Topical Bible: Offerings: Required to Be: Laid Before the Altar

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Topical Encyclopedia

In the biblical context, offerings were a central aspect of worship and devotion to God, serving as a tangible expression of faith, obedience, and reverence. The requirement for offerings to be laid before the altar is deeply rooted in the sacrificial system established by God for the Israelites, as detailed in the Old Testament. This practice underscores the importance of approaching God with humility and sincerity, acknowledging His holiness and sovereignty.

Biblical Foundation

The concept of laying offerings before the altar is first introduced in the Mosaic Law, where God provided specific instructions for various types of offerings. These offerings included burnt offerings, grain offerings, peace offerings, sin offerings, and guilt offerings, each with distinct purposes and regulations.

In Leviticus 1:3, the Berean Standard Bible states: "If his offering is a burnt offering from the herd, he is to present an unblemished male. He must bring it to the entrance of the Tent of Meeting, that he may be accepted by the LORD." This verse highlights the requirement for the offering to be brought to a designated holy place, emphasizing the need for purity and acceptance by God.

Symbolism and Significance

The act of laying offerings before the altar symbolizes submission and dedication to God. It represents the worshiper's acknowledgment of God's provision and their dependence on Him. The altar itself serves as a sacred space where the divine and human realms intersect, making it the appropriate place for offerings to be presented.

In Exodus 29:42, the BSB records God's command: "This will be a regular burnt offering throughout your generations at the entrance to the Tent of Meeting before the LORD, where I will meet you to speak with you." This passage illustrates the altar as a meeting point between God and His people, where offerings facilitate communication and fellowship with the Divine.

New Testament Perspective

While the New Testament shifts the focus from ritual sacrifices to the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, the principle of offering oneself to God remains. In Matthew 5:23-24 , Jesus teaches, "Therefore if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar. First go and be reconciled to your brother; then come and offer your gift." This instruction emphasizes the importance of reconciliation and purity of heart when approaching God with offerings.

Spiritual Application

For contemporary believers, the requirement to lay offerings before the altar can be understood as a call to present one's life as a living sacrifice, as described in Romans 12:1 : "Therefore I urge you, brothers, on account of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God, which is your spiritual service of worship." This spiritual offering involves dedicating one's actions, thoughts, and intentions to God, aligning with His will and purpose.

In summary, the biblical mandate for offerings to be laid before the altar reflects a profound theological truth about the nature of worship and the relationship between God and His people. It calls for a heart of obedience, purity, and devotion, recognizing God's holiness and the need for reconciliation and righteousness in His presence.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Matthew 5:23,24
Therefore if you bring your gift to the altar, and there remember that your brother has ought against you;
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Altar and Temple
... the custom, as the duty of every day required; 5. And ... month began they to offer burnt
offerings unto the ... the foundation of this house was laid before their eyes ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture g/altar and temple.htm

Sacrifice Renewed
... stature of the recipients of revelation required that it ... animals and the offering
of them as burnt offerings. ... The king and the congregation laid their hands on ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture g/sacrifice renewed.htm

Home Dedication.
... only in trust, and will again be required from her. ... the wood in order, bound Isaac,
and laid him upon ... in these examples of Old Testament family offerings to God ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/philips/the christian home/chapter x home dedication.htm

The Dedication
... As an offering for the mother, the law required a lamb of ... for the system of sacrifices
and offerings was waxing ... the riches of the universe, and laid open the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/white/the desire of ages/chapter 5 the dedication.htm

Scriptural Types.
... (1.) In all cases the offerer laid his hands ... and bathe his flesh in water before
reentering the ... of such persons, and the expiatory offerings required in the ...
/.../barrows/companion to the bible/chapter xxxvii scriptural types.htm

The Sermon on the Mount.
... in that of the people, Jesus here laid down a ... of all other duties, even of offerings
made to ... which allowed, and in some instances required, the administration ...
/.../mcgarvey/the four-fold gospel/xlii the sermon on the 4.htm

Nature of Covenanting.
... In all, obedience to the law of God is required. ... "I will go into thy house with
burnt-offerings; I will pay ... against his neighbour, and an oath be laid upon him ...
/.../cunningham/the ordinance of covenanting/chapter i nature of covenanting.htm

The First Sayings of Jesus --His Ideas of a Divine Father and of a ...
... The Jewish customs required that a man devoted to intellectual ... a superior
spirit.[3] Exceeding the duties laid down by ... I am full of the burnt offerings of ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/renan/the life of jesus/chapter v the first sayings.htm

Chapter xxxiv
... part of the blessing had been laid hold upon ... and retained so firmly that it required
no repetition? ... later was always used in conjunction with other offerings. ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter xxxiv.htm

The Sermon on the Mount
... own benefit, and then to be carefully laid aside again ... Then the ceremonies required
in the service of God ... path of the murderer, and his offerings are abhorrent ...
//christianbookshelf.org/white/the desire of ages/chapter 31 the sermon on.htm