Topical Encyclopedia The altar in the Tabernacle holds significant importance in the religious practices and theological understanding of ancient Israel as described in the Old Testament. It served as a central place for sacrifices and offerings, symbolizing the covenant relationship between God and His people. The altar's sanctifying power is a key aspect of its function, as it consecrated everything that came into contact with it.Biblical Description and Function The altar in the Tabernacle, specifically the bronze altar, was located in the courtyard and was used for burnt offerings, grain offerings, and peace offerings, among others. According to Exodus 27:1-8, the altar was constructed of acacia wood and overlaid with bronze, measuring five cubits square and three cubits high. It featured horns on its four corners, which were integral to its design and function. The primary purpose of the altar was to facilitate the sacrificial system instituted by God. Leviticus 1-7 provides detailed instructions on the various types of offerings and the procedures for presenting them. The altar was the place where the Israelites could atone for their sins, express gratitude, and seek fellowship with God. Sanctification Through Contact A distinctive feature of the altar was its ability to sanctify everything that touched it. This concept is rooted in the holiness of God and the sacredness of the altar as His designated place for offerings. Exodus 29:37 states, "For seven days you shall make atonement for the altar and consecrate it. Then the altar will be most holy; whatever touches the altar will be holy" . This verse underscores the transformative power of the altar, as it imparted holiness to objects and offerings that came into contact with it. The sanctification process was not merely symbolic but was a divine ordinance that emphasized the separation between the holy and the common. The altar's sanctifying power served as a constant reminder of God's holiness and the need for purity in worship. Theological Significance The sanctification of everything that touched the altar highlights several theological themes. First, it underscores the concept of holiness as central to the relationship between God and His people. The altar, as a holy object, required that all interactions with it be conducted with reverence and purity. Second, the altar's sanctifying power points to the necessity of atonement and purification in approaching God. The sacrificial system, with the altar at its center, foreshadowed the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, who, according to Christian theology, fulfilled the law and provided a means for eternal sanctification. Finally, the altar's role in sanctification reflects the broader biblical theme of God's desire to dwell among His people. The Tabernacle, with its altar, was a tangible expression of God's presence and His willingness to engage with humanity through prescribed means. In summary, the altar in the Tabernacle was not only a physical structure for sacrifices but also a profound symbol of God's holiness and the sanctification required for His people to maintain a covenant relationship with Him. Its ability to sanctify everything that touched it served as a powerful reminder of the transformative power of divine holiness. Nave's Topical Index Exodus 29:37Seven days you shall make an atonement for the altar, and sanctify it; and it shall be an altar most holy: whatever touches the altar shall be holy. Nave's Topical Index Exodus 30:29 Matthew 23:18,19 Library The True Christian Life Jesus in the Garden of Olives. All Fulness in Christ Christ the End of the Law Between the Two Appearings Ebenezer! Israel's Hope; Or, the Centre of the Target Godly Fear and Its Goodly Consequence Funeral Oration on the Great S. Basil, Bishop of C??sarea in ... The Saints' Privilege and Profit; Resources What does the Bible say about altar calls? Are altar calls biblical? | GotQuestions.orgWhat was the significance of the horns of the altar (Amos 3:14)? | GotQuestions.org Why was the fire in the altar to burn continuously (Leviticus 6:13)? | 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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