The altar in Solomon's Temple, also known as the First Temple, holds significant importance in biblical history and worship practices. Constructed under the reign of King Solomon, the Temple was completed around 957 BC and served as the central place of worship for the Israelites in Jerusalem. The altar, specifically the bronze altar, was a key feature of the Temple's design and functioned as the primary site for sacrifices and offerings to Yahweh.

Design and Construction

The altar in Solomon's Temple was situated in the courtyard, directly in front of the Temple entrance. According to the biblical account in 2 Chronicles 4:1, "He made a bronze altar twenty cubits long, twenty cubits wide, and ten cubits high." This description indicates that the altar was a large, square structure, measuring approximately 30 feet in length and width, and 15 feet in height, based on the standard cubit measurement of 18 inches.

The altar was constructed of bronze, a metal known for its durability and resistance to heat, which was essential for the continuous burning of sacrifices. The use of bronze also symbolized strength and endurance, reflecting the enduring covenant between God and His people.

Function and Significance

The primary function of the altar was for the offering of sacrifices, which were central to the worship practices of ancient Israel. These sacrifices included burnt offerings, peace offerings, sin offerings, and guilt offerings, each serving a specific purpose in the religious life of the Israelites. The altar was the place where the priests, descendants of Aaron, performed these sacrificial rites on behalf of the people.

The altar's significance extended beyond its physical structure; it represented the means by which the Israelites could approach God, seek atonement for their sins, and express their devotion and gratitude. The sacrificial system was a foreshadowing of the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, as understood in Christian theology, who is seen as the fulfillment of the Old Testament sacrificial system.

Biblical References

The construction and use of the altar are detailed in several biblical passages. In addition to 2 Chronicles 4:1, 1 Kings 8:22-64 describes Solomon's dedication of the Temple, during which numerous sacrifices were offered on the altar. This event underscores the altar's role as a focal point of worship and divine encounter.

The altar's design and function were in accordance with the instructions given to Moses for the construction of the Tabernacle's altar, as recorded in Exodus 27:1-8. This continuity highlights the altar's enduring role in Israelite worship from the wilderness period through the establishment of the Temple in Jerusalem.

Theological Implications

The altar in Solomon's Temple is a profound symbol of the covenant relationship between God and Israel. It served as a tangible reminder of God's presence and the need for holiness and atonement. The sacrifices offered on the altar were a means of maintaining the covenant and ensuring the people's right standing before God.

In the broader biblical narrative, the altar points to the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, who, according to Christian belief, fulfilled the sacrificial system and provided a once-for-all atonement for sin. The altar, therefore, is not only a historical artifact but also a theological symbol of redemption and reconciliation with God.2 Chronicles 4:1
Moreover he made an altar of brass, twenty cubits the length thereof, and twenty cubits the breadth thereof, and ten cubits the height thereof.
Nave's Topical Index

Solomon's Temple Spiritualized
... Upon this altar Solomon, at the dedication of the temple, offered thousands, both
of oxen and of sheep, to signify, surely, the abundant worth and richness ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/solomons temple spiritualized.htm

Book 8 Footnotes
... a man come presumptuously upon his neighbor to slay him with guile, thou shalt take
him from mine altar that he ... [7] Of the temple of Solomon here described ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/book 8 footnotes.htm

At the Feast of the Dedication of the Temple.
... designated as the Dedication of the Altar.' [4382] Josephus ... That He Who purified
the Temple, was its True ... Jesus spake to the people in Solomon's Porch.' There ...
/.../edersheim/the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter xiv at the feast.htm

The Struggler;
... Solomon's Temple Spiritualized, [1688] 43 ... A description of Antichirst ... if an angel
or an apostle had touched their souls with a coal of holy fire from the altar. ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the struggler.htm

In the House of his Heavenly, and in the Home of his Earthly ...
... Passing along the eastern colonnade, or Solomon's Porch, we would ... bounded by the
wall of the Temple-buildings in ... Priests, in which were the great Altar and the ...
/.../edersheim/the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter x in the house.htm

The Greater Prophets.
... the existence of the temple and altar at Jerusalem ... prophecy of the rebuilding of
Solomon's temple with the ... Several particulars in the description make it plain ...
/.../barrows/companion to the bible/chapter xxii the greater prophets.htm

Kings
... treatment accorded to the reign of Solomon, who founded ... and to the description of
the temple itself (1 ... in the exclusive rights of Jerusalem, the altar on Carmel ...
//christianbookshelf.org/mcfadyen/introduction to the old testament/kings.htm

Book 5 Footnotes
... I look upon this erection of a new altar by Saul ... and silver expended in the building
of Solomon's temple, and whence it arose, see the description of ch ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/book 5 footnotes.htm

The Immaculate Conception
... the account of the consecration of Solomon's Temple as festival ... as he prayed, laid
her in the cradle on the altar. ... they had no other in their temple.' This is ...
/.../emmerich/the life of the blessed virgin mary/ii the immaculate conception.htm

The Great Slaughters and Sacrilege that were in Jerusalem.
... was slain "between the temple and the altar" several months ... was quite too little
for the temple, and that ... only one cloister or court of Solomon's building, and ...
/.../chapter 13 the great slaughters.htm

What is an altar? | GotQuestions.org

What was the brazen altar? | GotQuestions.org

What was the significance of the altar of incense? | GotQuestions.org

Altar: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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