In the biblical narrative, altars serve as significant symbols of worship, sacrifice, and covenant. They are physical structures where individuals and communities encounter God, offer sacrifices, and commemorate divine interventions. The practice of building altars is deeply rooted in the spiritual life of the patriarchs and the nation of Israel, and it holds profound implications for contemporary believers seeking to cultivate a life of devotion and remembrance.

Old Testament Foundations

The concept of altars is introduced early in the Scriptures. Noah, after the flood, built an altar to the LORD and offered burnt offerings, which pleased God (Genesis 8:20-21). This act of worship marked a new beginning for humanity and established a pattern of thanksgiving and dedication.

Abraham, the father of faith, frequently built altars as he journeyed through the Promised Land. In Genesis 12:7, upon receiving God's promise, "The LORD appeared to Abram and said, 'To your offspring I will give this land.' So he built an altar there to the LORD, who had appeared to him." These altars were not only places of sacrifice but also memorials of God's promises and faithfulness.

Jacob, Abraham's grandson, also erected altars. At Bethel, after his vision of the ladder reaching to heaven, Jacob set up a stone pillar and poured oil on it, declaring, "This stone that I have set up as a pillar will be God’s house" (Genesis 28:22). This act symbolized his commitment to God and his recognition of God's presence.

Altars in Israel's Worship

In the Mosaic Law, altars became central to Israel's worship. The altar of burnt offering in the Tabernacle, and later in the Temple, was the focal point for sacrifices and offerings. Leviticus 1:9 describes the burnt offering as "a pleasing aroma to the LORD," signifying atonement and dedication.

The altar of incense, placed before the veil in the Holy Place, represented the prayers of the people ascending to God (Exodus 30:1-10). These altars underscored the importance of worship, intercession, and the need for a mediator between God and humanity.

Spiritual Significance for Believers

For contemporary Christians, building altars in our lives is a metaphor for establishing places and practices of worship, remembrance, and consecration. Just as the patriarchs and Israelites set up physical altars, believers are called to create spiritual altars in their hearts and homes.

1. Worship and Devotion: Altars symbolize a life dedicated to worship. Romans 12:1 urges believers to "offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship." This call to sacrificial living reflects the essence of altar-building: a life wholly surrendered to God.

2. Remembrance and Thanksgiving: Altars serve as reminders of God's faithfulness and past interventions. In Joshua 4:7, after crossing the Jordan River, the Israelites set up twelve stones as a memorial, declaring, "These stones are to be a memorial to the people of Israel forever." Similarly, believers are encouraged to remember God's works and give thanks continually.

3. Prayer and Intercession: Just as the altar of incense represented prayer, Christians are called to build altars of prayer in their lives. Philippians 4:6 exhorts, "Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God." Prayer becomes the incense that rises to the throne of grace.

4. Covenant and Commitment: Altars signify covenant relationships. In the New Covenant, believers are reminded of their commitment to Christ and His body, the Church. Hebrews 13:15 encourages, "Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise—the fruit of lips that openly profess His name."

Conclusion

Building altars in our lives is an ongoing spiritual discipline that reflects a heart devoted to God. It involves creating spaces and moments where we intentionally worship, remember, pray, and commit ourselves to the Lord. As we build these spiritual altars, we align our lives with the divine purposes and experience the transformative power of God's presence.