Altar

The altar holds a significant place in biblical history and worship, serving as a sacred structure where offerings and sacrifices are made to God. The concept of the altar is introduced early in the Bible, with Noah building an altar to the LORD after the flood (Genesis 8:20). Altars were central to the worship practices of the patriarchs, such as Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, who constructed altars to commemorate divine encounters and to offer sacrifices (Genesis 12:7-8; 26:25; 35:1-7).

In the Mosaic Law, the altar became a formalized part of the Tabernacle and later the Temple. The altar of burnt offering, also known as the brazen altar, was located in the courtyard of the Tabernacle and was used for animal sacrifices (Exodus 27:1-8). It was made of acacia wood overlaid with bronze, signifying its durability and sanctity. The altar of incense, placed inside the Holy Place, was used for burning incense, symbolizing the prayers of the people ascending to God (Exodus 30:1-10).

The altar was a place of atonement, where the blood of sacrifices was offered to cover the sins of the people, pointing forward to the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ. Hebrews 13:10 refers to the Christian's altar, emphasizing the spiritual nature of worship in the New Covenant.

Sanctuary

The sanctuary, in biblical terms, refers to the sacred space set apart for the worship of God. Initially, the sanctuary was the Tabernacle, a portable tent of meeting that accompanied the Israelites during their wilderness journey (Exodus 25:8-9). The Tabernacle was meticulously designed according to divine instructions, symbolizing God's presence among His people.

The sanctuary was divided into three main areas: the Outer Court, the Holy Place, and the Most Holy Place (Holy of Holies). The Most Holy Place housed the Ark of the Covenant, representing God's throne on earth and His covenant with Israel (Exodus 26:33-34). Only the high priest could enter the Most Holy Place, and only once a year on the Day of Atonement, to make atonement for the sins of the nation (Leviticus 16:2-34).

With the establishment of the monarchy, the permanent Temple in Jerusalem replaced the Tabernacle as the central sanctuary. Solomon's Temple, built according to divine specifications, became the focal point of Israelite worship (1 Kings 6:1-38). The Temple was later destroyed and rebuilt, with Herod's Temple standing during the time of Jesus.

The sanctuary's significance is further highlighted in the New Testament, where believers are described as the temple of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19). This reflects the shift from a physical sanctuary to a spiritual one, where God's presence dwells within His people.

Throughout Scripture, the altar and the sanctuary serve as powerful symbols of God's holiness, the need for atonement, and the intimate relationship between God and His people.