Words Translated "Altar"

Ezekiel 43:15  •  1 min. read  •  grade level: 10
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Question: Ezek. 43:1515So the altar shall be four cubits; and from the altar and upward shall be four horns. (Ezekiel 43:15). According to the margin two very different and highly significant words are translated “altar”: Harel, mount of God, and Ariel, lion of God. Is the A. V. correct? And if so, what spiritual meaning underlies those singular words? W. R. K.
Answer: It may be well to notice first that the regular word for altar is neither of these terms, but Mizbeach, derived from the verb zebach, to slay, especially as a sacrifice. Hence this is the word in verses 13, 18, 22, 27. The words questioned are figurative. The former, Harel, designates the upper altar, naturally flowing from its etymology; the latter, though capable of meaning “lion of God,” rather signifies “hearth of God,” in this scripture, the whole upper surface of the altar. But “Ariel” in Isa. 29:11Woe to Ariel, to Ariel, the city where David dwelt! add ye year to year; let them kill sacrifices. (Isaiah 29:1), as applied to Jerusalem, makes good sense as “lion of God,” though some prefer there as here “hearth of God,”