The altar holds profound significance throughout the biblical narrative, serving as a central symbol in the worship and covenantal relationship between God and His people. From the earliest accounts in Genesis to the visions in Revelation, the altar represents themes of sacrifice, worship, atonement, and divine presence.

Old Testament Foundations

In the Old Testament, altars are first mentioned in Genesis, where Noah builds an altar to the LORD after the flood (Genesis 8:20). This act of worship and thanksgiving sets a precedent for the altar as a place of sacrifice and communion with God. The patriarchs, including Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, also constructed altars as they journeyed, marking significant encounters with God and establishing sites of worship (Genesis 12:7-8; 26:25; 35:1-7).

The Mosaic Law further institutionalizes the altar's role within the tabernacle and later the temple. The altar of burnt offering, located in the tabernacle's courtyard, was central to Israel's sacrificial system. It symbolized atonement and reconciliation, as sacrifices were offered to cover the sins of the people (Leviticus 1:3-9). The altar of incense, placed before the veil in the Holy Place, represented the prayers of the people ascending to God (Exodus 30:1-10).

Symbolism of Sacrifice and Atonement

The altar's primary function as a site of sacrifice underscores its symbolism of atonement. The shedding of blood on the altar prefigures the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world (John 1:29). The book of Hebrews elaborates on this connection, explaining that the sacrifices offered on the altar were a shadow of the good things to come, fulfilled in Christ's once-for-all sacrifice (Hebrews 10:1-14).

Worship and Divine Encounter

Beyond atonement, the altar symbolizes worship and divine encounter. It is a place where God meets with His people, as seen in the account of Elijah on Mount Carmel. Elijah's repair of the altar and subsequent offering demonstrate the altar as a site of covenant renewal and divine intervention (1 Kings 18:30-39). The fire from heaven that consumes the sacrifice signifies God's acceptance and presence.

New Testament and Spiritual Altar

In the New Testament, the physical altar gives way to a spiritual understanding. Believers are called to offer themselves as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God, which is their spiritual act of worship (Romans 12:1). This shift emphasizes the heart's posture over ritualistic offerings, aligning with Jesus' teaching that true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth (John 4:23-24).

The book of Revelation presents the altar in a heavenly context, where the souls of the martyrs cry out from beneath the altar, symbolizing their sacrifice and God's justice (Revelation 6:9-11). The altar in heaven serves as a reminder of God's ultimate sovereignty and the fulfillment of His redemptive plan.

Conclusion

The altar, throughout Scripture, is a multifaceted symbol of sacrifice, worship, and divine presence. It points to the necessity of atonement, the call to worship, and the promise of God's abiding presence with His people. As such, it remains a powerful emblem of the covenant relationship between God and humanity.