An "Altar to the LORD" is a significant element in biblical worship and covenant practices, serving as a sacred place where sacrifices and offerings are made to God. Throughout the Bible, altars are constructed by key figures as acts of worship, remembrance, and covenantal commitment to the LORD.

Old Testament Context

In the Old Testament, altars are frequently mentioned as places where individuals and communities engage with God. The first mention of an altar is found in Genesis 8:20, where Noah builds an altar to the LORD after the flood: "Then Noah built an altar to the LORD. Taking from every kind of clean animal and clean bird, he offered burnt offerings on the altar." This act signifies gratitude and worship, marking a new beginning for humanity.

Abraham, the patriarch, is noted for building several altars to the LORD as he journeys through the land promised to him and his descendants. In Genesis 12:7, after God appears to him, "The LORD appeared to Abram and said, 'To your offspring I will give this land.' So Abram built an altar there to the LORD, who had appeared to him." These altars serve as physical reminders of God's promises and Abraham's faith.

The construction of altars continues with Isaac and Jacob, who also build altars to commemorate divine encounters and covenantal promises (Genesis 26:25; 35:7). Jacob's altar at Bethel, for instance, marks the place where God reaffirms His covenant with him.

Mosaic Law and the Tabernacle

Under the Mosaic Law, the altar becomes a central feature of Israelite worship. The Tabernacle, and later the Temple, includes the Altar of Burnt Offering, where sacrifices are made for atonement and worship. Exodus 27:1-2 provides specific instructions for its construction: "You are to construct the altar of acacia wood, five cubits long and five cubits wide; the altar is to be square, and three cubits high. Make a horn on each of its four corners, so that the horns are of one piece, and overlay it with bronze."

The altar is a place of divine encounter, where the Israelites offer sacrifices to maintain their covenant relationship with God. Leviticus 1-7 outlines various offerings, including burnt offerings, grain offerings, peace offerings, sin offerings, and guilt offerings, each with specific purposes and rituals.

Prophetic and Historical Significance

Throughout Israel's history, altars to the LORD are often contrasted with altars to false gods. The prophets frequently call the people back to exclusive worship of the LORD, condemning the construction of unauthorized altars. For example, Elijah's confrontation with the prophets of Baal on Mount Carmel involves the repair of the LORD's altar, symbolizing the restoration of true worship (1 Kings 18:30).

In times of national repentance and renewal, altars play a crucial role. King Hezekiah and King Josiah both lead reforms that include the destruction of pagan altars and the restoration of proper worship at the LORD's altar (2 Kings 18:22; 23:8-9).

New Testament Understanding

In the New Testament, the concept of the altar evolves with the coming of Christ. Jesus' sacrifice on the cross fulfills the sacrificial system, rendering the physical altar obsolete for atonement purposes. Hebrews 13:10 speaks of a spiritual altar: "We have an altar from which those who serve at the tabernacle have no right to eat." This reflects the new covenant in Christ, where believers offer spiritual sacrifices of praise and service.

The altar remains a symbol of worship and dedication to God, now understood in the context of the believer's heart and life. Romans 12:1 exhorts believers to present their bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God, which is their spiritual act of worship.

Conclusion

The "Altar to the LORD" is a profound biblical symbol of worship, covenant, and divine encounter, evolving from physical structures in the Old Testament to spiritual realities in the New Testament. It underscores the centrality of worship and the believer's relationship with God throughout the biblical narrative.