The Great Altar holds significant importance in the biblical narrative, particularly in the context of Israel's worship practices and covenant relationship with God. It is a symbol of sacrifice, atonement, and divine encounter, reflecting the centrality of worship in the life of the Israelite community.

Biblical References and Description

The Great Altar is prominently mentioned in the context of the Tabernacle and the Temple, serving as the primary site for sacrifices and offerings. In the wilderness, the altar was constructed according to divine specifications given to Moses on Mount Sinai. Exodus 27:1-2 describes the altar: "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. Make a horn on each of its four corners, so that the horns are of one piece, and overlay it with bronze."

In Solomon's Temple, the altar was a more permanent and grand structure. 2 Chronicles 4:1 states, "He made a bronze altar twenty cubits long, twenty cubits wide, and ten cubits high." This altar was central to the Temple's function, facilitating the sacrificial system that was integral to Israel's worship and covenantal obligations.

Function and Significance

The Great Altar served multiple purposes in Israel's religious life. It was the site for burnt offerings, sin offerings, and peace offerings, each with specific rituals and meanings. Leviticus 1:9 outlines the burnt offering: "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." These offerings were acts of worship, atonement, and thanksgiving, symbolizing the people's devotion and dependence on God.

The altar also represented God's presence and His covenant with Israel. It was a place where God met with His people, as seen in Exodus 29:43 : "I will meet with the Israelites there, and it will be sanctified by My glory." The altar was thus a tangible reminder of God's holiness and the need for purification and consecration.

Theological Implications

Theologically, the Great Altar underscores the necessity of sacrifice for atonement and reconciliation with God. It prefigures the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, who, according to Christian belief, fulfilled the sacrificial system through His death on the cross. Hebrews 9:12 reflects this fulfillment: "He did not enter by the blood of goats and calves, but He entered the Most Holy Place once for all by His own blood, thus securing eternal redemption."

The altar also highlights the concept of holiness and the seriousness of sin. The repeated sacrifices underscore the need for continual atonement, pointing to humanity's inherent sinfulness and the need for divine grace.

Historical and Cultural Context

In the ancient Near Eastern context, altars were common in religious practices, serving as sites for offerings to deities. However, the Great Altar of Israel was distinct in its monotheistic focus and its role within the covenantal framework established by Yahweh. Unlike pagan altars, which often served multiple gods, the Great Altar was dedicated solely to the worship of the one true God, reflecting Israel's unique identity and mission among the nations.

Conclusion

The Great Altar remains a profound symbol within the biblical tradition, representing the intersection of divine holiness, human sinfulness, and the grace of God. Its role in the sacrificial system and its theological implications continue to resonate within the Christian faith, pointing to the ultimate sacrifice of Christ and the ongoing call to worship and holiness.