And you must not go up to My altar on steps, lest your nakedness be exposed on it.’
God had already commanded the priests to wear breeches in the sanctuary, but even that was not enough. He forbids steps to the altar lest even the breeches be glimpsed, for the dignity of sacred things suffers from any breach of proper decency. By every means He would have the Israelites conduct themselves purely and chastely in the exercises of religion.
AI summary
Neither shalt thou go up by steps unto mine altar, that thy nakedness be not discovered thereon. (p) Which might be by his stooping or flying up of his clothes.
The altar of earth or rough stones symbolizes man's elevation to God on high; it must not be hewn, for the tool defiles it. The earth that lies under the curse of sin is to be renewed into God's kingdom not by sinful hands but by God's grace alone.
AI summary
Commenting on Exodus 20:24-26