used in cleansing. These practical details reveal God's care for both holiness (proper blood handling) and safety (protecting ministering priests).
"And his stairs shall look toward the east." The eastern orientation is theologically significant throughout Ezekiel's temple vision. God's glory departed eastward (10:18-19, 11:23) and returns from the east (43:1-5). The rising sun in the east symbolizes light, life, and divine presence. East-facing stairs meant priests ascended toward the rising sun while God's glory-cloud filled the temple from the east—visual proclamation that all access to God comes through His initiative, His provision, His presence. Christ, the "dayspring from on high" (Luke 1:78) and "Sun of righteousness" (Malachi 4:2), is the true eastern orientation—the Light by which we approach the Father.