The altar holds a significant place in biblical worship and religious practice, serving as a sacred structure where offerings and sacrifices were made to God. Throughout the Bible, altars are mentioned in various contexts, each with specific instructions and measurements that reflect their importance in the covenant relationship between God and His people.

1. The Altar of Burnt Offering (Exodus 27:1-8; 38:1-7):

The Altar of Burnt Offering, also known as the Bronze Altar, was a central feature of the Tabernacle in the wilderness. According to Exodus 27:1-2 , "You are to construct the altar of acacia wood, five cubits long and five cubits wide; the altar is to be square, and three cubits high." This altar was overlaid with bronze, symbolizing strength and endurance, and was equipped with horns on its four corners, which were also overlaid with bronze.

The altar's measurements—five cubits by five cubits and three cubits high—emphasize its substantial size, allowing for the offering of various sacrifices. The altar was hollow, with a grating of bronze network beneath its ledge, extending halfway up the altar (Exodus 27:4-5). This design facilitated the burning of sacrifices and the collection of ashes.

2. The Altar of Incense (Exodus 30:1-10):

The Altar of Incense, distinct from the Altar of Burnt Offering, was located inside the Holy Place of the Tabernacle, before the veil that separated the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place. Exodus 30:1-3 describes its construction: "You are also to make an altar of acacia wood for the burning of incense. It is to be square, a cubit long, a cubit wide, and two cubits high. Its horns must be of one piece with it. Overlay with pure gold its top, all around its sides, and its horns, and make a gold molding around it."

This altar's smaller size—one cubit by one cubit and two cubits high—reflects its specific purpose for burning incense, symbolizing the prayers of the people ascending to God. The use of gold signifies its sacredness and the purity required in approaching God.

3. The Altar in Solomon's Temple (2 Chronicles 4:1):

In Solomon's Temple, the altar was significantly larger than its Tabernacle predecessor. 2 Chronicles 4:1 states, "He made a bronze altar twenty cubits long, twenty cubits wide, and ten cubits high." This grand altar, situated in the temple courtyard, accommodated the increased number of sacrifices offered during the temple period.

The dimensions—twenty cubits by twenty cubits and ten cubits high—highlight the altar's prominence and the central role of sacrificial worship in Israel's religious life. The altar's construction from bronze continued the tradition of durability and strength.

4. The Altar in Ezekiel's Vision (Ezekiel 43:13-17):

Ezekiel's vision of a future temple includes detailed measurements of an altar, symbolizing the restoration of proper worship. Ezekiel 43:13-17 provides these dimensions: "These are the measurements of the altar in long cubits, a cubit and a handbreadth: The gutter is a cubit deep and a cubit wide, with a rim of one span around the edge. And this is the height of the altar: From the gutter on the ground up to the lower ledge, it is two cubits high and a cubit wide; from the smaller ledge up to the larger ledge, it is four cubits high and a cubit wide. The altar hearth is four cubits high, and four horns project upward from the hearth."

This altar's design, with its multiple levels and precise measurements, underscores the order and holiness required in worship. The vision reflects a future hope for the restoration of Israel and the reestablishment of a covenant relationship with God.

5. Symbolism and Significance:

Altars in the Bible are not merely physical structures but carry deep spiritual significance. They represent a place of encounter between God and humanity, a site of atonement, thanksgiving, and dedication. The specific measurements and materials used in their construction reflect the divine order and holiness required in worship. Altars serve as a reminder of God's covenant promises and the need for obedience and reverence in approaching Him.