יחזקאל, פרק מ״ג, פסוק י״ג

The architectural blueprint for the future altar of burnt offering serves as a precise preparation for the priests' sacred service and the sacrifices. Standing as an independent structure in the courtyard, it is the only Temple vessel to receive such a detailed engineering focus. This is because its dimensions are destined to change in the future, unlike the other sacred vessels which retain their original measurements from the days of Moses and Solomon [אברבנאל].

The structural overview moves methodically from the ground up [ביאור שטיינזלץ]. It begins by establishing the primary unit of measurement: a large cubit consisting of six handbreadths, which is one handbreadth longer than the standard measure. However, specific sections of the altar are calculated using the shorter, traditional five-handbreadth cubit. The foundation of the altar conveys a sense of absolute permanence, described conceptually as being anchored deep within the earth [מצודת ציון, מלבי״ם]. The height of this foundational base is measured specifically using the shorter cubit [רש״י, מצודת דוד, ביאור שטיינזלץ].

Moving upward, the structure features a one-cubit width. This refers either to the stepped ledge that surrounds the altar [רש״י, אברבנאל] or to the middle section where the wood arrangement is placed [רד״ק]. Further up is a border measuring half a cubit. The primary approach among commentators is that this refers to the horns of the altar, which measured a full square cubit by extending half a cubit in each direction from their center [רש״י, מצודת דוד, אברבנאל]. Alternatively, this measurement describes a distinct frame or protrusion designed to visually separate the upper and lower halves of the altar. This physical division serves a similar purpose to the red line that was painted across the altar during the Second Temple era [מלבי״ם, רד״ק].

Finally, the description reaches the upper surface or overall height of the structure [מצודת ציון, מלבי״ם]. This either marks the highest flat area designated for the wood [רד״ק] or acts as an introduction to the total height measurements that follow [מלבי״ם, ביאור שטיינזלץ]. A unique perspective, rooted in the teachings of the Sages, suggests that this final detail subtly hints at the golden incense altar located inside the sanctuary. Like the base of the outer altar, the golden altar was measured using the shorter cubit, featuring a surface area of exactly one square cubit [רש״י, מצודת דוד].