Topical Encyclopedia 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 Temple served as the central place of worship for the Israelites and housed various sacred furnishings, including the altar. The altar was a crucial element in the sacrificial system, serving as the site where offerings were made to Yahweh.Construction and Purpose The altar in Solomon's Temple was built according to divine specifications given to David and executed by Solomon. It was made of bronze and was situated in the Temple's courtyard. The altar was used for burnt offerings, grain offerings, and peace offerings, serving as a focal point for the Israelites' covenant relationship with God. The Berean Standard Bible describes the altar's construction in 2 Chronicles 4:1: "He made a bronze altar twenty cubits long, twenty cubits wide, and ten cubits high." Symbolism and Function The altar symbolized the Israelites' devotion and obedience to God, representing a place of atonement and reconciliation. It was where the priests performed sacrifices to atone for the sins of the people, seeking God's favor and forgiveness. The altar's central role in worship underscored the importance of sacrifice in maintaining the covenant relationship between God and His people. Destruction and Exile The Babylonian conquest of Jerusalem in 586 BC marked a devastating period for the Israelites, culminating in the destruction of Solomon's Temple. The Babylonians, under King Nebuchadnezzar, besieged Jerusalem, leading to the Temple's destruction and the exile of the Jewish people. During this conquest, the sacred furnishings of the Temple, including the altar, were taken to Babylon as spoils of war. The Berean Standard Bible records this event in 2 Kings 25:13-15: "Moreover, the Chaldeans broke into pieces the bronze pillars, the stands, and the bronze Sea in the house of the LORD, and they carried the bronze to Babylon. They also took away the pots, shovels, wick trimmers, dishes, and all the bronze articles used in the temple service. The captain of the guard took away the censers and sprinkling bowls—anything made of pure gold or fine silver." Significance of the Exile The removal of the altar and other Temple furnishings to Babylon was a profound loss for the Israelites, symbolizing the severance of their direct access to God through the Temple sacrifices. This event marked the beginning of the Babylonian Exile, a period of deep spiritual and cultural reflection for the Jewish people. The loss of the Temple and its altar underscored the consequences of Israel's disobedience and idolatry, as prophesied by the prophets. The exile also set the stage for the eventual return and rebuilding of the Temple under Zerubbabel, as recorded in the books of Ezra and Nehemiah. The restoration of the altar and the resumption of sacrifices were pivotal in re-establishing the covenant relationship between God and His people, highlighting the enduring significance of the altar in Israel's worship and identity. Nave's Topical Index 2 Kings 25:14And the pots, and the shovels, and the snuffers, and the spoons, and all the vessels of brass with which they ministered, took they away. Nave's Topical Index Library Book 8 Footnotes A Little Sanctuary Books of the Hebrew Canon. A Discourse Christian Churches. The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus Church Fabrics and Services. A Treatise of the Fear of God; Resources Why was the altar in Joshua 22:10 34 such a big deal? | GotQuestions.orgWhat was the significance of the altar King Ahaz built? | GotQuestions.org Why is Gideon referred to as Jerubbaal? | 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) |
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