Picture the weight of it, the gleam of it. The Letter of Aristeas tells us it was two cubits long, one cubit broad, and one and a half cubits high. Now, a cubit is an ancient measurement, roughly the length of a forearm, so we're talking about a substantial piece.
But it wasn't just its size that was impressive. Around the edges, they crafted a border, the width of a hand. And within that border, a wreath of wave-work, like ropes carved in relief, ran around all three sides. The writer emphasizes how marvelously wrought these details were.
Think about the skill involved. The table was triangular, and each side was identical. No matter which way you turned it, it presented the same stunning appearance. The side sloping down from the border to the table was exquisitely crafted.
But it was the outer side, the one facing the observer, that truly caught the eye. Can you picture the artisans, meticulously shaping and engraving the gold, ensuring every detail was perfect? The writer of the Letter of Aristeas clearly wanted to convey not just the opulence, but also the incredible artistry and craftsmanship that went into creating this object of devotion. What a testament to dedication and skill!