Reading for March 29th

The Temple complex and its activities In 43.13-47.12: Instructions concerning structures associated with the Temple and regualations concerning Temple rituals and practice. Read Zekiel 43.13-27 The altar is a four-level stepped structure, like a Mesopotamian ziggurat (a tupe of pyramind). The base, literally "bosom of the earth" (signifying the placement of the altar at the center of the earth), is 18 cubits square. The lower edge is 16 cubits square. The upper ledge is 14 cubits square. The altar hearth ("ha-har'el" in Hebrew, "mountain of God" or "God appeared"; compare Ariel of Isa 29.1) has four hours (see Ex 27.2; 29.12; 1 Kings 1.50-51; Zech 2.1-4). The height of the structure is 10 cubits. Its steps face toward the east gate. The seven-day consecration of the altar is performed at Sukkot (Booths; 1 Kings 8.65-66; Ezra 3.1-7; but compare Num 7) and its analogous to the ordination of preists (Ex 29.1-37; Lev 8). The purfication of the altar with blood is analogous to the sprinkling of blood on the priests at their ordination (Ez=x 29.16), on the altar at Yom Kippur to make atonement for the people (Lev 16.18-19), and on the people to seal the covenant (Ex 24.11-8). Salt is also offered with grain offerings (Lev 2.13; Num 18.19). Comments or Questions..