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. It was a central feature of the Tabernacle, the portable sanctuary used by the Israelites during their wilderness wanderings, and later in the Temple in Jerusalem. This altar was specifically designed for the offering of sacrifices, primarily burnt offerings, which were a key component of Israelite worship and atonement rituals.Divine Instructions and Construction The construction of the Altar of Burnt-Offering was carried out according to a divine pattern revealed by God to Moses on Mount Sinai. This pattern is meticulously detailed in the Book of Exodus. The Lord commanded Moses, "You are to make an altar of acacia wood, five cubits long and five cubits wide; the altar is to be square, and three cubits high" (Exodus 27:1). The altar was to be overlaid with bronze, a metal symbolizing judgment and endurance, suitable for withstanding the intense heat of the sacrifices. The altar featured four horns, one on each corner, which were integral to its design and function. These horns were used in various sacrificial rites and symbolized strength and salvation. The altar also included a grating, a network of bronze, placed halfway up the altar, allowing for the ashes to fall through and be collected. Symbolism and Function The Altar of Burnt-Offering served as the primary location for the Israelites to present their offerings to God. Burnt offerings, or olah in Hebrew, were completely consumed by fire, symbolizing total dedication and surrender to the Lord. The continual fire on the altar, as commanded in Leviticus 6:13, "The fire must be kept burning on the altar continually; it must not go out" , represented God's perpetual presence and the ongoing need for atonement. The altar was not only a place of sacrifice but also a place of divine encounter. It was here that the Israelites could approach God, seeking forgiveness and expressing their devotion. The sacrifices offered on the altar were a foreshadowing of the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, who, according to Christian belief, fulfilled the sacrificial system through His death on the cross. Location and Mobility During the wilderness period, the Altar of Burnt-Offering was situated in the courtyard of the Tabernacle, directly in front of the entrance to the Holy Place. This strategic placement underscored the necessity of atonement before entering into deeper communion with God. The altar was designed to be portable, with poles for carrying, allowing it to be transported as the Israelites journeyed through the desert. Legacy and Continuity The design and function of the Altar of Burnt-Offering were carried forward into the construction of Solomon's Temple, where a larger and more permanent altar was built. This continuity highlights the enduring significance of the altar in Israel's religious life and its role in maintaining the covenant relationship between God and His people. In summary, the Altar of Burnt-Offering, made after a divine pattern, was a vital element of Israelite worship, symbolizing atonement, dedication, and divine presence. Its construction and use were a testament to the meticulous care with which God instructed His people to approach Him, foreshadowing the ultimate sacrifice of Christ in the New Testament. Torrey's Topical Textbook Exodus 27:8Hollow with boards shall you make it: as it was showed you in the mount, so shall they make it. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library What is the Sanctuary? What is the Sanctuary? The Temple and Its Dedication The Danger of Deviating from Divine Institutions. Concerning Things Performed in the Muron, and Concerning Things ... Princely Service. On the Management of the Resources Collected for the Support of ... The Upbringing of Jewish Children A Short Essay Toward the Improvement of Psalmody: Solomon's Temple Spiritualized 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) |
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