Negative Mitzvot 79, 80

This Negative Mitzvah describes the building of the altar on which sacrifices are offered.

The Hebrew word for sacrifice is "Korban", which comes from the word "Kerav", which means "to come close."

By presenting a sacrifice, a Jew becomes closer to HaShem, (see Introduction to Positive Mitzvah 39).

The altar on which sacrifices were offered was made out of stone.

The Torah forbids us to build the altar with any stone that was cut with a blade. An iron or metal blade is also a tool of warfare, used to make swords and knives and other instruments of death.

The Torah does not want the altar to be touched by such materials, because they represent the exact opposite of sacrifices which bring us close to HaShem and thus, extend our lives. Therefore, we must not build the altar with stone that has been cut with a blade.

The altar on which the sacrifices were brought was very high and there was a specific way for the priests to get to the top.

HaShem wants the service in the Beit HaMikdash to be refined and modest. The slightest detail is taken into consideration - even how a priest gets to the top of the altar!

Instead of steps, which require lifting one's feet high off the ground, we are commanded to build a ramp leading up to the altar.

On the ramp, the priest can take small strides in a dignified manner, as befitting one who serves in the Beit HaMikdash.