Ezekiel 43:13 - “These are the measurements of the altar by cubits (the cubit is a cubit and a hand width): the bottom shall be a cubit, and the width a cubit, and its border around its edge a span; and this shall be the base of the altar.
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What does "Ezekiel 43:13" mean?
Ezekiel 43:13 describes the dimensions and construction of the base of a new altar envisioned in the prophet Ezekiel's vision. Let's break down the verse to understand its meaning:
"These are the measurements of the altar by cubits...": This introduces the following description as dealing specifically with the dimensions of the altar and that it will be measured in "cubits" (a standard measurement in biblical times).
"(the cubit is a cubit and a hand width)": This clarifies the length of the cubit being used in the measurements. The standard cubit was the length from the elbow to the tip of the middle finger. This verse specifies that the cubit used here is slightly longer: it's a regular cubit plus the width of a hand. This might be a way to ensure precision or to distinguish the altar cubit from other cubits in use. It's also possible it's a "royal cubit" used for official measurements, which was longer.
"...the bottom shall be a cubit, and the width a cubit...": This indicates the dimensions of the lowest platform or base of the altar. It is a square, measuring one cubit high and one cubit wide. The wording is somewhat repetitive, emphasizing the basic dimensions.
"...and its border around its edge a span...": This describes a decorative border or ledge that surrounds the edge of this lowest platform. A "span" is the distance from the tip of the thumb to the tip of the little finger when the hand is outstretched (roughly half a cubit).
"...and this shall be the base of the altar.": This concludes the description of the altar's foundation or base. The entire structure described thus far--the one-cubit-high and -wide square with a span-wide border--forms the foundational base upon which the rest of the altar will be built (as described in the following verses).
In Summary:
This verse provides detailed specifications for the construction of the altar's base. It emphasizes precision in measurement, defining the type of cubit used and specifying the size and features of the base. Symbolically, it represents the foundation upon which the altar is built, and thus the foundation for restored worship in the future temple. The precise measurements may symbolize God's exactness and order in worship. The altar is viewed as an integral part of the Temple, and therefore the restored relationship with God.
Ezekiel 43:13 - “These are the measurements of the altar by cubits (the cubit is a cubit and a hand width): the bottom shall be a cubit, and the width a cubit, and its border around its edge a span; and this shall be the base of the altar.
What does "Ezekiel 43:13" mean?
Ezekiel 43:13 describes the dimensions and construction of the base of a new altar envisioned in the prophet Ezekiel's vision. Let's break down the verse to understand its meaning:
"These are the measurements of the altar by cubits...": This introduces the following description as dealing specifically with the dimensions of the altar and that it will be measured in "cubits" (a standard measurement in biblical times).
"(the cubit is a cubit and a hand width)": This clarifies the length of the cubit being used in the measurements. The standard cubit was the length from the elbow to the tip of the middle finger. This verse specifies that the cubit used here is slightly longer: it's a regular cubit plus the width of a hand. This might be a way to ensure precision or to distinguish the altar cubit from other cubits in use. It's also possible it's a "royal cubit" used for official measurements, which was longer.
"...the bottom shall be a cubit, and the width a cubit...": This indicates the dimensions of the lowest platform or base of the altar. It is a square, measuring one cubit high and one cubit wide. The wording is somewhat repetitive, emphasizing the basic dimensions.
"...and its border around its edge a span...": This describes a decorative border or ledge that surrounds the edge of this lowest platform. A "span" is the distance from the tip of the thumb to the tip of the little finger when the hand is outstretched (roughly half a cubit).
"...and this shall be the base of the altar.": This concludes the description of the altar's foundation or base. The entire structure described thus far--the one-cubit-high and -wide square with a span-wide border--forms the foundational base upon which the rest of the altar will be built (as described in the following verses).
In Summary:
This verse provides detailed specifications for the construction of the altar's base. It emphasizes precision in measurement, defining the type of cubit used and specifying the size and features of the base. Symbolically, it represents the foundation upon which the altar is built, and thus the foundation for restored worship in the future temple. The precise measurements may symbolize God's exactness and order in worship. The altar is viewed as an integral part of the Temple, and therefore the restored relationship with God.