Kaisipang Hudyo sa Ezekiel 43:17: The Third Beit HaMikdash

Afterwards, when fashioning the Altar, they would bring a third mold, which measured 28 cubits and 2 handbreadths by 28 cubits and 2 handbreadths. All authorities agree that the 1-cubit reduction in width made by the sovev was a 5-handbreadth cubit. The mishnah,¹Middos 3:1. however, did not detail the number of handbreadths, and only mentions, “28 cubits by 28 cubits.” Similarly, the verse states,²Yechezkel 43:17. “The azarah” – the [next] level – “was 14 in length and 14 in width.” This verse should be understood as meaning that the level above the sovev measured 14 cubits in all directions from its center, a total of 28 cubits by 28 cubits. The handbreadths were not counted. This mold was 3 cubits high. Thus, the upper surface of the Altar was 3 cubits high.

The horns by contrast, are mentioned, as it is written,⁷Yechezkel 43:15. “From the Ariel upward, there were four horns,” and it is written:⁸Ibid.:17. “And the edge (g’vul) around it was half a cubit.” The latter phrase refers to the horns. This verse should be understood as meaning, when the area at the edge of the Altar is measured from the center of a horn, it is half a cubit to each side. Thus, each horn measured 1 cubit by 1 cubit in total.

“[One who ascends] its ramps would turn to the east.”¹Yechezkel 43:17. On this verse, Rashi comments: “The ramp via which one would ascend [to the Altar] was in the south, so that one who ascends on it would be facing east. For whenever one would turn, he would turn to the right. When the ramp is placed to the south, one who ascends on it and turns to the right, would thus turn to the east.” His words are reflected by our Sages’ statements in Tractate Zevachim.²Zevachim 62b.