The Altar of Sacrifice, also known as the Bronze Altar or Brazen Altar, holds significant importance in the religious practices of ancient Israel as described in the Old Testament. It was a central feature of the Tabernacle and later the Temple, serving as the primary location for offering sacrifices to God. The altar symbolizes atonement, worship, and the covenant relationship between God and His people.

Biblical Description and Construction

The instructions for constructing the Altar of Sacrifice are detailed in the Book of Exodus. God commanded Moses to build the altar as part of the Tabernacle's furnishings. "You are to make an altar of acacia wood, five cubits long and five cubits wide; the altar is to be square, and three cubits high" (Exodus 27:1). The altar was overlaid with bronze, a metal associated with judgment and endurance, and it featured horns on its four corners, which were also covered with bronze (Exodus 27:2).

The altar was equipped with various utensils, including pots, shovels, basins, forks, and firepans, all made of bronze (Exodus 27:3). A bronze grating was placed under the ledge of the altar, halfway up from the base (Exodus 27:4-5). The altar was designed to be portable, with poles made of acacia wood overlaid with bronze for carrying (Exodus 27:6-7).

Function and Significance

The primary function of the Altar of Sacrifice was to facilitate the offering of sacrifices, which were central to Israelite worship and the sacrificial system. These sacrifices included burnt offerings, peace offerings, sin offerings, and guilt offerings, each serving a distinct purpose in the spiritual life of the community.

Burnt offerings, for instance, were made to atone for sin and express devotion to God. Leviticus 1:9 states, "The priest is to burn all of it on the altar as a burnt offering, an offering made by fire, a pleasing aroma to the LORD" . The continual burnt offering, made every morning and evening, symbolized the perpetual worship and dedication of the Israelites to God (Exodus 29:38-42).

The altar also played a crucial role in the Day of Atonement, when the high priest would make atonement for the sins of the nation. Blood from the sin offering was applied to the horns of the altar, signifying purification and reconciliation with God (Leviticus 16:18-19).

Theological Implications

The Altar of Sacrifice is rich in theological symbolism. It represents the seriousness of sin and the necessity of atonement through the shedding of blood, prefiguring the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ. Hebrews 9:22 underscores this principle: "Without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness" . The altar's central location in the Tabernacle and Temple underscores the importance of sacrifice in maintaining a right relationship with God.

Moreover, the altar signifies God's provision for His people to approach Him despite their sinfulness. It is a place where divine justice and mercy meet, foreshadowing the New Testament revelation of Christ's atoning work on the cross.

Historical and Cultural Context

In the broader ancient Near Eastern context, altars were common in religious practices, often serving as sites for offerings to various deities. However, the Altar of Sacrifice in Israelite worship was distinct in its monotheistic focus and its role within the covenantal framework established by Yahweh.

The altar's design and function were divinely ordained, setting Israel apart from surrounding nations and emphasizing the holiness and uniqueness of their worship. The sacrificial system, centered around the altar, reinforced the Israelites' identity as God's chosen people and their call to live in obedience to His commandments.

Conclusion

The Altar of Sacrifice remains a profound symbol of faith, illustrating the depth of God's holiness, the gravity of sin, and the necessity of atonement. It points forward to the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, who fulfilled the law and provided a way for humanity to be reconciled to God.