Topical Encyclopedia Altars hold a significant place in biblical history and theology, serving as sacred structures designed primarily for sacrifice and worship. Throughout the Scriptures, altars are depicted as places where individuals and communities encounter God, offer sacrifices, and commemorate divine interventions.Old Testament Altars The concept of altars is introduced early in the biblical narrative. The first mention of an altar is found in Genesis 8:20, where Noah, after the flood, builds an altar to the Lord and offers burnt offerings of clean animals and birds. This act of worship and thanksgiving sets a precedent for the use of altars as places of sacrifice and divine communication. In the patriarchal period, altars were often constructed by the patriarchs as they journeyed through the land. Abraham built several altars, including one at Shechem (Genesis 12:7) and another between Bethel and Ai (Genesis 12:8). These altars served as physical markers of God's promises and Abraham's faithfulness. The Mosaic Law formalized the use of altars in Israelite worship. The altar of burnt offering, described in Exodus 27:1-8, was a central feature of the Tabernacle. Made of acacia wood and overlaid with bronze, it was used for offering sacrifices to atone for sin and express devotion to God. Leviticus 1-7 provides detailed instructions on the various types of sacrifices to be offered on this altar, including burnt offerings, grain offerings, peace offerings, sin offerings, and guilt offerings. The altar of incense, located inside the Tabernacle, was used for burning incense as a symbol of prayer ascending to God (Exodus 30:1-10). This altar, overlaid with gold, was distinct from the altar of burnt offering and played a crucial role in the daily worship practices of the priests. Altars in the Temple With the construction of Solomon's Temple, the altar of burnt offering was replaced by a larger, more permanent structure made of bronze (2 Chronicles 4:1). This altar continued to serve as the focal point for sacrifices and worship in the Temple, underscoring the centrality of sacrificial offerings in Israel's relationship with God. The prophets often called the people back to true worship at the altar, condemning idolatry and the misuse of altars for pagan practices. Elijah's confrontation with the prophets of Baal on Mount Carmel (1 Kings 18:30-39) is a notable example, where he repaired the altar of the Lord and demonstrated God's power through a miraculous fire-consuming sacrifice. New Testament Perspective In the New Testament, the concept of altars shifts with the advent of Jesus Christ, who is seen as the ultimate sacrifice. Hebrews 13:10-12 speaks of an altar from which those who serve the tabernacle have no right to eat, pointing to the sacrificial work of Christ. His death on the cross fulfills the sacrificial system, rendering the physical altars of the Old Covenant obsolete. The Apostle Paul, in Romans 12:1, exhorts believers to present their bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God, which is their spiritual act of worship. This redefines the concept of sacrifice, emphasizing a life dedicated to God rather than ritual offerings on a physical altar. Symbolism and Significance Altars symbolize the meeting place between God and humanity, a place of covenant, worship, and atonement. They remind believers of the necessity of sacrifice in approaching a holy God and the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, who reconciles humanity to God. Throughout biblical history, altars have served as tangible expressions of faith, obedience, and divine encounter. They underscore the importance of worship and the centrality of sacrifice in the believer's relationship with God, pointing ultimately to the redemptive work of Christ. Torrey's Topical Textbook Exodus 20:24An altar of earth you shall make to me, and shall sacrifice thereon your burnt offerings, and your peace offerings, your sheep, and your oxen: in all places where I record my name I will come to you, and I will bless you. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library First Sunday after Epiphany The Fourth vision "In Heaven" Julian Restores Liberty to the Christians, in Order to Execute ... Introductory Notice to the Early Liturgies. Of the Popish Mass. How it not Only Profanes, but Annihilates the ... Chapter viii Bourdaloue -- the Passion of Christ Knox in Scotland: Lethington: Mary of Guise: 1555-1556 Manner of Covenanting. A Doomed People Resources Who are the Chemarim / Chemarims in Zephaniah 1:4? | GotQuestions.orgWhat are the books of 1 and 2 Maccabees? | GotQuestions.org Who was Balaam in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Altars for Idolatrous Worship, often Erected on Roofs of Houses Altars for Idolatrous Worship, to be Destroyed Altars of Brick, Hateful to God Altars of Reubenites East of Jordan Altars of the People of Israel Altars of the Temple of Solomon Altars were not to Have Steps up to Them Altars: Afforded No Protection to Murderers Altars: Designed for Sacrifice Altars: Idolaters Planted Groves Near Altars: Natural Rocks Sometimes Used As Altars: Probable Origin of Inscriptions On Altars: Protection Afforded By Altars: The Jews not to Plant Groves Near Altars: To be Made of Earth, or Unhewn Stone Related Terms |
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