The altar holds a significant place in biblical worship, serving as a focal point for sacrifice, prayer, and communion with God. Throughout the Scriptures, the altar is depicted as a sacred space where humanity encounters the divine, offering a tangible representation of spiritual devotion and obedience.

Old Testament Foundations

In the Old Testament, the altar is first introduced in the context of sacrifice. Noah, after the flood, built an altar to the LORD and offered burnt offerings on it (Genesis 8:20). This act of worship was met with divine favor, as God promised never to curse the ground again on account of man. The altar thus becomes a place of covenantal interaction between God and humanity.

The patriarchs, including Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, also constructed altars as they journeyed through the land. For instance, Abraham built an altar at Shechem after God promised the land to his descendants (Genesis 12:7). These altars served as markers of divine encounters and commitments, symbolizing the patriarchs' faith and God's promises.

The Mosaic Law further institutionalized the role of the altar in worship. The Tabernacle, and later the Temple, featured the bronze altar for burnt offerings and the golden altar of incense. The bronze altar, located in the courtyard, was the site for daily sacrifices, sin offerings, and peace offerings, as prescribed in Leviticus. The golden altar, situated in the Holy Place, was used for burning incense, symbolizing the prayers of the people ascending to God (Exodus 30:1-10).

The Altar and Sacrifice

Sacrifice is central to the function of the altar. The shedding of blood on the altar was a means of atonement, as stated in Leviticus 17:11: "For the life of the flesh is in the blood, and I have given it to you on the altar to make atonement for your souls." The altar thus served as a place where the Israelites could seek forgiveness and reconciliation with God.

The Day of Atonement, described in Leviticus 16, highlights the altar's role in the annual purification of the people and the sanctuary. The high priest would sprinkle the blood of the sin offering on the altar, symbolizing the cleansing of sin and the restoration of fellowship with God.

The Altar in Prophetic and Poetic Literature

The prophets often referenced the altar in their calls for genuine worship and repentance. Isaiah criticized the people for offering sacrifices on the altar without true devotion, declaring, "Bring no more worthless offerings; your incense is detestable to Me" (Isaiah 1:13). The altar, therefore, was not merely a ritualistic object but a place demanding sincerity and righteousness.

In the Psalms, the altar is associated with joy and thanksgiving. Psalm 43:4 expresses the psalmist's longing to approach the altar of God, "Then I will go to the altar of God, to God, my greatest joy." Here, the altar is a place of worship and celebration, reflecting the believer's desire to draw near to God.

New Testament Fulfillment

In the New Testament, the role of the altar is transformed through the person and work of Jesus Christ. Hebrews 13:10 states, "We have an altar from which those who serve at the tabernacle have no right to eat." This verse alludes to the spiritual altar of the New Covenant, where Christ's sacrifice supersedes the old sacrificial system.

Jesus' crucifixion is portrayed as the ultimate sacrifice, fulfilling the typology of the Old Testament altar. His blood, shed on the cross, provides eternal atonement for sin, rendering the physical altar obsolete. Believers are called to offer themselves as "living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God" (Romans 12:1), signifying a shift from external rituals to internal devotion.

The Altar in Christian Worship

In Christian worship, the concept of the altar persists, though its form and function have evolved. Many churches feature a communion table, often referred to as an altar, where the Lord's Supper is celebrated. This practice commemorates Christ's sacrifice and serves as a reminder of the believer's ongoing relationship with God.

The altar remains a symbol of worship, sacrifice, and divine encounter, inviting believers to approach God with reverence, gratitude, and a heart of obedience.