The Altar of Burnt-Offering, also known as the Brazen Altar, was a central fixture in the Tabernacle and later in the Temple, serving as the primary location for sacrifices and offerings to God. This altar was a vital component of Israelite worship, symbolizing atonement, dedication, and communion with God.

Construction and Design

The Altar of Burnt-Offering was constructed according to divine specifications given to Moses on Mount Sinai. It was made of acacia wood and overlaid with bronze, measuring five cubits in length and width and three cubits in height (Exodus 27:1-2). The altar was square in shape, with horns on each of its four corners, which were also overlaid with bronze.

A distinctive feature of the altar was the net-working grate of brass, which was placed inside the altar. This grate was positioned halfway up the altar, serving as a platform for the burning of sacrifices. The grate allowed for the efficient burning of offerings, as it facilitated airflow and the removal of ashes. The Bible describes this grate as being made of bronze, a metal associated with strength and endurance, symbolizing the enduring nature of the covenant between God and His people (Exodus 27:4-5).

Function and Symbolism

The primary function of the Altar of Burnt-Offering was to serve as the site for burnt offerings, sin offerings, and peace offerings. These sacrifices were integral to the Israelites' covenant relationship with God, providing a means for atonement and reconciliation. The burnt offering, in particular, symbolized complete surrender and dedication to God, as the entire animal was consumed by fire on the altar.

The net-working grate of brass played a crucial role in the sacrificial process. It supported the offerings and allowed the fire to consume them thoroughly, ensuring that the sacrifices were acceptable to God. The use of bronze, a durable and resilient material, underscored the altar's role as a place of divine encounter and judgment.

Theological Significance

The Altar of Burnt-Offering, with its net-working grate of brass, holds deep theological significance within the biblical narrative. It prefigures the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, who offered Himself as the perfect and final atonement for sin. The altar's design and function point to the necessity of sacrifice for reconciliation with God, a theme that culminates in the New Testament with the crucifixion of Christ.

Moreover, the altar serves as a reminder of God's holiness and the seriousness of sin. The continual need for sacrifices highlighted humanity's inability to achieve righteousness on its own, pointing to the need for divine intervention and grace.

In summary, the Altar of Burnt-Offering, with its net-working grate of brass, was a vital element of Israelite worship, symbolizing atonement, dedication, and communion with God. Its construction and function reflect the broader theological themes of sacrifice, holiness, and redemption that permeate the biblical narrative.Exodus 27:4,5
And you shall make for it a grate of network of brass; and on the net shall you make four brazen rings in the four corners thereof.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Exodus 38:4
And he made for the altar a brazen grate of network under the compass thereof beneath to the middle of it.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

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