In biblical times, stones played a significant role in the construction of altars, serving as a means of worship and sacrifice to God. The use of stones in altar construction is deeply rooted in the traditions and commands found throughout the Scriptures. These altars were often erected to commemorate divine encounters, mark significant events, or offer sacrifices to the Lord.

Biblical Instructions and Examples

The use of uncut stones in altar construction is explicitly commanded in the Bible. In Exodus 20:25, God instructs the Israelites, "But if you make an altar of stones for Me, you must not build it with cut stones; for if you use a chisel on it, you will defile it." This command underscores the importance of using natural, unaltered stones, symbolizing purity and the divine creation untouched by human hands.

One of the earliest examples of an altar built with stones is found in Genesis 8:20, where Noah, after the flood, "built an altar to the LORD. He took of every clean animal and every clean bird, and offered burnt offerings on the altar." Although the specific materials are not detailed, it is understood that stones would have been used, as was customary in ancient practices.

In Genesis 12:7, Abram (later Abraham) built an altar to the Lord who appeared to him, marking the land promised to his descendants. Similarly, in Genesis 28:18, Jacob set up a stone pillar at Bethel, anointing it with oil after his vision of the ladder reaching to heaven. This stone pillar served as a memorial and a place of worship.

Significance and Symbolism

Stones used in altars carry rich symbolism. They represent permanence, strength, and the enduring nature of God's covenant with His people. The uncut stones signify the purity and holiness required in worship, as human alteration could symbolize imperfection or defilement.

In Joshua 4:20-24, twelve stones taken from the Jordan River were set up at Gilgal as a memorial to the miraculous crossing. These stones served as a tangible reminder of God's faithfulness and power, intended to provoke questions from future generations and provide opportunities to recount God's mighty acts.

Cultural and Historical Context

In the ancient Near East, stone altars were common in various religious practices. However, the biblical mandate for uncut stones set Israelite worship apart, emphasizing a direct and unadulterated relationship with God. This practice distinguished the Israelites from surrounding nations, who often used elaborate and ornate altars in their idolatrous worship.

New Testament Reflection

While the New Testament does not focus on physical altars made of stone, the concept of spiritual altars is present. Believers are encouraged to offer themselves as "living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God" (Romans 12:1). This spiritual application reflects the heart of worship that transcends physical structures, focusing on the inner transformation and dedication to God.

In summary, stones used in building altars in the Bible are rich in meaning and purpose, serving as a testament to God's presence, promises, and the call to pure worship. These altars, constructed with uncut stones, highlight the importance of approaching God with reverence and authenticity, free from human alteration.Joshua 8:31
As Moses the servant of the LORD commanded the children of Israel, as it is written in the book of the law of Moses, an altar of whole stones, over which no man has lift up any iron: and they offered thereon burnt offerings to the LORD, and sacrificed peace offerings.
Nave's Topical Index

Christian Churches.
... bones were put aside in a corner of the building, and the coffin was used as a ... When
we consider that the building-materials"stones, bricks, timber ...
/.../lanciani/pagan and christian rome/chapter iii christian churches.htm

The Eighteenth Theban Dynasty --(Continued)
... of many-coloured plumage, goldsmiths'work*** and precious stones, of which ... and 1825
they were destroyed, and the materials used for building barracks and ...
/.../chapter ithe eighteenth theban dynastycontinued.htm

The Third Book
... are strengthened by the sacred treasures used in their ... houses without tearing apart
their stones and mortar ... assume the permanence of a building whose strength ...
//christianbookshelf.org/salvian/on the government of god/the third book.htm

Imperial Tombs.
... two days and one night, while boys pelted it with stones. ... with gold, the same that
he had used on his ... The architecture of the building, so similar to the tomb ...
/.../lanciani/pagan and christian rome/chapter iv imperial tombs.htm

Covenanting According to the Purposes of God.
... to the firmness or security of a building, his word ... It is used in original of the
passage, "He gave ... appointed, He says, "Ye also, as lively stones, are built up ...
/.../the ordinance of covenanting/chapter viii covenanting according to.htm

Letter Xci. (AD 408. )
... went on dancing in front of the building,"an outrage ... the attack for the third time
with stones, and at ... soothe the indignant among our people, I used all my ...
/.../augustine/the confessions and letters of st/letter xci a d 408.htm

Whether Sufficient Reason Can be Assigned for the Ceremonies ...
... or at least "not of hewn stones"; and again ... and our neighbor." The coverings of the
building designate prelates ... avoid the worship of idolaters who used to offer ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether sufficient reason can be.htm

The Death of the Blessed virgin Mary at Ephesus
... use) to be set up against the wall and used at the ... and above, on the top of the rock,
a building like a ... set up in the hollow on the various stones by means of ...
/.../emmerich/the life of the blessed virgin mary/xviii the death of the.htm

The Teaching of Add??us the Apostle.
... other work beside the ministry; and whatsoever is required by thee for the expenses
of the building I myself ... And those who used to worship stones and stocks ...
/.../unknown/the decretals/ancient syriac documents the teaching.htm

Pagan Shrines and Temples.
... marble, lying on a platform of squared stones, which were ... The others were used by
Vincenzo de Rossi to carve ... entablature were found: but as the building was so ...
/.../lanciani/pagan and christian rome/chapter ii pagan shrines and.htm

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