Ezekiel 43:15

The altar hearth shall be four cubits high, and four horns shall project upward from the hearth.

Study Bible

The altar hearth shall be four cubits high,

The altar hearth, called Ariel or Harel, was the elevated upper platform where the sacrifices were burned before the LORD. Rising about six to seven feet above its supporting sections, it stood prominently in the temple court as the appointed place of atonement and worship. Ezekiel’s altar was larger than the bronze altar of the tabernacle, yet it continued the established pattern that sinners draw near to God through the sacrifice He provides. Its height also set the sacred fire and offerings above the surrounding court, marking the altar as the center of Israel’s approach to God.

Exo 38:1-2 Bezalel constructed the altar of burnt offering…
2Ch 4:1 He made a bronze altar twenty cubits long,…

and four horns shall project upward from the hearth.

The horns stood at the four corners of the altar, displaying strength and marking the place where sacrificial blood was applied. During the altar’s consecration, blood from the sin offering was placed on the horns to cleanse and dedicate the altar for holy service (Ezekiel 43:20). The horns recall the altar of the tabernacle and Solomon’s temple, where they signified the power of God’s appointed atonement. They also point forward to Christ, whose once-for-all sacrifice secures cleansing and reconciliation for all who come to God through Him.

Exo 27:2 Make a horn on each of its four corners, so that the horns…
Exo 30:2 It is to be square, a cubit long, a cubit wide…
Lev 4:7 The priest must then put some of the blood on the horns…

Persons / Places / Events

1. Ezekiel
A prophet and priest during the Babylonian exile, Ezekiel is the author of the book. He receives visions from God, including the vision of the new temple in chapters 40-48.

2. The Altar
Central to the vision in Ezekiel 43, the altar represents the place of sacrifice and worship in the new temple. It symbolizes the restoration of proper worship and relationship with God.

3. The Temple Vision
This vision, given to Ezekiel, outlines a future temple, symbolizing God's presence among His people and the restoration of Israel.

4. The Four Horns
Projecting from the altar hearth, these horns are symbolic of strength and power, often associated with God's protection and the atonement of sin.

5. The Hearth
The top part of the altar where sacrifices are made, representing the heart of worship and the place where offerings are consumed by fire.

Teaching Points

The Centrality of Worship
The altar's design and prominence in the temple vision remind us of the central role of worship in our relationship with God. Worship should be at the heart of our lives, just as the altar is central in the temple.

Symbolism of the Horns
The horns on the altar symbolize God's power and protection. In our lives, we can find strength and refuge in God's presence, knowing He is our protector.

Restoration and Atonement
The altar signifies the restoration of Israel and the atonement for sin. This points to the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, who restores our relationship with God.

Holiness and Reverence
The detailed description of the altar reflects the holiness required in approaching God. We are called to approach God with reverence and purity, acknowledging His holiness.

Future Hope
Ezekiel's vision of the temple and altar provides hope for future restoration and God's abiding presence. We can live with hope, knowing that God is working to restore all things.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the design of the altar in Ezekiel 43:15 reflect the importance of worship in our lives today?

2. In what ways do the horns on the altar symbolize God's power and protection, and how can we apply this understanding to our daily lives?

3. How does the concept of atonement in the Old Testament altar sacrifices point to the sacrifice of Jesus Christ in the New Testament?

4. What does the detailed description of the altar teach us about the holiness and reverence required in our approach to God?

5. How can Ezekiel's vision of the temple and altar inspire hope and confidence in God's future plans for restoration in our personal lives and communities?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Exodus 27:1-2
Describes the construction of the altar in the tabernacle, highlighting the importance of the altar in Israel's worship and its design, which includes horns.

Leviticus 16:18
Discusses the use of the altar's horns in the Day of Atonement, emphasizing their role in the atonement process.

Revelation 8:3-5
Connects the altar to the heavenly temple, where the prayers of the saints are offered, showing the continuity of the altar's significance from the Old Testament to the New Testament.