We now have a square measuring 26 cubits by 26 cubits, comprising the Altar’s upper surface. Thus, there was one more cubit of space remaining on each side of the Altar’s surface. The kohanim used this remaining cubit on each side when walking atop the Altar, except that some of this outer perimeter was occupied by the Altar’s “horns,” which were at the 4 corners of the Altar. Each “horn,” measured 1 cubit by 1 cubit. The horns were fashioned by placing a mold, measuring 1 cubit by 1 cubit, and 1 cubit high at each of the corners, and filling it with a mixture of stones, lime, and molten lead.¹ There is a difference of opinion among the Rabbis regarding the dimensions of these horns. According to *Rashi,*², Yechezkel 43:13 and Eruvin 4a. both the cubits of the horns’ height and width comprised 5 handbreadths. *Rambam,*³ 2:6. by contrast, maintained that the only reduction in the width of the Altar’s base was 5 handbreadths.⁴ Accordingly, though the cubit used to measure of the horns’ height comprised only 5 handbreadths, the cubit used to measure their width and length comprised 6 handbreadths. Including the height of the horns, the Altar was 10 cubits high.

footnotes: ¹ See sec. 37 above. ² Rashi ³ Hilchos Beis HaBechirah ⁴ See sec. 38 above.

Since the horns obstructed the kohanim’s passage around the outer edge of the upper surface of the Altar, it was necessary to provide them with another cubit of space on that surface, on which they could walk freely. Indeed, Tractate Zevachim states:⁵ 62a. “Did the kohanim walk between the horns? Instead, say that a cubit was designated where the feet of the kohanim would walk.” On that statement, Rashi comments that it is impossible to say that the kohanim walked between the horns because the horns would prevent them from making the circuit.⁶ The cubit where the kohanim would walk is described in sec. 41, although it is not mentioned in Yechezkel’s narrative.

footnotes: ⁵ Zevachim ⁶ Mahadura Basra.

The horns by contrast, are mentioned, as it is written,⁷ 43:15. “From the Ariel upward, there were four horns,” and it is written:⁸17. “And the edge (g’vul) around it was half a cubit.” The latter phrase refers to the horns. This verse should be understood as meaning, when the area at the edge of the Altar is measured from the center of a horn, it is half a cubit to each side. Thus, each horn measured 1 cubit by 1 cubit in total.

footnotes: ⁷ Yechezkel ⁸ Ibid.:

One might object to interpreting the term g’vul as referring to the horns,⁹ because of the verse referring to the placement of the sacrificial blood on the Altar,¹⁰20. “And you shall place it on the corners (karnosav)… and on the edge (g’vul) all around.” The word karnosav is referring to the horns. However, if this is so, then what is the word g’vul referring to? It is possible to explain that when the term keren is not mentioned, and g’vul is mentioned, g’vul refers to the horns. When, however, Scripture mentions g’vul and keren together, g’vul has another meaning. To cite a parallel, see Rashi’s interpretation of the terms garav and *yalefes.*¹¹ 21:20. There, he explains that the meaning of garav depends on the context where it is used. In Vayikra, loc. cit., since it is used in connection with yalefes, it has one meaning, and in Devarim 28:27 when it is used in connection with cheres, it has a different meaning. Thus, when the term g’vul is mentioned together with the term keren, it refers to the area where the kohanim walk, or the space between the horns, or both of these spaces. Indeed, the Mishnah uses the term g’vul in this manner in Tractate *Kilayim,*¹² 3:1. when discussing the g’vul ha’arugah, the area used to walk around a row of produce. Similarly, the Targum Yonason translates the term g’vul as gedanfa, “frame,” when it is used alone,¹³ 43:17. but when that term is used together with the word *keren,*¹⁴ 43:20. it is translated as techuma, its “area.”

footnotes: ⁹ This reflects a correction of the Hebrew text which states יסוד, “foundation.” ¹⁰ Ibid.: ¹¹ See Rashi, Vayikra ¹² Kilayim ¹³ Targum Yonason, Yechezkel ¹⁴ Targum Yonason, Yechezkel