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Exodus 27:1 - Divine altar's precise dimensions?

Exodus 27:1 - שמות 27:1

Hebrew Text

וְעָשִׂיתָ אֶת־הַמִּזְבֵּחַ עֲצֵי שִׁטִּים חָמֵשׁ אַמּוֹת אֹרֶךְ וְחָמֵשׁ אַמּוֹת רֹחַב רָבוּעַ יִהְיֶה הַמִּזְבֵּחַ וְשָׁלֹשׁ אַמּוֹת קֹמָתוֹ׃

English Translation

And thou shalt make an altar of shittim wood, five cubits long, and five cubits broad; the altar shall be foursquare: and the height of it shall be three cubits.

Transliteration

Ve'asita et-hamizbe'ach atzei shitim chamesh amot orech vechamesh amot rochav ravua yihyeh hamizbe'ach veshalosh amot komato.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְעָשִׂ֥יתָ אֶת־הַמִּזְבֵּ֖חַ עֲצֵ֣י שִׁטִּ֑ים חָמֵשׁ֩ אַמּ֨וֹת אֹ֜רֶךְ וְחָמֵ֧שׁ אַמּ֣וֹת רֹ֗חַב רָב֤וּעַ יִהְיֶה֙ הַמִּזְבֵּ֔חַ וְשָׁלֹ֥שׁ אַמּ֖וֹת קֹמָתֽוֹ׃
וְעָשִׂ֥יתָ אֶת־הַמִּזְבֵּ֖חַ עֲצֵ֣י שִׁטִּ֑ים חָמֵשׁ֩ אַמּ֨וֹת אֹ֜רֶךְ וְחָמֵ֧שׁ אַמּ֣וֹת רֹ֗חַב רָב֤וּעַ יִהְיֶה֙ הַמִּזְבֵּ֔חַ וְשָׁלֹ֥שׁ אַמּ֖וֹת קֹמָתֽוֹ׃

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Parasha Commentary

The Construction of the Mizbeach (Altar)

The verse (Shemot 27:1) details the dimensions and materials for the construction of the Mizbeach HaOlah (Altar of Burnt Offerings) in the Mishkan (Tabernacle). The use of shittim (acacia) wood is significant, as Rashi explains that this wood was chosen for its durability and resistance to decay, symbolizing the eternal nature of the Divine service. The altar's dimensions—5 cubits in length and width, and 3 cubits in height—reflect a precise Divine instruction, emphasizing the importance of exactness in avodat Hashem (service to G-d).

Symbolism of the Dimensions

The Ramban (Nachmanides) notes that the square shape (ravua) of the altar represents stability and perfection, as a square has equal sides, symbolizing balance in Divine service. The height of 3 cubits may allude to the three pillars of the world—Torah, Avodah (service), and Gemilut Chasadim (acts of kindness)—as taught in Pirkei Avot (1:2). The number 5 (length and width) is also significant, as the Midrash (Bamidbar Rabbah 13:19) associates it with the five books of the Torah, suggesting that the altar's service is rooted in Torah.

The Role of the Mizbeach

According to the Talmud (Zevachim 59b), the altar served as the focal point for atonement and connection between Bnei Yisrael and Hashem. The wood, though overlaid with copper (as described in later verses), represents the human element in avodah, while the fire atop the altar symbolizes Divine presence. The Kli Yakar (R' Shlomo Ephraim Luntschitz) adds that the altar's construction from earthly materials (wood and metal) elevated by fire teaches that physical objects can be sanctified for higher purposes.

  • Material: Shittim wood—durable and pure, representing steadfastness in mitzvot.
  • Dimensions: 5x5 cubits (square)—symbolizing completeness and alignment with Torah.
  • Height: 3 cubits—hinting at the foundational principles of Jewish life.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Zevachim 59b
The verse is cited in a discussion about the dimensions and construction of the altar in the Temple.
📖 Menachot 97a
Referenced in the context of discussing the proper measurements for various Temple implements, including the altar.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why was the altar made of shittim (acacia) wood?
A: According to Rashi, shittim wood was used because it is durable and does not rot easily, making it suitable for the altar. The Midrash also teaches that the shittim tree represents humility, symbolizing that our service to Hashem should be done with a humble heart.
Q: Why were the dimensions of the altar specifically 5x5 cubits with a height of 3 cubits?
A: The Rambam explains that these measurements were divinely commanded to ensure the altar had proper proportions for sacrificial service. The number five often symbolizes spiritual completeness in Jewish thought, and the height of three cubits made it accessible for the Kohanim (priests) to perform their duties.
Q: What is the significance of the altar being square (foursquare)?
A: The Talmud (Zevachim 59b) teaches that the square shape represents stability and perfection, symbolizing that the service of Hashem should be consistent and unwavering. Additionally, the four corners correspond to the four directions, showing that holiness extends to all parts of the world.
Q: How does this verse apply to us today without the Temple?
A: The Rambam teaches that prayer has replaced sacrifices in our time. Just as the altar was central to worship in the Mishkan, so too should our prayers be offered with the same focus and devotion. The altar's dimensions remind us to structure our spiritual service with discipline and intention.
Q: What can we learn from the materials and construction of the altar?
A: The combination of wood (representing growth and humility) and the overlay of copper (symbolizing durability and judgment, as explained in Midrash Tanchuma) teaches that our service to Hashem should balance softness and strength—approaching Him with humility while remaining steadfast in our commitments.