Topical Bible: Altar in Solomon's Temple: Ezekiel's Vision of

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The altar in Solomon's Temple holds significant importance in the biblical narrative, serving as the central place for sacrifices and offerings to Yahweh. In the context of Ezekiel's vision, the altar takes on a renewed symbolic and prophetic dimension, reflecting God's future plans for His people.

Solomon's Temple and the Altar

Solomon's Temple, also known as the First Temple, was constructed in Jerusalem during the reign of King Solomon, around the 10th century BC. The altar within this temple was a key element of Israelite worship, where priests offered sacrifices in accordance with the Mosaic Law. The altar was made of bronze and was situated in the temple's courtyard, serving as the focal point for burnt offerings and other sacrifices (1 Kings 8:64).

Ezekiel's Vision

Ezekiel, a prophet during the Babylonian exile, received a series of visions concerning the future restoration of Israel. In chapters 40-48 of the Book of Ezekiel, he describes a detailed vision of a new temple, which includes a new altar. This vision is often interpreted as a prophetic blueprint for a future temple, symbolizing God's enduring covenant with His people and the ultimate restoration of true worship.

Description of the Altar in Ezekiel's Vision

Ezekiel's vision of the altar is detailed in Ezekiel 43:13-17. The altar is described with precise measurements and features, emphasizing its importance and sanctity. According to the Berean Standard Bible, the altar's dimensions are given as follows: "These are the measurements of the altar in cubits (the cubit being a cubit and a handbreadth): Its base is a cubit high and a cubit wide, with a rim of one span around its edge. This is the height of the altar: From the base on the ground to the lower ledge, it is two cubits high, and the width is one cubit; from the smaller ledge to the larger ledge, it is four cubits high, and the width is one cubit."

The altar's design in Ezekiel's vision is distinct from that of Solomon's Temple, suggesting a new order of worship and a renewed relationship between God and His people. The altar's prominence in the vision underscores the centrality of atonement and reconciliation in the worship of Yahweh.

Symbolic and Theological Significance

Ezekiel's vision of the altar is rich with symbolic meaning. It represents the hope of restoration and the reestablishment of proper worship after the destruction of the First Temple and the subsequent exile. The detailed description of the altar signifies God's attention to holiness and order in worship, reflecting His desire for a pure and devoted relationship with His people.

Furthermore, the vision of the altar can be seen as a foreshadowing of the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, who fulfills the sacrificial system through His atoning death on the cross. In this light, the altar in Ezekiel's vision points to the future Messianic age, where true worship is restored through Christ's redemptive work.

Conclusion

Ezekiel's vision of the altar in the future temple serves as a powerful reminder of God's faithfulness and the promise of restoration. It highlights the importance of worship, sacrifice, and holiness in the life of God's people, pointing ultimately to the fulfillment of these themes in the person and work of Jesus Christ.

Nave's Topical Index

Ezekiel 43:13-27
And these are the measures of the altar after the cubits: The cubit is a cubit and an hand breadth; even the bottom shall be a cubit, and the breadth a cubit, and the border thereof by the edge thereof round about shall be a span: and this shall be the higher place of the altar.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

The Greater Prophets.
... the existence of the temple and altar at Jerusalem ... as a mere prophecy of the rebuilding
of Solomon's temple with the ... and the rebuilding of the temple and city ...
/.../barrows/companion to the bible/chapter xxii the greater prophets.htm

The Holy City; Or, the New Jerusalem:
... answereth to Jerusalem in the days of Solomon; her second ... shall be like the bowls
before the altar, and every ... saw come to measure the city and temple, had in ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the holy city or the.htm

A Clearing-Up Storm in the Realm
... power, with many subject nations, in Solomon's time. ... astonishing act of blasphemy
in the temple in Jerusalem ... before the throne, where John sees a golden altar. ...
/.../vi a clearing-up storm in the.htm

An Exposition on the First Ten Chapters of Genesis, and Part of ...
... Truly the light is good (saith Solomon) and a pleasant ... till iniquity was found in
thee" (Ezekiel 28:13 ... descended from the pinnacle of the temple, as afterwards ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/an exposition on the first.htm