The Altar of Burnt Offering, also known as the Bronze Altar, was a central element in the worship practices of ancient Israel, as described in the Old Testament. It was constructed according to the divine instructions given to Moses on Mount Sinai and served as the primary location for sacrifices and offerings in the Tabernacle, and later in the Temple.

Biblical Instructions and Design

The detailed instructions for the construction of the Altar of Burnt Offering are found in the Book of Exodus. According to Exodus 27:1-8 , the altar was to be made of acacia wood, measuring five cubits long and five cubits wide, making it square, and three cubits high. The altar was to be overlaid with bronze, a metal symbolizing strength and endurance, suitable for withstanding the heat of the sacrifices.

The altar featured four horns, one on each corner, which were integral to its design. These horns were also overlaid with bronze and were used in various sacrificial rites, including the application of blood during offerings (Exodus 29:12). The altar was equipped with bronze utensils, including pots, shovels, basins, forks, and firepans, all necessary for the handling of the sacrifices (Exodus 27:3).

A bronze grating, a network under the ledge of the altar, was designed to hold the firewood and sacrifices. Rings were attached to the altar's corners, through which poles made of acacia wood overlaid with bronze were inserted, allowing the altar to be carried by the Levites as the Israelites journeyed through the wilderness (Exodus 27:4-7).

Symbolism and Function

The Altar of Burnt Offering was the focal point for the sacrificial system instituted by God. It symbolized atonement and reconciliation between God and His people. The sacrifices offered on the altar were a means of expressing repentance, thanksgiving, and devotion. The burnt offerings, in particular, were wholly consumed by fire, representing the complete surrender and dedication of the worshiper to God.

The altar's location at the entrance of the Tabernacle courtyard underscored its importance in the worship life of Israel. It was the first stop for worshipers, signifying that atonement and purification were prerequisites for approaching the holy presence of God.

Historical and Theological Significance

The construction and use of the Altar of Burnt Offering highlight the centrality of sacrifice in the Old Testament covenant relationship between God and Israel. It prefigures the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, who, according to Christian theology, fulfilled the sacrificial system through His death on the cross. The altar, therefore, serves as a typological foreshadowing of Christ's atoning work, emphasizing themes of substitution, atonement, and reconciliation.

In summary, the Altar of Burnt Offering was a divinely ordained structure that played a crucial role in the religious life of ancient Israel. Its construction, materials, and use were rich in symbolism, pointing to deeper theological truths that resonate throughout the biblical narrative.