Topical Encyclopedia The Altar of Burnt-Offering, also known as the Altar of the Lord, holds a significant place in the religious practices and worship of ancient Israel as described in the Old Testament. This sacred structure was central to the sacrificial system instituted by God for His chosen people, serving as the primary site for offering sacrifices and burnt offerings.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 integral to its design and symbolic of strength and power. The altar was equipped with various utensils, including pots, shovels, basins, forks, and firepans, all made of bronze (Exodus 27:3). A grating, a network of bronze, was placed under the ledge of the altar, halfway up from the base (Exodus 27:4-5). The altar was designed with rings and poles for transport, allowing the Levites to carry it as the Israelites journeyed through the wilderness (Exodus 27:6-7). Function and Significance The primary function of the Altar of Burnt-Offering was to serve as the site for sacrifices, particularly burnt offerings, which were a central aspect of Israelite worship. These offerings were made to atone for sin, express devotion, and maintain a covenant relationship with God. The altar was a place where the Israelites could approach God, seeking forgiveness and expressing gratitude. The term "Altar of the Lord" underscores the altar's divine purpose and sanctity. It was not merely a human construct but a divinely ordained instrument for worship. The offerings made on this altar were to be without blemish, symbolizing the purity and holiness required by God (Leviticus 1:3). Theological Implications The Altar of Burnt-Offering is rich in theological significance. It prefigures the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, who offered Himself as the perfect and final atonement for sin. The repeated sacrifices on the altar pointed to the need for a more perfect sacrifice, fulfilled in Christ's death and resurrection. Moreover, the altar represents the concept of substitutionary atonement, where the innocent bears the penalty for the guilty. This principle is foundational to the Christian understanding of salvation, emphasizing God's justice and mercy. Historical Context Throughout Israel's history, the Altar of Burnt-Offering remained a central element of worship, from the Tabernacle to the Temple built by Solomon. It was a constant reminder of God's presence and the need for holiness among His people. The altar's significance continued even after the destruction of the Temple, as it pointed forward to the coming Messiah and the establishment of a new covenant. Scriptural References · Exodus 27:1-8: Detailed instructions for the construction of the altar. · Leviticus 1:3-9: Description of the burnt offering and its requirements. · 1 Kings 8:64: Solomon's dedication of the Temple, including the use of the altar. · 2 Chronicles 29:18-19: Hezekiah's restoration of the altar during his reforms. The Altar of Burnt-Offering, as the Altar of the Lord, remains a profound symbol of God's covenant with His people, His provision for atonement, and the foreshadowing of the ultimate sacrifice in Jesus Christ. Torrey's Topical Textbook Malachi 2:13And this have you done again, covering the altar of the LORD with tears, with weeping, and with crying out, so that he regards not the offering any more, or receives it with good will at your hand. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library The Story of the Angel by the Altar Sacrifice Renewed Altar and Temple The Day of Atonement With what virtuous Feelings the Fathers of Old Hid the Sacred ... The Burnt Offering a Picture and a Prophecy Abraham --The Father of the Faithful. The Story of Gideon and his Three Hundred Soldiers The Copies of Things in the Heavens On the Management of the Resources Collected for the Support of ... Resources What is an altar? | GotQuestions.orgWhat was the brazen altar? | GotQuestions.org What was the significance of the altar of incense? | 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) |