Topical Encyclopedia The concept of the altar holds significant importance throughout the biblical narrative, serving as a place of sacrifice, worship, and communion with God. Among the notable altars mentioned in the Scriptures is the altar built by Moses, which is a testament to God's covenant and His divine instructions to the Israelites.Biblical Context and Construction The altar built by Moses is primarily associated with the events at Mount Sinai, where God established His covenant with the Israelites after their exodus from Egypt. In Exodus 24:4, Moses is described as building an altar at the foot of the mountain: "And Moses wrote down all the words of the LORD. He got up early the next morning and built an altar at the base of the mountain and set up twelve pillars for the twelve tribes of Israel" . This altar was constructed as part of the covenant ceremony, symbolizing the people's commitment to the LORD and His laws. The altar at Mount Sinai was made of earth or uncut stones, as instructed by God in Exodus 20:24-25: "You are to make an altar of earth for Me and sacrifice on it your burnt offerings and peace offerings, your sheep and goats and cattle. In every place where I cause My name to be remembered, I will come to you and bless you. If you make an altar of stones for Me, you must not build it with cut stones, for if you use a chisel on it, you will defile it" . This directive emphasized the purity and simplicity required in worship, avoiding any human embellishment that might detract from the sanctity of the offering. Purpose and Significance The altar built by Moses served several key purposes. Primarily, it was a place for offering sacrifices to God, which were central to the Israelites' worship and atonement practices. The sacrifices made on this altar included burnt offerings and peace offerings, which were expressions of devotion, thanksgiving, and reconciliation with God. Moreover, the altar was a physical representation of the covenant between God and Israel. The twelve pillars set up alongside the altar symbolized the twelve tribes of Israel, underscoring the collective commitment of the nation to uphold the covenant. This act of building the altar and offering sacrifices was a reaffirmation of the Israelites' identity as God's chosen people and their dedication to His commandments. Theological Implications Theologically, the altar built by Moses highlights the importance of obedience and reverence in worship. By following God's specific instructions for the construction and use of the altar, the Israelites demonstrated their submission to His authority and their desire to maintain a right relationship with Him. The altar also foreshadows the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, who fulfilled the sacrificial system through His death and resurrection, providing a means for eternal reconciliation with God. In summary, the altar built by Moses is a profound symbol of covenant, worship, and divine presence. It reflects the foundational principles of faith, obedience, and community that are central to the biblical narrative and the life of the believer. Nave's Topical Index Exodus 17:15And Moses built an altar, and called the name of it Jehovahnissi: Nave's Topical Index Exodus 24:4 Library Concerning the Tabernacle which Moses Built in the Wilderness for ... The Altar on Mount Ebal. What is the Sanctuary? What is the Sanctuary? How the Temple was Built While the Cutheans Endeavored in Vain to ... Was Moses "A Literary Fiction"? The Friendship that was Between Onias and Ptolemy Philometor; and ... From Adam to Moses. Jehovah Nissi Following the Cloud. 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) |