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 in Jerusalem became the central place of worship for the Israelites, housing the altar where sacrifices were offered to Yahweh. This altar was a focal point for the sacrificial system established by the Mosaic Law, serving as a place for burnt offerings, peace offerings, and other sacrifices as prescribed in the Torah.Historical Context Solomon's Temple, also known as the First Temple, was completed in the 10th century BC and stood as a symbol of Israel's covenant with God. The altar within the Temple was made of bronze and was used for the daily sacrifices that were integral to the religious life of the nation. However, over the centuries, the spiritual fidelity of the Israelites fluctuated, leading to periods of idolatry and neglect of the Temple's sacred practices. Manasseh's Apostasy and Reforms King Manasseh, who reigned over Judah from approximately 697 to 642 BC, is often remembered for his initial apostasy. According to 2 Kings 21 and 2 Chronicles 33, Manasseh led Judah into idolatry, erecting altars to Baal, Asherah, and other foreign deities within the Temple itself. This period marked a significant departure from the worship of Yahweh, as Manasseh's actions provoked the Lord's anger. Despite his early transgressions, Manasseh's account takes a redemptive turn. After being taken captive by the Assyrians, Manasseh repented and sought the Lord's favor. Upon his return to Jerusalem, he initiated a series of religious reforms. As recorded in 2 Chronicles 33:15-16 , "He removed the foreign gods and the idol from the house of the LORD, along with all the altars he had built on the mountain of the house of the LORD and in Jerusalem, and he dumped them outside the city. Then he restored the altar of the LORD and sacrificed peace offerings and thank offerings on it, and he told Judah to serve the LORD, the God of Israel." Significance of the Repair The repair of the altar by Manasseh signifies a return to the covenantal worship of Yahweh and a rejection of idolatry. By restoring the altar, Manasseh not only sought to atone for his previous sins but also to re-establish the proper worship practices that had been neglected. This act of restoration was a public declaration of his repentance and a call for the nation to return to the worship of the one true God. Manasseh's repair of the altar underscores the theme of repentance and restoration that runs throughout the biblical narrative. It highlights the mercy and forgiveness of God, who is willing to restore those who turn back to Him with a contrite heart. The altar, once defiled by idolatry, was cleansed and reinstated as the center of sacrificial worship, symbolizing the renewal of the covenant relationship between God and His people. Theological Implications From a theological perspective, the repair of the altar by Manasseh serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of true worship and the dangers of idolatry. It illustrates the necessity of maintaining the purity of worship and the centrality of the altar in the life of Israel. The altar's restoration is a testament to God's enduring faithfulness and His desire for His people to worship Him in spirit and truth. In conclusion, the altar in Solomon's Temple, repaired by Manasseh, stands as a testament to the transformative power of repentance and the enduring significance of covenantal worship in the life of God's people. Nave's Topical Index 2 Chronicles 33:16And he repaired the altar of the LORD, and sacrificed thereon peace offerings and thank offerings, and commanded Judah to serve the LORD God of Israel. Nave's Topical Index Library Hezekiah The Greater Prophets. The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus The Holy City; Or, the New Jerusalem: 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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