| Exodus 20:26
| Thou shalt not go up by steps unto my altar, lest thy nakedness be discovered.
| Steps. These were afterwards allowed in the temple, (Ezechiel 43:17.) The Egyptians made use of their pyramids for altars; and some suppose, that the high places of Juda were of a similar nature, and exposed the priests, who wore long robes without breeches, to the danger of being seen, Exodus 28:42. The steps allowed by God were therefore very low, and enclosed with boards, after the Greek fashion. Such were used by the priest and priestess of Jupiter. (Servius in Aeneid 4:646.) Linen breeches, or girdles, were afterwards required, (Leviticus 39:27.; Exodus 28:42.) (Calmet)
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