The Altar of Burnt-Offering, also known as the Bronze Altar, was a central element in the worship practices of ancient Israel, as prescribed in the Mosaic Law. Situated in the courtyard of the Tabernacle and later the Temple, this altar was the designated place for offering sacrifices to God, primarily burnt offerings, which were a key component of Israelite worship and atonement rituals.

Biblical Description and Construction

The instructions for constructing the Altar of Burnt-Offering are detailed in the book of Exodus. According to Exodus 27:1-8, the altar was to be made of acacia wood and overlaid with bronze. It measured five cubits square and three cubits high, with 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.

Sanctification and Holiness

The altar's sanctity was paramount, as it was the place where offerings were made to the Lord. Exodus 29:37 states, "For seven days you shall make atonement for the altar and consecrate it. Then the altar will be most holy; whatever touches the altar will be holy." This verse underscores the altar's role in sanctifying whatever came into contact with it, emphasizing its holiness and the transformative power of divine consecration.

The concept of sanctification through contact with the altar is further illustrated in the broader context of the sacrificial system. The altar served as a point of divine-human interaction, where offerings were made to atone for sin and express devotion. The sanctity of the altar was a reflection of God's holiness, and its ability to sanctify was a testament to the divine presence that dwelled among the Israelites.

Theological Significance

The altar's ability to sanctify whatever touched it is deeply rooted in the theology of holiness and atonement. In the sacrificial system, the altar was not merely a physical structure but a symbol of God's covenant with Israel. It represented the means by which the people could approach God, seek forgiveness, and maintain a right relationship with Him.

The sanctification of objects and individuals through contact with the altar points to the transformative power of God's holiness. It highlights the belief that holiness is not inherent in objects or people but is conferred by God's presence and command. This principle is echoed in the New Testament, where the ultimate sanctification is achieved through Jesus Christ, the perfect sacrifice, who fulfills and transcends the Old Testament sacrificial system.

Practical Implications for Worship

In the context of Israelite worship, the altar's sanctifying power had practical implications. Priests and worshippers had to approach the altar with reverence and purity, adhering to the prescribed rituals to ensure that the offerings were acceptable to God. The sanctity of the altar served as a constant reminder of the need for holiness in worship and the seriousness of approaching a holy God.

The Altar of Burnt-Offering, therefore, was not only a functional element of the Tabernacle and Temple but also a profound symbol of God's holiness, the need for atonement, and the transformative power of divine sanctification. Through its role in the sacrificial system, it pointed forward to the ultimate sacrifice of Christ, who sanctifies believers and enables them to draw near to God with confidence.Exodus 29:37
Seven days you shall make an atonement for the altar, and sanctify it; and it shall be an altar most holy: whatever touches the altar shall be holy.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Solomon's Temple Spiritualized
... The tree then was not the altar which sanctified this gift, to make it of virtue
enough to make ... Now, since this altar of burnt-offering was thus placed in ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/solomons temple spiritualized.htm

Godly Fear and Its Goodly Consequence
... the rarest of all senses, saturated and sanctified by the ... but where is the lamb for
a burnt offering?" It must ... takes him and lays him on the altar, and draws a ...
/.../spurgeon/sermons on proverbs/godly fear and its goodly.htm

The Saints' Privilege and Profit;
... in private, or at the domestic altar upon set ... to God, by which prayer is sanctified
and accepted? ... to distinguish from all other thrones whatever this throne of ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the saints privilege and profit.htm

An Exposition on the First Ten Chapters of Genesis, and Part of ...
... 3. "And God blessed the seventh day, and sanctified it: because ... But whatever this
mist did signify (in other men's ... But both Adam and we have touched, that is ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/an exposition on the first.htm

Christ a Complete Saviour:
... for yourselves [that is, by him] a burnt-offering, and my ... by Christ, but love not
to be sanctified by God ... the upholder of all creatures, and whatever they have ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/christ a complete saviour .htm

Light for them that Sit in Darkness;
... of the covenant wherewith he was sanctified an unholy ... young pigeons, the one for
the burnt-offering, and the ... written that whoso toucheth the altar of incense ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/light for them that sit.htm

A Treatise of the Fear of God;
... to offer false fire upon God's altar, and the ... so served, was, because God will be
sanctified in them ... Such, whatever they think of themselves, are judged by ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/a treatise of the fear.htm

part ii
... wholesome and pleasant food we eat, whatever wholesome drinks ... life-giving, glorious,
and terrible altar of God ... them from every impurity, and sanctified them by ...
//christianbookshelf.org/calvin/my life in christ/part ii.htm

What does the Bible say about altar calls? Are altar calls biblical? | GotQuestions.org

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Why was the fire in the altar to burn continuously (Leviticus 6:13)? | GotQuestions.org

Altar: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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