Biblical Reference: Genesis 8:20-22

Context and Background:
The account of Noah building an altar is found in the Book of Genesis, following the narrative of the Great Flood. After the floodwaters receded and Noah, his family, and the animals disembarked from the ark, Noah's first recorded action was to build an altar to the LORD. This event marks a significant moment in biblical history, symbolizing a new beginning for humanity and a renewed relationship with God.

Scriptural Account:
Genesis 8:20-22 states: "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. When the LORD smelled the pleasing aroma, He said in His heart, 'Never again will I curse the ground because of man, even though every inclination of his heart is evil from his youth. And never again will I destroy all living creatures as I have done. As long as the earth endures, seedtime and harvest, cold and heat, summer and winter, day and night shall never cease.'"

Significance of the Altar:
1. Act of Worship and Gratitude: Noah's construction of the altar and the offering of sacrifices was an act of worship and gratitude towards God for His deliverance from the flood. It was a spontaneous expression of reverence and thanksgiving, acknowledging God's mercy and protection.

2. Symbol of Covenant: The altar and the sacrifices served as a precursor to the covenant God would establish with Noah and all living creatures. This covenant, symbolized by the rainbow, promised that God would never again destroy the earth with a flood. The altar thus represents a foundational moment in the unfolding of God's redemptive plan.

3. Clean Animals and Sacrificial System: The use of clean animals for the burnt offerings indicates an early understanding of sacrificial practices that would later be codified in the Mosaic Law. This act foreshadows the sacrificial system that would become central to Israelite worship, emphasizing the importance of purity and obedience in offerings to God.

4. Divine Response: God's response to Noah's sacrifice is significant. The "pleasing aroma" signifies God's acceptance of the offering, and His subsequent promise highlights His grace and commitment to the preservation of creation. This divine assurance underscores the theme of God's faithfulness despite human sinfulness.

5. Moral and Theological Implications: The narrative highlights the persistent problem of human sin, as God acknowledges that "every inclination of [man's] heart is evil from his youth." Yet, it also reveals God's mercy and His desire to sustain life on earth. This duality of human depravity and divine grace is a recurring theme throughout Scripture.

Theological Reflections:
Noah's altar serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of worship, gratitude, and covenant in the believer's relationship with God. It illustrates the necessity of acknowledging God's sovereignty and grace, even amidst judgment and renewal. The act of building an altar and offering sacrifices is a testament to the enduring need for atonement and reconciliation with God, ultimately pointing to the perfect sacrifice of Jesus Christ in the New Testament.