Topical Bible: Altar in Solomon's Temple: Cleansed by Hezekiah

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The altar in Solomon's Temple holds significant importance in the history of Israel's worship practices. Constructed under the reign of King Solomon, the altar was central to the sacrificial system established by the Mosaic Law. It was located in the inner court of the Temple, serving as the primary site for burnt offerings and sacrifices to Yahweh, the God of Israel.

Historical Context

Solomon's Temple, also known as the First Temple, was completed around 957 BC and stood as the spiritual heart of Israel until its destruction by the Babylonians in 586 BC. The altar within the Temple was a place where the Israelites could offer sacrifices for atonement, thanksgiving, and worship, as prescribed in the Torah.

Hezekiah's Reforms

King Hezekiah, who reigned from approximately 715 to 686 BC, is noted for his religious reforms and efforts to restore proper worship in Judah. His reign followed that of his father, King Ahaz, who had led the nation into idolatry and neglect of the Temple. Hezekiah's reforms are detailed in 2 Chronicles 29-31, where he is depicted as a king who sought to return Judah to the worship of Yahweh.

Cleansing of the Altar

Upon ascending to the throne, Hezekiah immediately set out to cleanse and restore the Temple, which had been desecrated and neglected during his father's reign. In 2 Chronicles 29:3-5 , it is recorded: "In the first month of the first year of his reign, Hezekiah opened the doors of the house of the LORD and repaired them. Then he brought in the priests and Levites, gathered them in the square on the east side, and said to them, 'Listen to me, Levites. Consecrate yourselves now and consecrate the house of the LORD, the God of your fathers. Remove all the defilement from the sanctuary.'"

The cleansing of the altar was a critical component of Hezekiah's reforms. The altar had been defiled by idolatrous practices, and its purification was necessary to restore the proper worship of Yahweh. Hezekiah's actions were in accordance with the covenantal laws that required the sanctification of sacred spaces and objects used in worship.

Restoration of Sacrificial Worship

Following the cleansing, Hezekiah reinstituted the sacrificial system as outlined in the Law of Moses. 2 Chronicles 29:20-24 describes the reestablishment of sacrifices: "Early the next morning King Hezekiah gathered the city officials and went up to the house of the LORD. They brought seven bulls, seven rams, seven lambs, and seven male goats as a sin offering for the kingdom, for the sanctuary, and for Judah. And he commanded the priests, the descendants of Aaron, to offer them on the altar of the LORD."

The restoration of the altar and the sacrificial system signified a return to covenant faithfulness and a rejection of the idolatrous practices that had plagued Judah. Hezekiah's reforms were marked by a renewed emphasis on the Law and the centrality of the Temple in the life of the nation.

Significance

The cleansing of the altar by Hezekiah is a testament to the importance of purity and obedience in worship. It underscores the necessity of aligning religious practices with divine commandments and serves as a reminder of the consequences of neglecting the worship of the one true God. Hezekiah's actions reflect a commitment to restoring the spiritual integrity of the nation and reaffirming the covenant relationship between God and His people.

Nave's Topical Index

2 Chronicles 29:18-24
Then they went in to Hezekiah the king, and said, We have cleansed all the house of the LORD, and the altar of burnt offering, with all the vessels thereof, and the show bread table, with all the vessels thereof.
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Library

Appendix xii. The Baptism of Proselytes
... a he offers upon the heavenly Altar; according to ... in the construction of the Temple,
Solomon was anxious ... recognise, whether Ashmedai was really Solomon, or not ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/appendix xii the baptism of.htm

A Treatise of the Fear of God;
... fear will I worship toward thy holy temple" (Psalm 5 ... to offer false fire upon God's
altar, and the ... of the destroyer" (Psalm 17:4). Therefore Solomon saith, "My ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/a treatise of the fear.htm