“These are the measurements of the altar: There is a gutter all around the altar 21 inches deep and 21 inches wide, with a curb 9 inches wide around its edge. And this is the height of the altar: From the gutter the altar rises 3 1⁄2 feet to a lower ledge that surrounds the altar and is 21 inches wide. From the lower ledge the altar rises 7 feet to the upper ledge that is also 21 inches wide. The top of the altar, the hearth, rises another 7 feet higher, with a horn rising up from each of the four corners. The top of the altar is square, measuring 21 feet by 21 feet. The upper ledge also forms a square, measuring 24 1⁄2 feet by 24 1⁄2 feet, with a 21-inch gutter and a 10 1⁄2-inch curb all around the edge. There are steps going up the east side of the altar.” [Ezekiel 43.13-17]
In Ezekiel's vision of the Temple, here we have the dimensions of the altar.
This altar was a big deal. By this I mean, the thing was huge and imposing! As best I can understand it, the altar was at least 21' x 21' (length x width) and some 17'-18' high.
Why do you suppose this altar was such a big deal? Because without the sacrifices the altar stood for, the people were un-atoned for - they were not accepted by God.
Why is that important to us today? Because we need to understand the importance of what Jesus has redeemed us from! Jesus made the need for such an imposing altar go away.
Father, help me to understand all that Jesus has done for mankind. Help me to understand that although sacrifices are no longer necessary to come to You, there still remains the attitude and actions of repentance.
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