Topical Encyclopedia The Altar of Burnt-Offering, also known as the Altar of God, holds a significant place in the worship practices of ancient Israel as described in the Old Testament. This sacred structure was central to the sacrificial system instituted by God for His people, serving as the primary site for offering burnt sacrifices, which were integral to the covenant relationship between God and Israel.Biblical Description and Construction The Altar of Burnt-Offering was first constructed under the direction of Moses as part of the Tabernacle, the portable sanctuary used by the Israelites during their wilderness wanderings. Detailed instructions for its construction are found in the Book of Exodus. The altar was to be made of acacia wood and overlaid with bronze, measuring five cubits square and three cubits high (Exodus 27:1-2). It featured horns on its four corners, which were also overlaid with bronze, and a grating of bronze network beneath its ledge (Exodus 27:3-5). Function and Significance The primary function of the Altar of Burnt-Offering was to serve as the site for the offering of burnt sacrifices, which were a key component of Israelite worship. These offerings were made to atone for sin, express devotion, and maintain fellowship with God. The burnt offering, or "olah" in Hebrew, was entirely consumed by fire, symbolizing the complete surrender and dedication of the worshiper to God. The altar was also a place of divine encounter, where God promised to meet with His people. In Leviticus 9:24 , it is recorded that fire came out from the presence of the LORD and consumed the burnt offering on the altar, signifying God's acceptance of the sacrifice and His presence among His people. Theological Implications The Altar of Burnt-Offering is rich in theological symbolism. It represents the holiness of God and the seriousness of sin, requiring a blood sacrifice for atonement. The altar's centrality in the Tabernacle and later in the Temple underscores the importance of sacrifice in maintaining a right relationship with God. It foreshadows the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, who, according to Christian belief, offered Himself as the perfect and final atonement for sin. Historical Context The Altar of Burnt-Offering continued to play a crucial role in Israel's worship practices after the construction of Solomon's Temple, where it was made larger and more permanent (2 Chronicles 4:1). Throughout Israel's history, the altar was a focal point of religious reform and renewal, as seen in the actions of kings such as Hezekiah and Josiah, who restored proper worship practices and removed idolatrous altars (2 Kings 18:22, 2 Kings 23:9). Conclusion The Altar of Burnt-Offering, as the Altar of God, remains a profound symbol of sacrifice, atonement, and divine presence. Its significance is woven throughout the narrative of the Old Testament, pointing forward to the New Testament fulfillment in Christ's sacrificial death. Torrey's Topical Textbook Psalm 43:4Then will I go to the altar of God, to God my exceeding joy: yes, on the harp will I praise you, O God my God. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library The Story of the Angel by the Altar The Meaning How Altar and Temple Concerning the Festivals; and How Each Day of Such Festival is to ... The Burnt Offering a Picture and a Prophecy The Copies of Things in the Heavens Abraham's Loyalty to God The Story of Abraham and Isaac Sacrifice Renewed Resources Why was the altar in Joshua 22:10 34 such a big deal? | GotQuestions.orgWhat was the significance of the altar King Ahaz built? | GotQuestions.org Why is Gideon referred to as Jerubbaal? | 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) |
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