The east side of the altar holds significant symbolic and ritual importance in the biblical narrative, particularly within the context of the Tabernacle and the Temple in Jerusalem. The altar, central to the worship practices of ancient Israel, was the site of sacrifices and offerings to Yahweh, and its orientation and position were meticulously prescribed by divine command.

Biblical References and Symbolism

The east side of the altar is first mentioned in the context of the Tabernacle, as described in the book of Exodus. The Tabernacle, a portable sanctuary used by the Israelites during their wanderings in the wilderness, was oriented with its entrance facing east. This orientation is significant, as it aligns with the rising sun, symbolizing new beginnings, divine presence, and the hope of redemption. The altar of burnt offering, situated in the courtyard of the Tabernacle, was thus approached from the east.

In the construction of Solomon's Temple, the orientation remained consistent. The Temple, like the Tabernacle, faced east, with the altar positioned accordingly. This eastward orientation is noted in 2 Chronicles 4:10, which states, "He placed the Sea on the south side, at the southeast corner of the temple." The eastward direction continued to hold theological significance, representing the direction from which God's glory would come.

Ritual Practices

The east side of the altar was integral to various sacrificial rituals. Leviticus 1:11 instructs, "He shall slaughter it on the north side of the altar before the LORD, and Aaron’s sons the priests shall sprinkle its blood against the altar on all sides." While the specific mention here is of the north side for slaughter, the east side was often the direction from which priests approached the altar, symbolizing the movement from darkness to light, from sin to redemption.

The Day of Atonement, a pivotal moment in the Jewish liturgical calendar, involved specific rituals that highlighted the east side of the altar. Leviticus 16:14-15 describes the high priest sprinkling the blood of the sin offering on the east side of the mercy seat, emphasizing the eastward orientation as a focal point for atonement and reconciliation with God.

Prophetic and Eschatological Significance

The east side of the altar also carries prophetic and eschatological connotations. Ezekiel's vision of the new Temple, as recorded in Ezekiel 43, emphasizes the glory of the LORD entering the Temple from the east. Ezekiel 43:4 states, "The glory of the LORD entered the temple through the gate facing east." This vision underscores the east as the direction of divine approach and presence, reinforcing its symbolic importance.

Furthermore, the eastward orientation is echoed in Christian eschatological thought, where the return of Christ is often associated with the east. Matthew 24:27 states, "For just as the lightning comes from the east and flashes as far as the west, so will be the coming of the Son of Man." This association with the east as the direction of Christ's return imbues the east side of the altar with additional layers of meaning, linking it to the ultimate fulfillment of God's redemptive plan.

Conclusion

The east side of the altar, therefore, is not merely a geographical or architectural detail but a profound symbol woven throughout the biblical narrative. It represents the direction of divine presence, the hope of redemption, and the promise of eschatological fulfillment. Through its consistent emphasis in Scripture, the east side of the altar invites believers to orient their worship and lives toward the light and glory of God.