Topical Encyclopedia The Altar of Burnt-Offering, also known as the Bronze Altar, holds significant importance in the worship practices of ancient Israel as described in the Old Testament. This altar was a central fixture in the Tabernacle and later in the Temple, serving as the primary site for sacrifices and offerings to Yahweh. Its construction, anointing, and sanctification are detailed in the Pentateuch, particularly in the books of Exodus and Leviticus.Construction and Design The instructions for the construction of the Altar of Burnt-Offering are found in Exodus 27:1-8. The altar was to be made of acacia wood and overlaid with bronze, measuring five cubits long and five cubits wide, and three cubits high. It featured horns on its four corners, which were also overlaid with bronze. The altar was equipped with a grating, a network of bronze, and rings for poles, allowing it to be carried by the Levites as the Israelites journeyed through the wilderness. Anointing and Sanctification The anointing and sanctification of the altar were crucial in setting it apart for holy use. In Exodus 40:9-10, God commands Moses to anoint the altar with holy oil, consecrating it for the sacred purpose of offering sacrifices. The Berean Standard Bible states: "Take the anointing oil and anoint the tabernacle and everything in it; consecrate it and all its furnishings, and it will be holy. Anoint the altar of burnt offering and all its utensils; consecrate the altar, and it will be most holy." The anointing with holy oil symbolized the altar's dedication to God, marking it as a sacred space where the Israelites could present their offerings and seek atonement for their sins. This act of consecration was not merely ceremonial but was a divine requirement, emphasizing the holiness and purity necessary for worship. Function and Significance The Altar of Burnt-Offering was the focal point for various sacrifices, including burnt offerings, peace offerings, sin offerings, and guilt offerings. These sacrifices were integral to the covenant relationship between God and His people, serving as a means of atonement, thanksgiving, and fellowship. Leviticus 1:9 describes the burnt offering: "The priest is to burn all of it on the altar as a burnt offering, an offering made by fire, a pleasing aroma to the LORD." The altar's sanctification underscored the necessity of approaching God with reverence and purity. It was a constant reminder of the holiness of God and the need for His people to be consecrated in their worship and daily lives. The anointing with holy oil further highlighted the divine presence and approval, setting the altar apart as a place where heaven and earth met in the sacrificial system. Theological Implications The anointing and sanctification of the Altar of Burnt-Offering carry profound theological implications. They point to the necessity of holiness in worship and the provision of atonement through sacrifice. The altar prefigures the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, who, as the Lamb of God, offered Himself once for all to atone for the sins of humanity. Hebrews 9:14 reflects this fulfillment: "How much more will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself unblemished to God, cleanse our consciences from acts that lead to death, so that we may serve the living God!" In summary, the Altar of Burnt-Offering, anointed and sanctified with holy oil, served as a vital component of Israel's worship, symbolizing the need for holiness, atonement, and divine presence. Its role in the sacrificial system foreshadowed the ultimate sacrifice of Christ, providing a rich tapestry of meaning and significance in the biblical narrative. Torrey's Topical Textbook Exodus 40:10And you shall anoint the altar of the burnt offering, and all his vessels, and sanctify the altar: and it shall be an altar most holy. Torrey's Topical Textbook Leviticus 8:10,11 Library Princely Service. Separation to God. Solomon's Temple Spiritualized The Priesthood of Christ part ii Light for them that Sit in Darkness; An Exposition on the First Ten Chapters of Genesis, and Part of ... Resources What does the Bible say about altar calls? Are altar calls biblical? | GotQuestions.orgWhat was the significance of the horns of the altar (Amos 3:14)? | GotQuestions.org Why was the fire in the altar to burn continuously (Leviticus 6:13)? | GotQuestions.org Altar: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Altar in Solomon's Temple in Second Temple Altar in Solomon's Temple: Cleansed by Hezekiah Altar in Solomon's Temple: Description of Altar in Solomon's Temple: Ezekiel's Vision of Altar in Solomon's Temple: Furniture of, Taken to Babylon Altar in Solomon's Temple: Removed by Ahaz, and One of Idolatrous Fashion Substituted Altar in Solomon's Temple: Renewed by Asa Altar in Solomon's Temple: Repaired by Manasseh Altar in the Tabernacle: A Place of Refuge Altar in the Tabernacle: Constructed by Bezaleel Altar in the Tabernacle: Furniture of Altar in the Tabernacle: Horns of Altar in the Tabernacle: How Sanctified Altar in the Tabernacle: Location of Altar in the Tabernacle: Pattern of Altar in the Tabernacle: Sanctified Everything That Touched It Altar in the Tabernacle: Uses of the Horns Altar of Burnt offerings: Called Altar of God Altar of Burnt offerings: Called Altar of the Lord Altar of Burnt offerings: Called Brazen Altar Altar of Incense in Solomon's Temple Altar of Incense: A Cover Made For, of the Censers of Korah Altar of Incense: A Type of Christ Altar of Incense: Altar Before the Lord Altar of Incense: Altar of Sweet Incense Altar of Incense: Anointed With Holy Oil Altar of Incense: Atonement Made For, by the High Priest Once Every Year Altar of Incense: Called the Golden Altar Altar of Incense: Carried by Kohathites Altar of Incense: Covered by the Priest Before Removal from the Sanctuary Altar of Incense: Covered With Gold Altar of Incense: Dimensions of Altar of Incense: had Four Rings of Gold Under the Crown for the Staves Altar of Incense: How Prepared for Carrying Altar of Incense: No Strange Incense Nor Any Sacrifice to be offered On Altar of Incense: Placed Before the Vail in the Outer Sanctuary Altar of Incense: Punishment For: Offering Strange Fire On Altar of Incense: Punishment For: Unauthorised offering On Altar of Incense: Said to be Before the Lord Altar of Incense: Seen in John's Vision Altar of Incense: Staves of, Covered With Gold Altar of Incense: The Blood of all Sin offerings Put on the Horns of Altar of Incense: The Priest Burned Incense on Every Morning and Evening Altar of Incense: Top of, Surrounded With a Crown of Gold Altar used in Idolatrous Worship Altar: Built by the Reubenites and Gadites Altar: Mosaic Commandments Prescribing the Construction of The Altar of Burnt-Offering was Most Holy The Altar of Burnt-Offering: A Net-Working Grate of Brass Placed In The Altar of Burnt-Offering: A Type of Christ The Altar of Burnt-Offering: Ahaz Removed and Profaned The Altar of Burnt-Offering: All Gifts to be Presented At The Altar of Burnt-Offering: All Its Vessels of Brass The Altar of Burnt-Offering: All Sacrifices to be offered On The Altar of Burnt-Offering: Anointed and Sanctified With Holy Oil The Altar of Burnt-Offering: Called: The Altar of God The Altar of Burnt-Offering: Called: The Altar of the Lord The Altar of Burnt-Offering: Called: The Brazen Altar The Altar of Burnt-Offering: Cleansed and Purified With Blood The Altar of Burnt-Offering: Covered With Brass The Altar of Burnt-Offering: Dimensions of The Altar of Burnt-Offering: Furnished With Rings and Staves The Altar of Burnt-Offering: Horns on the Corners of The Altar of Burnt-Offering: Made After a Divine Pattern The Altar of Burnt-Offering: Nothing Polluted or Defective to be offered On The Altar of Burnt-Offering: Offering at the Dedication of The Altar of Burnt-Offering: Placed in the Court Before the Door of the Tabernacle The Altar of Burnt-Offering: Sacrifices Bound to the Horns of The Altar of Burnt-Offering: Sanctified by God The Altar of Burnt-Offering: Sanctified Whatever Touched It The Altar of Burnt-Offering: The Blood of Sacrifices Put on the Horns and Poured at The The Altar of Burnt-Offering: The Fire Upon was Continually Burning The Altar of Burnt-Offering: The Fire Upon: Came from Before the Lord The Altar of Burnt-Offering: The Fire Upon: Consumed the Sacrifices The Altar of Burnt-Offering: The Jews Condemned for Swearing Lightly By The Altar of Burnt-Offering: The Priests: Alone to Serve The Altar of Burnt-Offering: The Priests: Derived Support From Related Terms The-not-beloved (1 Occurrence) Kir'iath-je'arim (18 Occurrences) Kirjathjearim (17 Occurrences) Vine-dressers (18 Occurrences) Kirjath-jearim (17 Occurrences) Kibroth-hattaavah (5 Occurrences) |
    |