In Solomon's time, Ex 20:21 was expounded to mean that the Altar must be completely filled with earth. In the Second Temple era, they changed it to having holes so that the Temple could "eat"the fats and "drink" the libations. Given that they were farther from Sinai, how could they change an interpretation from Shlomo Hamelech's time?
Barry Epstein, Dallas, USA
Dear Barry,
Thanks for your excellent question. The Tiferes Yisrael addresses this question in Maseches Midos. He explains that the larger Mizbe'ach is based on the prophecy of Yechezkel. Since building the Beis ha'Mikdash is all based on Nevu'ah ("Hakol bi'Chsav Miyad Hash-m"), a Navi's interpretation is to be taken into account.
The Sefas Emes explains that the fire on the Mizbe'ach during the first Beis ha'Mikdash was a heavenly fire which was also able to consume liquids (see end of first Perek in Yoma) thus it was able to consume the wine poured near the Mizbe'ach also. The fire during the Second Beis ha'Mikdash was a natural fire and could not consume liquids from a distance.
Kol Tuv.
Y. Landy