Topical Encyclopedia
In the biblical narrative, priests hold a significant role in the religious and communal life of Israel, particularly in the restoration of the altar and the offering of sacrifices. These acts are central to the worship and covenant relationship between God and His people.
Restoration of the AltarThe altar is a sacred structure where sacrifices are offered to God, symbolizing atonement, worship, and communion with the Divine. Throughout the Old Testament, the restoration of the altar is a recurring theme, especially during times of religious reform or renewal.
1.
Elijah on Mount Carmel: In
1 Kings 18, the prophet Elijah restores the altar of the Lord that had been torn down. He uses twelve stones, representing the twelve tribes of Israel, to rebuild it. This act precedes the dramatic demonstration of God's power in consuming the sacrifice with fire from heaven. Elijah's restoration of the altar signifies a call back to covenant faithfulness and the rejection of idolatry.
"Then Elijah said to all the people, 'Come here to me.' So they came to him, and he repaired the altar of the LORD that had been torn down." (1 Kings 18:30)
2. Ezra and the Return from Exile: After the Babylonian exile, the returning exiles, led by Jeshua and Zerubbabel, rebuild the altar of the God of Israel to offer burnt offerings as prescribed in the Law of Moses. This restoration marks the re-establishment of proper worship and the community's dedication to God.
"Then Jeshua son of Jozadak and his fellow priests, along with Zerubbabel son of Shealtiel and his associates, began to build the altar of the God of Israel to offer burnt offerings on it, as it is written in the Law of Moses the man of God." (Ezra 3:2)
Offering of Sacrifices
The offering of sacrifices is a central duty of the priesthood, serving as a means of atonement, thanksgiving, and worship. Sacrifices are meticulously detailed in the Mosaic Law, with specific instructions for various types of offerings.
1. Daily Sacrifices: Priests are responsible for the daily offerings, which include the morning and evening sacrifices. These regular offerings maintain the covenant relationship and symbolize the continual need for atonement and divine favor.
"This is what you are to offer on the altar regularly each day: two lambs that are a year old. Offer one lamb in the morning and the other at twilight." (Exodus 29:38-39)
2. Yom Kippur (Day of Atonement): On this most sacred day, the high priest enters the Holy of Holies to offer sacrifices for the atonement of the people's sins. This annual ritual underscores the gravity of sin and the necessity of divine forgiveness.
"He shall then slaughter the goat for the sin offering for the people and take its blood behind the veil. He is to do with this blood as he did with the blood of the bull, sprinkling it on the mercy seat and in front of it." (Leviticus 16:15)
3. Restoration under King Hezekiah: In a time of national apostasy, King Hezekiah restores temple worship, including the offering of sacrifices. The priests and Levites are reinstituted in their roles, and the nation is called back to faithfulness.
"They brought seven bulls, seven rams, seven lambs, and seven male goats as a sin offering for the kingdom, for the sanctuary, and for Judah. And the king commanded the priests, the descendants of Aaron, to offer them on the altar of the LORD." (2 Chronicles 29:21)
The restoration of the altar and the offering of sacrifices are pivotal acts that reflect the heart of Israel's worship and the priestly function. These acts are not merely ritualistic but are deeply symbolic of the nation's relationship with God, emphasizing themes of repentance, renewal, and divine grace.Nave's Topical Index
Ezra 3:1-7
And when the seventh month was come, and the children of Israel were in the cities, the people gathered themselves together as one man to Jerusalem.
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The Sibylline Oracles.
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in orthodox language, which ... His words concerning the Cross have continually ...
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Resources
Why were the people guilty for a priest's sin? | GotQuestions.orgWhat was the significance of the anointed priest? | GotQuestions.orgWhy did God restrict the age that a priest could serve (Numbers 8:24 26)? | GotQuestions.orgPriest: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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