What is the meaning of Ezekiel 43:15? The altar hearth • Ezekiel focuses first on the central platform where sacrifices are burned, the “hearth,” showing that worship revolves around meeting God at His designated place (cf. Exodus 27:1–2; Leviticus 9:24). • The description reminds the returned exiles that true worship will not be ad-hoc but structured as God prescribes, underscoring His unchanging standards (Malachi 3:6). • By restoring an altar after years without one, God signals His desire for renewed fellowship (Ezra 3:2–3). Shall be four cubits high • A cubit is roughly 18 inches; four cubits equals about six feet. The height lifts the sacrifice above common ground, picturing the separation between holy and ordinary things (Leviticus 10:10). • This precise measurement confirms that God cares about details, just as He gave Noah exact ark dimensions (Genesis 6:15) and Moses exact tabernacle plans (Exodus 25:9). • The elevated hearth anticipates Christ lifted up on the cross, the ultimate, perfect sacrifice once for all (John 3:14; Hebrews 10:12). And four horns shall project upward from the hearth • Horns on each corner match earlier altar designs (Exodus 27:2), symbolizing strength, salvation, and refuge (Psalm 18:2). • In Israel’s history fugitives grasped these horns seeking mercy (1 Kings 1:50–51), previewing the mercy available in God’s appointed sacrifice. • Their upward projection points every worshiper heavenward, reminding them that help and forgiveness come from above (Psalm 121:1–2). • Four horns—one on every side—extend invitation in all directions, hinting at God’s plan to reach the whole world with redemption (Isaiah 49:6; Acts 10:34–35). summary Ezekiel 43:15 presents a literal, future altar whose carefully specified hearth, height, and horns highlight God’s holiness, His concern for exact obedience, and His provision of refuge for sinners. The verse assures us that genuine worship must follow God’s revealed pattern and ultimately points forward to the perfect, once-for-all sacrifice of Christ, through whom every seeker finds mercy and strength. |
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