Topical Encyclopedia Altars hold a significant place in the religious and cultural life of the people of Israel as depicted in the Bible. They served as sacred structures where offerings and sacrifices were made to God, symbolizing worship, covenant, and communication with the Divine. The altars of Israel varied in form and function, reflecting the evolving relationship between God and His people throughout biblical history.Early Altars The earliest altars mentioned in the Bible were simple structures, often made of earth or uncut stones. These altars were erected by the patriarchs as they journeyed through the land. For instance, Noah built an altar to the LORD after the flood and offered burnt offerings on it (Genesis 8:20). Similarly, Abraham constructed altars at key moments in his life, such as when God promised him the land of Canaan (Genesis 12:7) and when he was tested with the sacrifice of Isaac (Genesis 22:9). The Altar in the Tabernacle With the establishment of the Mosaic Covenant, the construction of the Tabernacle introduced a more formalized system of worship. The Tabernacle contained two primary altars: the Altar of Burnt Offering and the Altar of Incense. 1. The Altar of Burnt Offering: Also known as the Bronze Altar, it was located in the courtyard of the Tabernacle. This altar was used for animal sacrifices, which were central to the atonement rituals and worship practices of Israel. Exodus 27:1-2 describes its construction: "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 are of one piece with the altar, and overlay it with bronze." 2. The Altar of Incense: Situated inside the Holy Place, this altar was used for burning incense, symbolizing the prayers of the people ascending to God. Exodus 30:1-3 provides details: "You are also to make an altar of acacia wood for the burning of incense. It is to be square, a cubit long, a cubit wide, and two cubits high; its horns must be of one piece with it. Overlay with pure gold its top, all around its sides, and its horns, and make a gold molding around it." The Altar in the Temple The construction of Solomon's Temple marked a significant development in the religious life of Israel, and with it came the building of a grander altar. The Altar of Burnt Offering in the Temple was much larger than its predecessor in the Tabernacle, reflecting the centralization of worship in Jerusalem. 2 Chronicles 4:1 states, "He made a bronze altar twenty cubits long, twenty cubits wide, and ten cubits high." Altars in the High Places Throughout Israel's history, altars were also built in high places, often leading to idolatrous practices. Despite God's command to worship at the designated altar in Jerusalem, many Israelites constructed altars on hills and elevated sites, which became centers for unauthorized worship and pagan rituals. This practice was condemned by the prophets and reformers, such as Elijah, who confronted the prophets of Baal on Mount Carmel (1 Kings 18:30-32). Symbolism and Significance Altars in Israelite worship symbolized the presence of God, the covenant relationship, and the need for atonement and reconciliation. They were places where heaven and earth met, where the divine and human interacted. The sacrifices offered on these altars pointed to the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, who fulfilled the law and the prophets, becoming the perfect atonement for sin. In summary, altars were central to the worship and spiritual life of the people of Israel, serving as tangible expressions of their faith and devotion to God. They remind believers of the importance of worship, sacrifice, and the covenant relationship with the Almighty. Torrey's Topical Textbook Judges 21:4And it came to pass on the morrow, that the people rose early, and built there an altar, and offered burnt offerings and peace offerings. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library The Witness of Balaam to Israel How Upon the Death of Jotham, Ahaz Reigned in his Stead; against ... National Apostasy Faith of Sinners in Prayer A Summary of Israel's Faithlessness and God's Patience The Child Samuel. The Fall of the House of Ahab The Assyrian Captivity The Attack on the Scriptures A Copy of the Letter which Pope Gregory Sent to the Abbot Mellitus ... Resources Who was Athaliah in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWho was Hezekiah in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Who is the Queen of Heaven? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Altars for Idolatrous Worship, often Erected on Roofs of Houses Altars for Idolatrous Worship, to be Destroyed Altars of Brick, Hateful to God Altars of Reubenites East of Jordan Altars of the People of Israel Altars of the Temple of Solomon Altars were not to Have Steps up to Them Altars: Afforded No Protection to Murderers Altars: Designed for Sacrifice Altars: Idolaters Planted Groves Near Altars: Natural Rocks Sometimes Used As Altars: Probable Origin of Inscriptions On Altars: Protection Afforded By Altars: The Jews not to Plant Groves Near Altars: To be Made of Earth, or Unhewn Stone Related Terms |
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