Topical Encyclopedia The Altar of Burnt Offerings, also known as the Altar of the Lord, holds significant importance in the religious practices and rituals of ancient Israel as described in the Old Testament. This altar was a central feature of the Tabernacle and later the Temple, serving as the primary location for sacrifices and offerings to Yahweh.Biblical Description and Construction The instructions for constructing the Altar of Burnt Offerings are detailed in the Book of Exodus. According to Exodus 27:1-2 , "You are to construct the altar of acacia wood, five cubits long and five cubits wide; the altar is to be square, and three cubits high. Make a horn at each of the four corners, so that the horns and the altar are of one piece, and overlay the altar with bronze." This description emphasizes the altar's square shape and the use of durable materials, signifying its sacred purpose and the permanence of its role in worship. The altar was placed in the courtyard of the Tabernacle, accessible to the priests who performed the sacrificial rites. It was constructed with a grating, a network of bronze, and had rings and poles for transport, allowing it to be moved as the Israelites journeyed through the wilderness (Exodus 27:3-7). Function and Significance The primary function of the Altar of Burnt Offerings was to facilitate the sacrificial system instituted by God. Leviticus 1:9 states, "The priest is to burn all of it on the altar as a burnt offering, an offering made by fire, a pleasing aroma to the LORD." This verse highlights the altar's role in offerings that were wholly consumed by fire, symbolizing complete devotion and atonement for sin. The altar was also a place of consecration and purification. In Leviticus 8:15 , during the consecration of Aaron and his sons, Moses "slaughtered the bull and took some of the blood, and with his finger he put it on all the horns of the altar to purify the altar." This act of applying blood to the altar underscored its sanctity and the necessity of purification before approaching God. Symbolism and Theological Implications The Altar of Burnt Offerings symbolizes the need for atonement and reconciliation with God. It served as a constant reminder of the seriousness of sin and the cost of forgiveness. The sacrifices offered on the altar pointed forward to the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, who, according to Christian theology, fulfilled the sacrificial system through His death on the cross. The altar also represents the concept of substitutionary atonement, where the life of the animal was given in place of the sinner. This principle is foundational to the understanding of redemption and grace within the biblical narrative. Historical Context and Legacy Throughout Israel's history, the Altar of Burnt Offerings remained a focal point of worship. It was central to the religious life of the nation, from the time of the Tabernacle in the wilderness to the First and Second Temples in Jerusalem. The altar's presence underscored the covenant relationship between God and His people, serving as a tangible expression of divine law and mercy. In the New Testament, the imagery of the altar is carried forward, with references to Christ's sacrificial work and the call for believers to offer themselves as "living sacrifices" (Romans 12:1). The Altar of Burnt Offerings thus continues to hold theological significance, reflecting the continuity of God's redemptive plan throughout Scripture. Nave's Topical Index Malachi 2:13And this have you done again, covering the altar of the LORD with tears, with weeping, and with crying out, so that he regards not the offering any more, or receives it with good will at your hand. Nave's Topical Index Library Altar and Temple Sacrifice Renewed The Burnt Offering a Picture and a Prophecy Following the Cloud. March 20 Evening The Best of All, God is with Us The Day of Atonement The Building of the Golden House. Praises and Vows Accepted in Zion One Worker Preparing for Another 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) |
    |