The concept of the altar as a place of meeting is deeply rooted in the biblical narrative, serving as a significant symbol of communion between God and humanity. Throughout the Scriptures, altars are depicted as sacred sites where individuals and communities encounter the divine, offer sacrifices, and seek guidance.

Old Testament Foundations

In the Old Testament, altars are frequently mentioned as places where God meets with His people. The first altar recorded in the Bible is built by Noah after the flood. Genesis 8:20 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." This act of worship and thanksgiving marks a renewed relationship between God and creation.

Abraham, the patriarch of Israel, also built altars at significant moments in his journey. In Genesis 12:7, after God promises the land of Canaan to his descendants, "the LORD appeared to Abram and said, 'To your offspring I will give this land.' So Abram built an altar there to the LORD, who had appeared to him." These altars served as tangible reminders of God's promises and presence.

The altar's role as a meeting place is further emphasized in the construction of the Tabernacle and later the Temple. The altar of burnt offering, located in the courtyard of the Tabernacle, was central to Israel's worship. Leviticus 1:3-4 instructs, "If one's offering is a burnt offering from the herd, he is to offer an unblemished male. He must present it at the entrance to the Tent of Meeting, so that he may be accepted by the LORD. He is to lay his hand on the head of the burnt offering, so that it may be accepted on his behalf to make atonement for him." Here, the altar serves as a place where atonement and reconciliation with God occur.

New Testament Fulfillment

In the New Testament, the concept of the altar evolves with the coming of Jesus Christ, who fulfills the sacrificial system. Hebrews 13:10 states, "We have an altar from which those who serve at the tabernacle have no right to eat." This passage highlights the spiritual altar of the New Covenant, where believers meet with God through the sacrifice of Christ.

The ultimate meeting place between God and humanity is found in the person of Jesus. His crucifixion is portrayed as the ultimate altar where the perfect sacrifice is offered. In John 19:30, Jesus declares, "It is finished," signifying the completion of His redemptive work. Through His sacrifice, believers have direct access to God, as emphasized in Hebrews 10:19-22: "Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus... let us draw near with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith."

Symbolism and Application

The altar as a place of meeting symbolizes the intersection of the divine and the human. It represents a space where individuals can approach God, seek forgiveness, and offer worship. In contemporary Christian practice, the altar remains a focal point in many churches, symbolizing the presence of God and the community's response to His grace.

In personal devotion, the concept of the altar can be applied to any place where believers set aside time to meet with God in prayer, worship, and reflection. It serves as a reminder of the ongoing relationship between the Creator and His creation, made possible through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ.