The altar of wood was three cubits high, and the length thereof two cubits; and the corners thereof, and the length thereof, and the walls thereof, were of wood: and he said unto me, This is the table that is before the LORD.
EZEKIEL 41:22KJVWhat does Ezekiel 41:22 mean?
Ezekiel 41:22 describes a wooden altar in the temple vision, giving its height and length, and states that its corners, length, and walls are all made of wood. The verse ends with the declaration that this altar is "the table that is before the LORD," highlighting its special place in God's presence.
In this vision, God is showing Ezekiel the detailed design of a future temple. Ezekiel is being guided by a heavenly messenger who points out the features of the sanctuary. The verse emphasizes the altar's construction and its role as a table before the LORD (Yahweh), connecting it to worship and the offering of sacrifices in the temple.
The Hebrew behind Ezekiel 41:22
- מִזְבֵּחַ (mizbeach; "altar", H4196): This word means "altar," a place for offerings. Here, it is specifically described as being made of wood, which is unusual compared to the stone altars described elsewhere in the Old Testament.
- עֵץ (etz; "wood", H6086): The repeated mention of wood underlines the material of the altar, setting it apart from other temple furnishings often made of metal or stone.
- שֻׁלְחָן (shulchan; "table", H7979): The altar is called a "table," which is not the usual term for an altar. This suggests a close link between the altar and the idea of a table set before God, possibly highlighting fellowship or communion.
- לִפְנֵי יְהוָה (lifnei YHWH; "before the LORD", H6440, H3068): This phrase stresses that the altar/table stands directly in God's presence, marking it as central to worship.
Why Ezekiel 41:22 matters
- Ezekiel 41:22 clarifies that the altar in this vision is made entirely of wood, which is different from the stone or bronze altars described elsewhere, suggesting a unique design for this future temple.
- By calling the altar a "table," the verse hints at a deeper meaning—possibly that offerings are seen as a meal shared before God, not just a ritual act.
- This verse connects to the larger vision in Ezekiel 40–48, where detailed temple measurements and furnishings symbolize God's renewed presence among His people.