Altars

In the biblical context, altars are structures upon which offerings and sacrifices are made to God. They are significant in both the Old and New Testaments, serving as places of worship, remembrance, and covenant. The Hebrew word for altar is "mizbeach," which is derived from a root meaning "to slaughter" or "to sacrifice."

Old Testament Altars

The first mention of an altar in the Bible is found in Genesis 8:20, where Noah builds an altar to the LORD after the flood: "Then Noah built an altar to the LORD. Taking from every kind of clean animal and clean bird, he offered burnt offerings on the altar." This act of worship and thanksgiving set a precedent for the use of altars throughout the patriarchal period.

Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob also built altars as acts of worship and as memorials to God's promises. For instance, in Genesis 12:7, Abraham builds an altar at Shechem after God promises the land to his descendants: "The LORD appeared to Abram and said, 'To your offspring I will give this land.' So Abram built an altar there to the LORD, who had appeared to him."

In the Mosaic Law, altars became central to the sacrificial system. The Tabernacle, and later the Temple, featured two main altars: the Altar of Burnt Offering and the Altar of Incense. The Altar of Burnt Offering, located in the courtyard, was used for animal sacrifices and was made of acacia wood overlaid with bronze (Exodus 27:1-8).

New Testament Altars

In the New Testament, the concept of the altar is transformed through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. Hebrews 13:10 states, "We have an altar from which those who serve at the tabernacle have no right to eat." This verse highlights the spiritual nature of the Christian altar, which is not a physical structure but the sacrifice of Christ Himself.

The New Testament also emphasizes the believer's life as a living sacrifice. Romans 12:1 exhorts, "Therefore I urge you, brothers, on account of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God, which is your spiritual service of worship."

Incense Altars

The Altar of Incense, also known as the Golden Altar, was a key feature in the Tabernacle and the Temple. It was placed in the Holy Place, just before the veil that separated the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place. Made of acacia wood and overlaid with gold, it was used exclusively for burning incense, symbolizing the prayers of the people ascending to God.

Old Testament Incense Altars

Exodus 30:1-10 provides detailed instructions for the construction and use of the Altar of Incense: "You are also to make an altar of acacia wood for the burning of incense... Aaron must burn fragrant incense on it every morning when he tends the lamps." The incense was a specific blend, and its use was strictly regulated, underscoring the holiness required in approaching God.

The burning of incense was a daily ritual, performed by the priests as part of their sacred duties. The incense altar was also used on the Day of Atonement, when the high priest would sprinkle the blood of the sin offering on its horns (Leviticus 16:18-19).

New Testament Incense Altars

In the New Testament, the imagery of incense continues to represent prayer and worship. Revelation 8:3-4 describes an angel offering incense with the prayers of the saints: "Another angel, who had a golden censer, came and stood at the altar. He was given much incense to offer, along with the prayers of all the saints, on the golden altar before the throne."

The incense altar thus serves as a powerful symbol of the believer's prayers and the intercessory work of Christ, who mediates between God and humanity.