Charles Ellicott Commentary Exodus 27:5

"And thou shalt put it under the ledge round the altar beneath, that the net may reach halfway up the altar." — Exodus 27:5 (ASV)

Under the compass of the altar beneath. —The position of the network depends upon this expression. Was “the compass of the altar” its circumference at the top, or was it a belt or step encircling the altar half-way up? The low height of the altar—four feet six inches—would seem to make a “step” unnecessary; but the altar may undoubtedly have been surrounded by a “belt” for ornament.