מלכים ב, פרק ט״ז, פסוק י״ד

The introduction of a new, foreign altar into the Temple courtyard by King Ahaz forced sweeping changes to the layout of the sacred space. This physical reorganization reflected a profound spiritual shift, which ultimately included closing the doors of the Sanctuary, cutting apart the sacred vessels, and offering sacrifices to other gods [שטיינזלץ].

The primary approach among commentators is that the original copper altar present in the courtyard refers to the ancient one built by King Solomon [מלבי״ם, מצודת דוד, רד״ק, שטיינזלץ, אברבנאל]. However, a differing view argues that it could not be the altar of Moses, which had been hidden away, nor Solomon's stone altar, which could not be moved without being completely destroyed. According to this perspective, the reference is actually to the copper washbasins and stands used alongside the altar, as copper Temple vessels were sometimes broadly categorized under the term for an altar [רש״י].

When positioning the new altar built by Urijah the priest, Ahaz placed it directly beside the original one [רלב״ג, רד״ק, שטיינזלץ, אברבנאל]. Another perspective suggests that the connection between the two was not merely physical but functional, as Ahaz sprinkled the sacrificial blood on both altars simultaneously [מלבי״ם].

Regarding the exact spatial arrangement, most commentators agree that Ahaz brought his new altar closer to the Sanctuary, positioning it between the old copper altar and the entrance to the House of God, specifically on the northern side of the old altar [מלבי״ם, רלב״ג, רד״ק, שטיינזלץ, אברבנאל]. Conversely, another approach suggests that Ahaz moved the new altar away from the ideal position facing the Sanctuary, placing it to the north so that the old altar partially stood between it and the House [מצודת דוד]. According to the view that identifies the copper altar as the washbasins, Ahaz shoved the washbasins aside to the north to ensure they would not obstruct the space between his newly erected foreign altar and the House of God [רש״י].

The decision to utilize the northern side of the courtyard was not a random architectural choice but a calculated act of idolatry. During that era, the worship of celestial bodies was prevalent. According to the astrological beliefs of the time, the northern stars and constellations were considered the most powerful and influential forces governing the world [רלב״ג, אברבנאל].