Topical Encyclopedia The altars of Noah hold significant importance in biblical history, symbolizing worship, covenant, and thanksgiving. Noah, a righteous man in his generation, is most notably recognized for his obedience to God during the time of the Great Flood. His actions following the flood are pivotal in understanding the role of altars in early biblical narratives.Biblical Context The primary account of Noah's altar is found in Genesis 8:20-21. After the floodwaters receded and Noah, along with his family and the animals, disembarked from the ark, Noah's first recorded action was to build an altar to the LORD. The Berean Standard Bible states: "Then Noah built an altar to the LORD. Taking from every kind of clean animal and clean bird, he offered burnt offerings on the altar. When the LORD smelled the pleasing aroma, He said in His heart, 'Never again will I curse the ground because of man, even though every inclination of his heart is evil from his youth. And never again will I destroy all living creatures, as I have done.'" Significance of the Altar 1. Worship and Thanksgiving: Noah's altar was an expression of worship and gratitude to God for deliverance from the flood. It was a spontaneous act of reverence, acknowledging God's sovereignty and mercy. The offering of clean animals and birds signifies the importance of purity and holiness in worship. 2. Covenant and Promise: The altar is closely linked to God's covenant with Noah and, by extension, with all of creation. The pleasing aroma of the sacrifices led to God's promise never to destroy the earth with a flood again. This covenant is further symbolized by the rainbow, as described in Genesis 9:12-17. 3. Atonement and Sacrifice: The act of offering burnt sacrifices on the altar prefigures the sacrificial system later established in the Mosaic Law. It underscores the necessity of atonement and the role of sacrifice in maintaining a relationship with God. 4. Faith and Obedience: Noah's construction of the altar and his offerings demonstrate his faith and obedience to God. Despite the destruction that had just occurred, Noah's immediate response was to honor God, setting a precedent for future generations. Theological Implications The altars of Noah highlight the foundational aspects of worship, covenant, and sacrifice in the biblical narrative. They serve as a reminder of humanity's dependence on divine grace and the importance of maintaining a relationship with God through acts of worship and obedience. Noah's actions foreshadow the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, who fulfills the need for atonement once and for all. In summary, the altars of Noah are a testament to the enduring themes of faith, covenant, and worship that permeate the Scriptures, offering insights into the nature of God's relationship with humanity. Torrey's Topical Textbook Genesis 8:20And Noah built an altar to the LORD; and took of every clean beast, and of every clean fowl, and offered burnt offerings on the altar. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library Christ Our High Priest. Epistle Lxxv. To Magnus, on Baptizing the Novatians, and those who ... Book iii. --Of the Harmony of the Fathers of the Old and New ... Chapter viii Upon the Character of Balaam. Preached the Second Sunday after ... Introductory Notice to the Early Liturgies. The Unity of Revelation. 1 "Known unto God are all his Works from ... Manner of Covenanting. How the Bishop is to Treat the Innocent, the Guilty, and the ... Covenanting According to the Purposes of God. 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 |
    |