The altar in the Tabernacle, as described in the Old Testament, holds significant importance in the worship and sacrificial system of ancient Israel. It served as the primary place where offerings and sacrifices were made to God, symbolizing atonement, worship, and communion with the Divine.

1. The Altar of Burnt Offering (Brazen Altar):

The Altar of Burnt Offering, also known as the Brazen Altar, was located in the courtyard of the Tabernacle. Constructed according to divine specifications given to Moses on Mount Sinai, it was made of acacia wood and overlaid with bronze (Exodus 27:1-2). Measuring five cubits square and three cubits high, it featured horns on its four corners, which were integral to its design and function (Exodus 27:2).

The altar was used for burnt offerings, grain offerings, and peace offerings, among others. The sacrifices made on this altar were central to the Israelites' covenant relationship with God, serving as a means of atonement for sin and a way to express devotion and thanksgiving. The fire on the altar was to be kept burning continually, symbolizing the perpetual worship and presence of God among His people (Leviticus 6:12-13).

2. The Altar of Incense:

Inside the Tabernacle, in the Holy Place, stood the Altar of Incense. This altar was also made of acacia wood and overlaid with pure gold, signifying its sacred purpose (Exodus 30:1-3). It was smaller than the Brazen Altar, measuring one cubit square and two cubits high, with horns on its corners as well.

The Altar of Incense was used for burning fragrant incense every morning and evening, coinciding with the lighting of the lamps (Exodus 30:7-8). The incense symbolized the prayers of the people ascending to God, and its perpetual burning represented the constant intercession and worship before the Lord.

3. Symbolism and Significance:

The altars in the Tabernacle were not merely functional but deeply symbolic. The Brazen Altar represented the need for atonement and the seriousness of sin, pointing to the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, who fulfilled the sacrificial system through His death on the cross (Hebrews 9:11-14). The Altar of Incense, on the other hand, symbolized the prayers and worship of the faithful, highlighting the importance of a continual relationship with God.

4. Rituals and Regulations:

The use of the altars was governed by strict regulations, as outlined in the Mosaic Law. Only the priests, descendants of Aaron, were permitted to offer sacrifices and burn incense (Leviticus 1:5-9, 16:12-13). The blood of the sacrifices was often applied to the horns of the altar, signifying purification and consecration (Exodus 29:12).

The altars were also anointed with oil, setting them apart as holy unto the Lord (Exodus 40:10). Any deviation from the prescribed rituals, such as offering unauthorized fire, was met with severe consequences, as seen in the account of Nadab and Abihu (Leviticus 10:1-2).

5. Theological Implications:

The altars in the Tabernacle underscore the holiness of God and the necessity of approaching Him on His terms. They illustrate the gravity of sin and the provision of grace through sacrifice. The altars also foreshadow the ultimate reconciliation between God and humanity through Jesus Christ, who is both the High Priest and the perfect sacrifice (Hebrews 10:10-12).

In summary, the altars in the Tabernacle were central to the worship and religious life of Israel, serving as tangible reminders of God's presence, holiness, and the means of atonement provided through sacrifice.Ezekiel 43:18-27
And he said to me, Son of man, thus said the Lord GOD; These are the ordinances of the altar in the day when they shall make it, to offer burnt offerings thereon, and to sprinkle blood thereon.
Nave's Topical Index

The Horns of the Altar
... way of salvation, he enquired, "What made you wish to see my brother ... COMING TO THE
SPIRITUAL ALTAR, AND LAYING OUR HAND UPON IT ... Joab came within the tabernacle. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 31 1885/the horns of the altar.htm

Book 4 Footnotes
... rather to occasional altars of any considerable altitude and largeness; as also
probably to Solomon's altar, to which ... See Lamy of the Tabernacle and Temple ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/book 4 footnotes.htm

The Mystic Meaning of the Tabernacle and Its Furniture.
... Chapter VI."The Mystic Meaning of the Tabernacle and Its ... were allowed to enter, was
situated the altar of incense ... "Cast your eyes round, and see," says Plato ...
/.../clement/the stromata or miscellanies/chapter vi the mystic meaning of.htm

Whether Sufficient Reason Can be Assigned for the Ceremonies ...
... an altar to burn incense, of setim wood ... As it was answered to Moses, when he was
to finish the tabernacle: See, says He, that thou make all things according to ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether sufficient reason can be.htm

On the Holy Eucharist
... as I have told you, and the other he places in the tabernacle in a ... of a watch"in
the gold or silver monstrance which you see on the altar at Benediction. ...
/.../kinkead/baltimore catechism no 4/lesson 22 on the holy.htm

He Maketh Me to Lie Down in Pastures of Tender Grass; He Leadeth ...
... to Him who sits upon the throne, "Behold, my Father, and see the price ... of our Shepherd's
love and care do not stop with the altar and with the tabernacle. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/callan/the shepherd of my soul/iv he maketh me to.htm

Psalm XLII.
... hearing, I am not greatly solicitous, since you see me also ... by which I was led on
through the tabernacle even to ... within an incense to place on the altar; I have ...
/.../augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm xlii.htm

The First Part
... For where did he see the altar openly, "and under it ... throne, unless that throne were
a temple or a tabernacle? ... the four horns of the golden altar" imply, which ...
//christianbookshelf.org/mede/a key to the apocalypse/the first part .htm

The Altar of Incense
... The Jewish Tabernacle, and subsequently the Temple, were arranged ... Once more, this
altar of incense teaches us that ... of flesh are glad when they see that their ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture k/the altar of incense.htm

The True Christian Life
... beloved is mine" until he has passed the altar of sacrifice ... The third division of
the tabernacle was the holy of ... holy of holies indeed; where we can see him and ...
//christianbookshelf.org/chapman/and judas iscariot/the true christian life.htm

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