Topical Encyclopedia The altar built by Samuel holds significant importance in the biblical narrative, reflecting his role as a prophet, judge, and leader in Israel. Samuel, a pivotal figure in the transition from the period of the judges to the establishment of the monarchy, is noted for his deep commitment to God and his leadership in guiding Israel back to faithfulness.Context and Purpose The construction of the altar by Samuel is recorded in 1 Samuel 7. This event occurs after the Israelites had suffered under Philistine oppression and had strayed from their covenantal relationship with God. Samuel called the people to repentance and a return to the Lord, emphasizing the need for spiritual renewal and dedication. Biblical Account In 1 Samuel 7:3-4 , Samuel addresses the Israelites, saying, "If you are returning to the LORD with all your hearts, then rid yourselves of the foreign gods and the Ashtoreths and commit yourselves to the LORD and serve Him only. Then He will deliver you out of the hand of the Philistines." The people responded by removing the idols and serving the Lord alone. Samuel then gathered all Israel at Mizpah, where he interceded for them. In 1 Samuel 7:9-10 , it is recorded, "Then Samuel took a suckling lamb and offered it as a whole burnt offering to the LORD. He cried out to the LORD on behalf of Israel, and the LORD answered him. While Samuel was offering the burnt offering, the Philistines drew near to fight against Israel. But that day the LORD thundered loudly against the Philistines and threw them into such confusion that they fled before Israel." Significance of the Altar The altar built by Samuel at Mizpah served as a tangible symbol of Israel's renewed commitment to God. It was a place of sacrifice, prayer, and divine intervention. The offering of the lamb and Samuel's intercession were pivotal in securing God's favor and deliverance from the Philistines. The altar thus represents a turning point where Israel experienced God's power and protection in response to their repentance and Samuel's faithful leadership. Legacy and Impact Samuel's altar at Mizpah is a testament to the power of sincere repentance and the importance of spiritual leadership. It underscores the biblical principle that God responds to the heartfelt prayers and sacrifices of His people. Samuel's actions at the altar not only brought immediate deliverance but also set the stage for a period of peace and stability in Israel, as noted in 1 Samuel 7:13 : "So the Philistines were subdued and did not invade the territory of Israel again. And the hand of the LORD was against the Philistines all the days of Samuel." The altar built by Samuel remains a powerful reminder of the need for faithfulness to God and the blessings that follow when His people turn to Him with sincere hearts. Nave's Topical Index 1 Samuel 7:17And his return was to Ramah; for there was his house; and there he judged Israel; and there he built an altar to the LORD. Nave's Topical Index Library Samuel, the Child of Prayer Home Dedication. How the Philistines Made Another Expedition against the Hebrews ... Appendix D. Chapter xxxv Ezra-Nehemiah Book 4 Footnotes Chapter xxii Instances from Scripture of Divine Judgments Upon the Self ... Abraham's Four Surrenders Resources What does the Bible say about altar calls? Are altar calls biblical? | GotQuestions.orgWhat was the significance of the horns of the altar (Amos 3:14)? | GotQuestions.org Why was the fire in the altar to burn continuously (Leviticus 6:13)? | 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) |
    |