The "Altar of Wood" is a significant element in the biblical narrative, particularly within the context of the tabernacle and temple worship as described in the Old Testament. This altar is primarily associated with the altar of incense, which played a crucial role in the religious practices of ancient Israel.

Biblical Description and Function

The Altar of Wood, specifically the altar of incense, is first detailed in the book of Exodus. According to Exodus 30:1-5 , the altar was to be constructed from acacia wood: "You are also to make an altar of acacia wood for the burning of incense. It is to be square, a cubit long and a cubit wide, and two cubits high. Its horns must be of one piece with it. Overlay with pure gold its top and all around its sides and horns, and make a gold molding around it. And make two gold rings beneath the molding on opposite sides to hold the poles used to carry it. Make the poles of acacia wood and overlay them with gold."

This altar was placed before the veil that separated the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place in the tabernacle, as described in Exodus 30:6 : "Place the altar in front of the veil that is before the ark of the Testimony—before the mercy seat that is over the Testimony—where I will meet with you."

The primary function of the altar was for the burning of incense, a practice that symbolized the prayers of the people ascending to God. Exodus 30:7-8 instructs, "And Aaron is to burn fragrant incense on it every morning when he tends the lamps. When Aaron sets up the lamps at twilight, he must burn the incense perpetually before the LORD for the generations to come."

Symbolism and Theological Significance

The Altar of Wood, overlaid with gold, represents the intersection of humanity and divinity. The use of acacia wood, a durable and incorruptible material, symbolizes the enduring nature of God's covenant with His people. The overlay of gold signifies the divine presence and holiness of God.

The incense offered on this altar is emblematic of prayer and intercession. Psalm 141:2 reflects this symbolism: "May my prayer be set before You like incense, my uplifted hands like the evening offering." The perpetual burning of incense underscores the continuous nature of prayer and the constant need for intercession before God.

Historical Context and Usage

The Altar of Wood was a central fixture in both the tabernacle and later the temple built by Solomon. In 1 Kings 6:20-22 , the altar is mentioned in the context of the temple: "The inner sanctuary was twenty cubits long, twenty cubits wide, and twenty cubits high. He overlaid it with pure gold and also overlaid the cedar altar. So Solomon overlaid the inside of the temple with pure gold, and he extended gold chains across the front of the inner sanctuary, which was overlaid with gold. So he overlaid the whole interior with gold. He also overlaid with gold the altar that belonged to the inner sanctuary."

The altar's presence in the temple highlights its continued importance in Israelite worship and its role in maintaining the covenant relationship between God and His people.

New Testament Reflection

While the physical altar of incense is not present in New Testament worship, its spiritual significance is echoed in the book of Revelation. Revelation 8:3-4 describes a heavenly scene: "Then another angel, having a golden censer, came and stood at the altar. He was given much incense to offer, along with the prayers of all the saints, on the golden altar before the throne. And the smoke of the incense, together with the prayers of the saints, rose up before God from the hand of the angel."

This imagery reinforces the concept of prayer as a fragrant offering to God, bridging the Old and New Testament understandings of worship and intercession.