Topical Encyclopedia 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. It was situated in the courtyard of the Tabernacle and later the Temple, serving as the primary location for sacrifices and offerings to Yahweh. The altar was constructed according to divine specifications given to Moses on Mount Sinai, as recorded in the Book of Exodus.Construction and Design The altar was 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 function. The altar was equipped with various utensils, including pots, shovels, basins, forks, and firepans, all made of bronze (Exodus 27:3). A grating of bronze network was placed under the ledge of the altar, halfway up from the base (Exodus 27:4-5). Function and Significance The primary function of the Altar of Burnt-Offering was to facilitate the sacrificial system, which was central to Israelite worship. It was here that burnt offerings, grain offerings, peace offerings, sin offerings, and guilt offerings were presented to God. The sacrifices symbolized atonement, thanksgiving, and communion with God, serving as a tangible expression of the covenant relationship between Yahweh and His people. The Role of the Priests The priests, descendants of Aaron, were exclusively appointed to serve at the Altar of Burnt-Offering. Their duties included the daily offering of sacrifices, maintaining the altar fire, and ensuring the proper execution of the sacrificial rites. The priests acted as mediators between God and the Israelites, a role underscored by their unique consecration and ordination (Exodus 28-29). The Book of Leviticus provides detailed instructions regarding the various offerings and the priestly responsibilities associated with them. For instance, Leviticus 6:12-13 emphasizes the perpetual nature of the altar fire: "The fire on the altar must be kept burning; it must not go out. Every morning the priest is to add wood to the fire, arrange the burnt offering on it, and burn the fat portions of the peace offerings on it. The fire must be kept burning on the altar continually; it must not go out." Exclusivity of Priestly Service The exclusivity of the priestly service at the altar is highlighted in several biblical narratives. Unauthorized individuals who attempted to perform priestly functions faced severe consequences, as seen in the accounts of Korah's rebellion (Numbers 16) and King Uzziah's transgression (2 Chronicles 26:16-21). These incidents underscore the sanctity and divine ordination of the priestly office. The priests' service at the altar was not merely a ritualistic duty but a profound spiritual responsibility. They were to approach the altar with reverence and purity, as their service was integral to the spiritual well-being of the nation. The priests' role at the altar foreshadowed the ultimate High Priest, Jesus Christ, who offered Himself as the perfect sacrifice for the sins of humanity (Hebrews 9:11-14). In summary, the Altar of Burnt-Offering was a vital component of Israelite worship, with the priests alone designated to serve at this sacred site. Their ministry at the altar was a divinely appointed task, reflecting the holiness and order established by God in His covenant with Israel. Torrey's Topical Textbook Numbers 18:3,7And they shall keep your charge, and the charge of all the tabernacle: only they shall not come near the vessels of the sanctuary and the altar, that neither they, nor you also, die. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library High Priest In the Last, the Great Day of the Feast' Scriptural Types. The Day of Atonement On the Management of the Resources Collected for the Support of ... Separation to God. Covenanting Provided for in the Everlasting Covenant. The Upbringing of Jewish Children Praises and Vows Accepted in Zion "The Light of Life" 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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