Topical Bible: Altar: Mosaic Commandments Prescribing the Construction of

◄ Altar: Mosaic Commandments Prescribing the Construction of ►

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The concept of the altar holds a significant place in the religious and ceremonial life of ancient Israel, as prescribed in the Mosaic Law. The altar served as a sacred space where offerings and sacrifices were made to Yahweh, the God of Israel. The construction and use of altars are detailed in several passages within the Pentateuch, particularly in the books of Exodus, Leviticus, and Deuteronomy.

Exodus 20:24-26 provides the initial instructions for building an altar: "You are to make for Me an altar of earth 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. And you must not go up to My altar on steps, lest your nakedness be exposed on it."

These verses emphasize the simplicity and sanctity of the altar. The use of uncut stones signifies purity and a rejection of human craftsmanship in favor of divine creation. The prohibition against steps underscores the need for modesty and reverence in approaching the altar.

Exodus 27:1-8 provides further specifications for the construction of the altar of burnt offering, which was to be used in the Tabernacle: "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 at each of the four corners, so that the horns are of one piece with the altar, and overlay it with bronze. Make all its utensils of bronze—its pots to remove the ashes, its shovels, sprinkling bowls, meat forks, and firepans. Construct a grate of bronze mesh for it, and make a bronze ring at each of the four corners of the mesh. Set the grate beneath the ledge of the altar, so that it extends halfway up the altar. And make poles of acacia wood for the altar and overlay them with bronze. The poles are to be inserted into the rings, so that the poles are on two sides of the altar when it is carried. Construct the altar with boards so that it is hollow. It is to be made just as you were shown on the mountain."

This passage outlines the detailed craftsmanship required for the altar used in the Tabernacle, highlighting the use of acacia wood and bronze, materials that symbolize durability and strength. The inclusion of horns on the altar signifies power and salvation, while the bronze overlay and utensils indicate the altar's sacred function in the sacrificial system.

Leviticus 6:8-13 describes the perpetual fire on the altar: "The LORD said to Moses, 'Command Aaron and his sons: This is the law of the burnt offering. The burnt offering shall remain on the hearth on the altar all night until morning, and the fire must be kept burning on the altar. The priest is to put on his linen robe, with linen undergarments next to his body, and he shall remove the ashes of the burnt offering that the fire has consumed on the altar and place them beside it. Then he is to take off his garments, put on others, and carry the ashes outside the camp to a ceremonially clean place. The fire on the altar must be kept burning; it must not go out. Every morning the priest is to add wood to the fire, arrange the burnt offering on it, and burn the fat portions of the peace offerings on it. The fire must be kept burning on the altar continually; it must not be extinguished.'"

The perpetual fire symbolizes the continuous presence of God and the ongoing need for atonement and worship. The priests' role in maintaining the fire underscores their responsibility in mediating between God and the people.

Deuteronomy 27:5-6 reiterates the command for constructing an altar of uncut stones upon entering the Promised Land: "Moreover, you shall build there an altar to the LORD your God, an altar of stones. You must not use an iron tool on them. You shall build the altar of the LORD your God with uncut stones and offer burnt offerings on it to the LORD your God."

This command reinforces the earlier instructions given in Exodus, emphasizing the continuity of worship practices as the Israelites settle in the land God promised to their ancestors.

The Mosaic commandments regarding altars reflect a deep theological significance, emphasizing purity, divine presence, and the centrality of worship in the life of the covenant community.

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Exodus 20:24-26
An altar of earth you shall make to me, and shall sacrifice thereon your burnt offerings, and your peace offerings, your sheep, and your oxen: in all places where I record my name I will come to you, and I will bless you.
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Deuteronomy 27:5-7
And there shall you build an altar to the LORD your God, an altar of stones: you shall not lift up any iron tool on them.
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