Topical Bible: The Altar of Burnt-Offering: The Jews Condemned for Swearing Lightly By

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Topical Encyclopedia

The Altar of Burnt-Offering holds significant importance in the religious and cultural practices of ancient Israel, serving as a central element in the sacrificial system established by God through Moses. This altar, located in the courtyard of the Tabernacle and later the Temple, was the designated place for offering sacrifices to God, symbolizing atonement, worship, and dedication.

Biblical Description and Function

The Altar of Burnt-Offering was constructed according to divine specifications given to Moses on Mount Sinai. As described in Exodus 27:1-8, the altar was made of acacia wood and overlaid with bronze, measuring five cubits square and three cubits high. It featured horns on its four corners and was equipped with bronze utensils for handling the sacrifices. The altar was central to the sacrificial system, where burnt offerings, grain offerings, peace offerings, sin offerings, and guilt offerings were presented to God (Leviticus 1-7).

Swearing by the Altar

In the religious life of Israel, oaths and vows were often made in the name of God or by sacred objects, including the altar. However, the practice of swearing lightly or falsely by the altar became a point of condemnation by the prophets and Jesus Christ Himself. The misuse of oaths was seen as a violation of the Third Commandment, which prohibits taking the Lord's name in vain (Exodus 20:7).

Prophetic Condemnation

The prophets frequently addressed the issue of insincere and frivolous oaths. Jeremiah, for instance, rebuked the people for their deceitful practices, including swearing falsely by God's name (Jeremiah 7:9-10). Such behavior was indicative of a broader spiritual decline and a lack of genuine reverence for God and His commandments.

Jesus' Teaching on Oaths

In the New Testament, Jesus directly addressed the issue of swearing by the altar and other sacred objects. In Matthew 23:16-22, He criticized the religious leaders for their misguided teachings that allowed for distinctions between different types of oaths. Jesus emphasized the sanctity of all oaths, teaching that swearing by the altar or anything else ultimately involves swearing by God, who sanctifies all things. He declared, "And he who swears by heaven swears by the throne of God and by the One who sits on it" (Matthew 23:22).

Theological Implications

The condemnation of swearing lightly by the altar underscores the importance of sincerity and integrity in one's relationship with God. The altar, as a symbol of divine presence and holiness, demands respect and reverence. The misuse of oaths reflects a deeper issue of the heart, where external religious practices are not matched by internal devotion and obedience.

In summary, the Altar of Burnt-Offering serves as a powerful reminder of the need for genuine worship and the seriousness of vows made before God. The biblical condemnation of swearing lightly by the altar calls believers to a higher standard of truthfulness and reverence in their speech and actions.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Matthew 23:18,19
And, Whoever shall swear by the altar, it is nothing; but whoever swears by the gift that is on it, he is guilty.
Torrey's Topical Textbook