Topical Encyclopedia The concept of the altar in the Tabernacle holds profound significance within the biblical narrative, serving as a central element in the worship and sacrificial system of ancient Israel. The altar, as described in the Pentateuch, was not only a place for offering sacrifices but also symbolized a place of refuge and divine encounter.Construction and Purpose The altar in the Tabernacle, specifically the bronze altar, was constructed according to the detailed instructions given by God to Moses on Mount Sinai. As recorded in Exodus 27:1-8, the altar was made of acacia wood and overlaid with bronze. It measured five cubits square and three cubits high, with horns on each of its four corners. The altar was placed in the courtyard of the Tabernacle and was used for burnt offerings, grain offerings, and peace offerings, among others. The primary purpose of the altar was to facilitate the sacrificial system, which was central to the covenant relationship between God and Israel. Sacrifices offered on the altar served as atonement for sin, expressions of thanksgiving, and acts of worship. Leviticus 17:11 underscores the significance of blood in the sacrificial system: "For the life of the flesh is in the blood, and I have given it to you on the altar to make atonement for your souls; for it is the blood that makes atonement by the life" . A Place of Refuge Beyond its role in the sacrificial system, the altar also functioned as a place of refuge. The horns of the altar, in particular, were seen as a place of asylum. In times of distress or danger, individuals could seek refuge by grasping the horns of the altar, symbolizing an appeal for divine protection and mercy. This practice is illustrated in the narrative of Adonijah and Joab, who sought sanctuary at the altar during times of political turmoil (1 Kings 1:50-53; 1 Kings 2:28-34). The altar's role as a place of refuge is deeply rooted in the understanding of God's justice and mercy. It reflects the belief that God is a refuge for the oppressed and a stronghold in times of trouble (Psalm 9:9). The altar, therefore, was not only a physical structure but also a symbol of God's presence and protection. Theological Significance Theologically, the altar in the Tabernacle prefigures the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, who is described in the New Testament as the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world (John 1:29). The sacrificial system, with the altar at its center, foreshadows the atoning work of Christ, who provides the ultimate refuge for humanity through His death and resurrection. In the book of Hebrews, the author draws a parallel between the sacrifices offered on the altar and the sacrifice of Christ, emphasizing the superiority of Christ's once-for-all sacrifice (Hebrews 10:10-14). The altar, therefore, serves as a typological precursor to the redemptive work of Christ, highlighting the continuity of God's plan of salvation throughout the biblical narrative. Conclusion The altar in the Tabernacle, as a place of refuge, embodies the intersection of divine justice and mercy. It serves as a powerful reminder of God's provision for atonement and His role as a protector and refuge for His people. Through the lens of the New Testament, the altar's significance is magnified in the person and work of Jesus Christ, who fulfills and transcends the sacrificial system of the Old Covenant. Nave's Topical Index Exodus 21:14But if a man come presumptuously on his neighbor, to slay him with guile; you shall take him from my altar, that he may die. Nave's Topical Index 1 Kings 1:50 1 Kings 2:28 Library The Horns of the Altar Jesus in the Garden of Olives. A Little Sanctuary The Second vision "In Heaven" Godly Fear and Its Goodly Consequence Hid in Light Ebenezer! Sundry Exhortations. On the Church The Welcome visitor Resources What is an altar? | GotQuestions.orgWhat was the brazen altar? | GotQuestions.org What was the significance of the altar of incense? | 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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