In the biblical narrative, altars hold significant importance as places of worship, sacrifice, and communion with God. The instructions for constructing and using altars are detailed primarily in the Old Testament, reflecting the covenantal relationship between God and His people.

Early Altars

The earliest altars mentioned in the Bible were simple structures, often made of earth or uncut stones. In Genesis, Noah built an altar to the LORD after the flood (Genesis 8:20), and Abraham constructed several altars as he journeyed through the land promised to him by God (Genesis 12:7-8; 13:18; 22:9). These altars were places where patriarchs called upon the name of the LORD and offered sacrifices.

Mosaic Law and Altars

With the establishment of the Mosaic Covenant, God provided specific instructions for the construction and use of altars. In Exodus 20:24-26, God commanded the Israelites: "You are to make for Me an altar of earth, and you shall sacrifice on it your burnt offerings and peace offerings, your sheep and goats and cattle. In every place where I cause My name to be remembered, I will come to you and bless you. If you make an altar of stones for Me, you must not build it with cut stones, for if you use a chisel on it, you will defile it. And you must not go up to My altar on steps, lest your nakedness be exposed on it."

These instructions emphasize the simplicity and sanctity of altars, ensuring that they remain unadorned by human craftsmanship, which could detract from the worship of God.

The Altar of Burnt Offering

In the Tabernacle, the Altar of Burnt Offering was a central feature. Detailed instructions for its construction are found in Exodus 27:1-8. The altar was to be made of acacia wood and overlaid with bronze, measuring five cubits square and three cubits high. It was equipped with horns on its four corners and a grating of bronze network. The altar served as the site for daily sacrifices, symbolizing atonement and reconciliation with God.

The Altar of Incense

Another significant altar within the Tabernacle was the Altar of Incense, described in Exodus 30:1-10. Made of acacia wood and overlaid with gold, this altar was smaller and placed inside the Holy Place. Aaron, the high priest, was instructed to burn fragrant incense on it every morning and evening, symbolizing the prayers of the people ascending to God.

Prohibitions and Regulations

The Israelites were strictly prohibited from building altars in unauthorized locations or offering sacrifices to other gods. Deuteronomy 12:13-14 states, "Be careful not to offer your burnt offerings in just any place you see; you must offer them only in the place the LORD will choose in one of your tribal territories, and there you shall do all that I command you."

Altars in the Temple

With the construction of Solomon's Temple, the altar took on a more permanent and grandiose form. The altar in the Temple was made of bronze and was significantly larger than the one in the Tabernacle (2 Chronicles 4:1). It continued to serve as the focal point for sacrifices and worship until the Temple's destruction.

Symbolism and Fulfillment

In the New Testament, the concept of the altar is fulfilled in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Hebrews 13:10-12 speaks of an altar from which those who serve the tabernacle have no right to eat, pointing to the ultimate sacrifice of Christ, who sanctifies the people through His own blood. The physical altars of the Old Testament find their spiritual fulfillment in the sacrifice of Jesus, who provides eternal atonement and access to God.