3,837. The Layout of the Altar

Hilchos Beis HaBechirah 2:7

The measurements and the layout of the altar were as follows: five vertical handbreadths and five horizontal handbreadths formed the base. The rest of the altar was therefore thirty cubits plus two handbreadths by thirty cubits plus two handbreadths. Thirty more handbreadths up and five more handbreadths in there was the soveiv (kind of like a catwalk). We see that its dimensions were twenty-eight cubits plus four handbreadths by twenty-eight cubits plus four handbreadths. Another eighteen handbreadths up, there were hollow, box-like appendages on each corner, making the “horns” of the altar. The horns were one cubit by one cubit on each side. The space for the kohanim to walk was likewise a cubit on each side. We see that the area where the woodpile was arranged was twenty-four cubits plus four handbreadths by twenty-four cubits plus four handbreadths.

Hilchos Beis HaBechirah 2:8

The horns of the altar were each five handbreadths tall, and their surfaces were one cubit by one cubit. Each of the four horns was hollow. Accordingly, the surface where the woodpile was arranged was eighteen handbreadths above the soveiv (the catwalk). Half of the altar’s height started six handbreadths lower than the end of the soveiv and down.