Ezekiel 43:13-17

13-17. Here follows the measure of the sacred temple altar of burnt offering (Ezekiel 40:47). Every measure is explicitly declared to be with the sacred cubit. (See note Ezekiel 40:5.) The height of the altar proper was ten sacred cubits, while the platform on which it was built (“the hearth of God,” or “mount of God,” Ezekiel 43:16, A.V., “altar;” compare Sayce’s Higher Criticism, pp. 28:141, 350, 376) was a square of twelve sacred cubits. The steps to the altar faced the rising sun and four horns projected from the “hearth of God.” The horns in all the Levitical law had a peculiar sacredness perhaps because of their elevation, being nearer to heaven than any other part of the altar (Leviticus 4:18), or because of their symbolization of power and sovereignty (compare Daniel 8:3-9). To grasp the horns of the altar was an appeal to the divine judgment to take the place of human law; therefore the altar became a place of asylum for those fleeing from enemies (1 Kings 1:50).