Topical Encyclopedia The altars of David hold significant importance in the biblical narrative, reflecting King David's devotion to God and his role in the religious life of Israel. Throughout his life, David built altars as acts of worship, repentance, and thanksgiving, marking pivotal moments in his reign and relationship with God.1. The Altar at the Threshing Floor of Araunah the Jebusite One of the most notable altars built by David is at the threshing floor of Araunah the Jebusite. This event is recorded in 2 Samuel 24 and 1 Chronicles 21. After David sinned by conducting a census of Israel, God sent a plague as punishment. To stop the plague, David was instructed by the prophet Gad to build an altar to the Lord on the threshing floor of Araunah. David purchased the site, built an altar, and offered burnt offerings and peace offerings. The Lord accepted David's offerings, and the plague was halted. This site later became the location for Solomon's Temple, as noted in 2 Chronicles 3:1: "Then Solomon began to build the house of the LORD in Jerusalem on Mount Moriah, where the LORD had appeared to his father David, at the place that David had prepared on the threshing floor of Araunah the Jebusite." 2. The Altar in the City of David David also erected an altar in the City of David, which is mentioned in 1 Chronicles 16. After bringing the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem, David placed it in a tent he had pitched for it and offered burnt offerings and peace offerings before God. This act of worship was accompanied by a psalm of thanksgiving, highlighting David's role in establishing Jerusalem as the religious center of Israel. The passage in 1 Chronicles 16:1-2 states: "They brought the ark of God and set it inside the tent that David had pitched for it, and they presented burnt offerings and peace offerings before God. When David had finished sacrificing the burnt offerings and peace offerings, he blessed the people in the name of the LORD." 3. The Altar at Nob While not directly built by David, the altar at Nob is associated with him during his flight from Saul. In 1 Samuel 21, David visited Ahimelech the priest at Nob, where the tabernacle and the altar were located. Here, David received consecrated bread and Goliath's sword. Although this altar was not constructed by David, his interaction with the priestly city of Nob underscores his reliance on God's provision and guidance during his time of distress. 4. The Altar of Sacrifice and Worship David's life was marked by a deep commitment to worship and sacrifice, as evidenced by his numerous psalms and his desire to build a permanent house for God. Although God did not permit David to build the temple, He acknowledged David's heart and promised that his son Solomon would fulfill this task. David's preparation for the temple, including gathering materials and organizing the Levites, reflects his dedication to ensuring that worship and sacrifice remained central to Israel's identity. David's altars symbolize his repentance, gratitude, and devotion to God. They serve as reminders of God's mercy and faithfulness, as well as the importance of worship and obedience in the life of a believer. Torrey's Topical Textbook 2 Samuel 24:21,25And Araunah said, Why is my lord the king come to his servant? And David said, To buy the threshing floor of you, to build an altar to the LORD, that the plague may be stayed from the people. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library But Upon those who have Used Dissimulation Like David... Josiah Sparrows and Altars The Tears of Christ. The Earlier Hebrew Histories. Religious Zeal. Psalm CX. Psalm 40:3. 5-10. LM Christ Our Sacrifice. Psalm 40:2. 6-9. Second Part. CM The Incarnation and Sacrifice of ... The Fall of Solomon Resources What is an altar? | GotQuestions.orgWho was King Manasseh in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org What was the significance of the horns of the altar (Amos 3:14)? | 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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