Topical Encyclopedia The altar built by David holds significant importance in the biblical narrative, symbolizing repentance, divine intervention, and the establishment of a sacred site for worship. This event is primarily recorded in the books of 2 Samuel and 1 Chronicles, providing insight into David's relationship with God and his role as a leader of Israel.Context and Background The construction of the altar by David is intricately linked to a moment of divine judgment and mercy. The narrative begins with David's decision to conduct a census of Israel, an act that displeased God. As a result, God sent a plague upon Israel as a form of judgment. Recognizing his sin, David sought to atone for his actions and intercede for his people. Location and Divine Instruction The site for the altar was divinely appointed. The angel of the Lord directed David to the threshing floor of Araunah the Jebusite. This location, situated on Mount Moriah, would later become the site of Solomon's Temple. In 2 Samuel 24:18, the prophet Gad instructs David, "Go up and build an altar to the LORD on the threshing floor of Araunah the Jebusite." Acquisition of the Site David's acquisition of the threshing floor is marked by his insistence on purchasing it at full price, demonstrating his commitment to offering a sacrifice that cost him something personally. In 2 Samuel 24:24, David declares, "I will not offer to the LORD my God burnt offerings that cost me nothing." This transaction underscores the principle of sacrificial giving and the sincerity of David's repentance. Construction and Sacrifice Upon acquiring the site, David built an altar to the Lord and offered burnt offerings and peace offerings. The account in 1 Chronicles 21:26 states, "David built an altar to the LORD there and offered burnt offerings and peace offerings. He called on the LORD, and He answered him with fire from heaven on the altar of burnt offering." This divine response affirmed God's acceptance of David's sacrifice and marked the cessation of the plague. Significance in Israel's Worship The altar built by David not only served as a means of atonement but also established a significant location for Israel's worship. The site on Mount Moriah, where God responded with fire from heaven, became a central place of worship for the Israelites. It foreshadowed the construction of the Temple by Solomon, David's son, which would become the permanent dwelling place for the Ark of the Covenant and the center of Israelite worship. Theological Implications The narrative of David's altar highlights themes of repentance, obedience, and divine mercy. David's actions demonstrate the importance of genuine repentance and the necessity of approaching God with a contrite heart. The divine response to David's sacrifice illustrates God's readiness to forgive and restore those who earnestly seek Him. In summary, the altar built by David is a pivotal moment in biblical history, reflecting the interplay between human responsibility and divine grace. It serves as a testament to the power of sincere worship and the enduring significance of sacred spaces in the life of God's people. Nave's Topical Index 2 Samuel 24:18,19And Gad came that day to David, and said to him, Go up, raise an altar to the LORD in the threshing floor of Araunah the Jebusite. Nave's Topical Index Library David's Sorrow. That when David had Numbered the People, they were Punished; and ... The Story of the Angel by the Altar How the Temple was Built While the Cutheans Endeavored in Vain to ... The Best of All, God is with Us Every Inch a King. How, Upon the Death of Solomon the People Forsook his Son Rehoboam ... Jerusalem The Building of the Golden House. Altar and Temple Resources Why was the altar in Joshua 22:10 34 such a big deal? | GotQuestions.orgWhat was the significance of the altar King Ahaz built? | GotQuestions.org Why is Gideon referred to as Jerubbaal? | GotQuestions.org Altar: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Altar in Solomon's Temple in Second Temple Altar in Solomon's Temple: Cleansed by Hezekiah Altar in Solomon's Temple: Description of Altar in Solomon's Temple: Ezekiel's Vision of Altar in Solomon's Temple: Furniture of, Taken to Babylon Altar in Solomon's Temple: Removed by Ahaz, and One of Idolatrous Fashion Substituted Altar in Solomon's Temple: Renewed by Asa Altar in Solomon's Temple: Repaired by Manasseh Altar in the Tabernacle: A Place of Refuge Altar in the Tabernacle: Constructed by Bezaleel Altar in the Tabernacle: Furniture of Altar in the Tabernacle: Horns of Altar in the Tabernacle: How Sanctified Altar in the Tabernacle: Location of Altar in the Tabernacle: Pattern of Altar in the Tabernacle: Sanctified Everything That Touched It Altar in the Tabernacle: Uses of the Horns Altar of Burnt offerings: Called Altar of God Altar of Burnt offerings: Called Altar of the Lord Altar of Burnt offerings: Called Brazen Altar Altar of Incense in Solomon's Temple Altar of Incense: A Cover Made For, of the Censers of Korah Altar of Incense: A Type of Christ Altar of Incense: Altar Before the Lord Altar of Incense: Altar of Sweet Incense Altar of Incense: Anointed With Holy Oil Altar of Incense: Atonement Made For, by the High Priest Once Every Year Altar of Incense: Called the Golden Altar Altar of Incense: Carried by Kohathites Altar of Incense: Covered by the Priest Before Removal from the Sanctuary Altar of Incense: Covered With Gold Altar of Incense: Dimensions of Altar of Incense: had Four Rings of Gold Under the Crown for the Staves Altar of Incense: How Prepared for Carrying Altar of Incense: No Strange Incense Nor Any Sacrifice to be offered On Altar of Incense: Placed Before the Vail in the Outer Sanctuary Altar of Incense: Punishment For: Offering Strange Fire On Altar of Incense: Punishment For: Unauthorised offering On Altar of Incense: Said to be Before the Lord Altar of Incense: Seen in John's Vision Altar of Incense: Staves of, Covered With Gold Altar of Incense: The Blood of all Sin offerings Put on the Horns of Altar of Incense: The Priest Burned Incense on Every Morning and Evening Altar of Incense: Top of, Surrounded With a Crown of Gold Altar used in Idolatrous Worship Altar: Built by the Reubenites and Gadites Altar: Mosaic Commandments Prescribing the Construction of The Altar of Burnt-Offering was Most Holy The Altar of Burnt-Offering: A Net-Working Grate of Brass Placed In The Altar of Burnt-Offering: A Type of Christ The Altar of Burnt-Offering: Ahaz Removed and Profaned The Altar of Burnt-Offering: All Gifts to be Presented At The Altar of Burnt-Offering: All Its Vessels of Brass The Altar of Burnt-Offering: All Sacrifices to be offered On The Altar of Burnt-Offering: Anointed and Sanctified With Holy Oil The Altar of Burnt-Offering: Called: The Altar of God The Altar of Burnt-Offering: Called: The Altar of the Lord The Altar of Burnt-Offering: Called: The Brazen Altar The Altar of Burnt-Offering: Cleansed and Purified With Blood The Altar of Burnt-Offering: Covered With Brass The Altar of Burnt-Offering: Dimensions of The Altar of Burnt-Offering: Furnished With Rings and Staves The Altar of Burnt-Offering: Horns on the Corners of The Altar of Burnt-Offering: Made After a Divine Pattern The Altar of Burnt-Offering: Nothing Polluted or Defective to be offered On The Altar of Burnt-Offering: Offering at the Dedication of The Altar of Burnt-Offering: Placed in the Court Before the Door of the Tabernacle The Altar of Burnt-Offering: Sacrifices Bound to the Horns of The Altar of Burnt-Offering: Sanctified by God The Altar of Burnt-Offering: Sanctified Whatever Touched It The Altar of Burnt-Offering: The Blood of Sacrifices Put on the Horns and Poured at The The Altar of Burnt-Offering: The Fire Upon was Continually Burning The Altar of Burnt-Offering: The Fire Upon: Came from Before the Lord The Altar of Burnt-Offering: The Fire Upon: Consumed the Sacrifices The Altar of Burnt-Offering: The Jews Condemned for Swearing Lightly By The Altar of Burnt-Offering: The Priests: Alone to Serve The Altar of Burnt-Offering: The Priests: Derived Support From Related Terms Burnt-sacrifice (13 Occurrences) Burnt-offering (205 Occurrences) Meat-offerings (10 Occurrences) |