Topical Bible: The Altar of Burnt-Offering: Cleansed and Purified With Blood

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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. It was the primary site for sacrifices and offerings, serving as a central element in the tabernacle and later in the temple. The altar was not only a place for presenting offerings to God but also a symbol of atonement and purification, particularly through the use of blood.

Construction and Purpose

The Altar of Burnt-Offering was constructed according to divine specifications given to Moses on Mount Sinai. As recorded in Exodus 27:1-8, the altar was made of acacia wood and overlaid with bronze. It measured five cubits square and three cubits high, featuring horns on its four corners. The altar was equipped with bronze utensils, including pots, shovels, basins, forks, and firepans, all necessary for the sacrificial rites.

The primary purpose of the altar was to facilitate the offering of burnt sacrifices, which were essential for maintaining the covenant relationship between God and His people. These offerings included burnt offerings, grain offerings, peace offerings, sin offerings, and guilt offerings, each with specific regulations and significance.

Cleansing and Purification with Blood

The cleansing and purification of the altar with blood were critical aspects of its function. Blood, representing life, was a key element in the atonement process. Leviticus 17:11 states, "For the life of the flesh is in the blood, and I have given it to you on the altar to make atonement for your souls; for it is the blood that makes atonement by the life."

The ritual of cleansing the altar with blood is detailed in the consecration of Aaron and his sons as priests. In Exodus 29:36-37, God commands, "Sacrifice a bull each day as a sin offering to make atonement. Purify the altar by making atonement for it, and anoint it to consecrate it. For seven days you shall make atonement for the altar and consecrate it. Then the altar will be most holy, and whatever touches it will be holy."

The Day of Atonement, as described in Leviticus 16, further emphasizes the role of blood in purifying the altar. The high priest was instructed to sprinkle the blood of the sin offering on the altar to cleanse it from the impurities of the Israelites. Leviticus 16:18-19 records, "Then he shall go out to the altar that is before the LORD and make atonement for it. He shall take some of the bull’s blood and some of the goat’s blood and put it on all the horns of the altar. He shall sprinkle some of the blood on it with his finger seven times to cleanse and consecrate it from the uncleanness of the Israelites."

Symbolism and Theological Significance

The cleansing and purification of the altar with blood underscore the seriousness of sin and the necessity of atonement. The blood applied to the altar symbolized the transfer of sin and the restoration of holiness, allowing the Israelites to approach God with their offerings. This ritual foreshadowed the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, whose blood would provide the final atonement for sin.

The New Testament book of Hebrews reflects on this symbolism, drawing a parallel between the Old Testament sacrifices and the sacrifice of Christ. Hebrews 9:22 states, "According to the law, in fact, nearly everything must be purified with blood, and without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness."

In summary, the Altar of Burnt-Offering, cleansed and purified with blood, served as a vital component in the sacrificial system of ancient Israel. It was a tangible representation of the need for atonement and the means by which the people could maintain a right relationship with God. Through the shedding of blood, the altar was sanctified, pointing to the ultimate sacrifice of Christ, who fulfilled the law and provided eternal redemption.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Exodus 29:36,37
And you shall offer every day a bullock for a sin offering for atonement: and you shall cleanse the altar, when you have made an atonement for it, and you shall anoint it, to sanctify it.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Some Helpful Thoughts on Consecration
... of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus, must be destroyed and cleansed out ... it must
be yielded up and laid upon the altar as a "burnt offering." The affections ...
/.../byers/sanctification/chapter xi some helpful thoughts.htm

What is the Sanctuary?
... court, which contained the altar of burnt-offering, the tabernacle ... the golden
candlestick and the altar of incense ... there be anything in heaven to be cleansed? ...
/.../the great controversy between christ and satan /23 what is the sanctuary.htm

What is the Sanctuary?
... court, which contained the altar of burnt offering, the tabernacle ... the golden
candlestick and the altar of incense ... there be anything in heaven to be cleansed? ...
//christianbookshelf.org/white/the great controversy/chapter 23 what is the.htm

The Priesthood of Christ
... to kill us, he would not have received burnt-offering and a meat ... Priest, to be poured
out on the altar of the ... of those in covenant to be cleansed and sanctified ...
/.../arminius/the works of james arminius vol 1/oration iv the priesthood of.htm

Light for them that Sit in Darkness;
... rod; Christ giveth drink, even his blood, by being ... young pigeons, the one for the
burnt-offering, and the ... was written that whoso toucheth the altar of incense ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/light for them that sit.htm

On the Death of his Father.
... heard the divine voice and was cleansed by a ... a sanctuary, sacrificing without an
altar, a priest ... at his hands a reasonable whole burnt offering and spiritual ...
/.../cyril/lectures of s cyril of jerusalem/oration xviii on the death.htm

part ii
... the life-giving, glorious, and terrible altar of God in ... and the Holy Ghost abode
in them, cleansed them from ... from the earth is tried, and purified seven times ...
//christianbookshelf.org/calvin/my life in christ/part ii.htm