The Altar of Solomon's Temple

The base and upper ledge are surrounded by rims or lips. These s would presumably make it easier to prevent blood from running into areas beyond the altar. Some commentators compare the altar to a sort of zigarat. The whole structure of ezekiel's temple has that sort of character to it. One ascends by stairs to each higher level. Priests here ascend to the altar on steps which face toward the east. This detail might surprise us, as steps up to an altar were explicitly forbidden in exodus, chapter 20, verse 26. And you shall not go up by steps to my altar, that your nakedness be not exposed. Stephen cook suggests that the priests serving in e