Bronze Altar

The Bronze Altar, also known as the Altar of Burnt Offering, was a central fixture in the Tabernacle and later in the Temple, serving as the primary location for sacrifices in ancient Israelite worship. It was constructed according to the divine instructions given to Moses on Mount Sinai, as recorded in the Book of Exodus. The altar was made of acacia wood and overlaid with bronze, measuring five cubits long and five cubits wide, and standing three cubits high (Exodus 27:1-2). It was equipped with horns on its four corners, which were also overlaid with bronze, and it featured a grating, a network of bronze, under its ledge (Exodus 27:3-5).

The altar was situated in the courtyard of the Tabernacle, symbolizing the need for atonement and purification before entering the presence of God. It was the first object encountered upon entering the courtyard, signifying the foundational role of sacrifice in the covenant relationship between God and His people.

Sacrifices

The sacrificial system was a divinely instituted means for the Israelites to maintain a right relationship with God. It served as a constant reminder of the holiness of God, the sinfulness of humanity, and the necessity of atonement. The sacrifices offered on the Bronze Altar were varied, each with specific purposes and regulations.

1. Burnt Offering (Olah): The burnt offering was a voluntary act of worship, symbolizing the complete surrender to God. It involved the entire animal being consumed by fire on the altar, representing total dedication and atonement for sin (Leviticus 1:3-9).

2. Grain Offering (Minchah): This offering consisted of fine flour, oil, and frankincense, and was a gift to God, symbolizing thanksgiving and recognition of His provision. A portion was burned on the altar, while the remainder was given to the priests (Leviticus 2:1-3).

3. Peace Offering (Zebach Shelamim): The peace offering was a communal meal shared between the offerer, the priests, and God. It expressed gratitude and fellowship, and could be offered in thanksgiving, in fulfillment of a vow, or as a freewill offering (Leviticus 3:1-5).

4. Sin Offering (Chatat): This offering was mandatory for atonement of unintentional sins and ceremonial uncleanness. The blood of the sacrifice was applied to the horns of the altar, and the fat was burned, while the remainder was disposed of outside the camp (Leviticus 4:1-12).

5. Guilt Offering (Asham): Similar to the sin offering, the guilt offering was required for specific transgressions, particularly those involving desecration of holy things or breach of trust. It included restitution to the offended party, along with a ram sacrificed on the altar (Leviticus 5:14-19).

The sacrificial system foreshadowed the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, who fulfilled the law and the prophets by offering Himself as the perfect and final atonement for sin. The Bronze Altar, therefore, not only served as a place of worship and reconciliation in ancient Israel but also pointed to the redemptive work of Christ, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world (John 1:29).