יחזקאל, פרק מ״ג, פסוק ט״ו

The architecture of the future altar merges precise physical dimensions with profound spiritual symbolism. At its highest point, the sacrificial service took place, and the presence of God was revealed through a miraculous fire.

This top section is known as the Harel and the Ariel, two interchangeable names that carry the same meaning despite slight differences in their spelling [רד״ק, מנחת שי]. The primary approach among commentators is that these titles describe the upper square structure of the altar where the wood was arranged and the sacrifices were burned [מלבי״ם, ביאור שטיינזלץ]. The Harel expresses supreme holiness and translates to the "Mountain of God" [אברבנאל, ביאור שטיינזלץ]. Meanwhile, the Ariel stems from the appearance of the holy fire that descended from heaven from God, which would rest upon the altar in the shape of a lion [מצודת ציון, צאינה וראינה, אברבנאל].

The upper section of the altar measured four cubits. Most commentators explain that this refers to the height of the altar's roof, measured from its surrounding ledge to the very top [רש״י, מצודת דוד, ביאור שטיינזלץ]. This height marks a departure from the altar built in the Second Temple, where this specific section was only three cubits tall [רש״י]. Offering a different perspective, some suggest that the Harel actually describes the base of the altar resting on the ground, which measured four cubits in height and length, while the structure expanded into the Ariel section only above it [אברבנאל].

Beyond its physical design, the four-cubit measurement establishes an important rule for the sacrificial service regarding the sprinkling of blood. These four cubits define the domain of the altar's horns, an area starting from the roof and extending downward for four cubits until reaching a red line painted around the middle of the altar. This specific upper zone was designated for the application of certain sacrificial blood, clearly separating it from the blood applied to the lower half of the altar [מצודת דוד, מלבי״ם].

At the very top of the structure, four horns protruded from the corners [מצודת דוד, ביאור שטיינזלץ, אברבנאל]. These horns added one final cubit to the overall height of the altar, completing its design [מלבי״ם].