The Altar of Burnt-Offering, also known as the Brazen Altar, holds significant typological importance in the Old Testament, prefiguring the sacrificial work of Jesus Christ. Situated in the Tabernacle's outer court, this altar was the primary site for sacrifices, symbolizing atonement and reconciliation with God. Constructed of acacia wood and overlaid with bronze (Exodus 27:1-8), it was a place where offerings were made to God, pointing forward to the ultimate sacrifice of Christ.

Design and Purpose

The altar was a square structure, measuring five cubits in length and width and three cubits in height. It featured horns on its four corners, symbolizing strength and salvation (Psalm 18:2). The altar's bronze construction signified judgment and endurance, reflecting the enduring nature of Christ's atoning work. The fire on the altar was to be kept burning continually (Leviticus 6:13), representing the perpetual nature of Christ's intercession for believers.

Typology of Christ

1. Sacrifice and Atonement: The primary function of the altar was to facilitate sacrifices for sin, guilt, and fellowship offerings. These sacrifices foreshadowed the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, who offered Himself once for all (Hebrews 10:10). As the animals were without blemish, so too was Christ, the sinless Lamb of God (John 1:29).

2. Substitutionary Atonement: The concept of substitution is central to the altar's purpose. The innocent animal bore the penalty of sin on behalf of the offerer, prefiguring Christ's substitutionary death on the cross. Isaiah 53:5 states, "But He was pierced for our transgressions, He was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on Him, and by His wounds we are healed."

3. Access to God: The altar was the first object encountered upon entering the Tabernacle, signifying that atonement is the initial step in approaching God. Similarly, Christ's sacrifice is the means by which believers gain access to the Father (Ephesians 2:18).

4. Holiness and Judgment: The bronze material of the altar symbolizes judgment, as bronze is associated with strength and endurance. Christ endured the judgment of God on behalf of humanity, satisfying divine justiceHebrews 13:10
We have an altar, whereof they have no right to eat which serve the tabernacle.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Scriptural Types.
... come to God through the priesthood of his appointment"an expressive type of the ... before
the Lord, and then burned by Moses on the altar of burnt-offering. ...
/.../barrows/companion to the bible/chapter xxxvii scriptural types.htm

Fasting, and the Goat Sent Away, were Types of Christ.
... in Isaac when he was offered upon the altar might be ... And let the priest take one
as a burnt-offering for sins ... says He, "is the one." Mark how the type of Jesus ...
/.../barnabas/the epistle of barnabas /chapter vii fasting and the goat.htm

The Copies of Things in the Heavens
... And thou shalt anoint the altar of the burnt offering, and all ... sanctify the altar:
and it shall be an altar most holy.11 ... It was both a symbol and a type; that is ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture k/the copies of things in.htm

The Day of Atonement
... a sin offering, and a ram for a burnt offering." These were ... of burning coals of fire
from off the altar before the ... he took the blood which was a type of Christ ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 2 1856/the day of atonement.htm

Some Helpful Thoughts on Consecration
... by one, they consume away on the altar of his ... difference between the sin-offering
and the burnt offering, but it ... But we see in the type still another animal to ...
/.../byers/sanctification/chapter xi some helpful thoughts.htm

Folly of the Arguments Derived by the Heretics from Numbers ...
... and a Decad, and a Duodecad, but any sort of number from the Scriptures, and then
maintain that this was a type of the ... The altar of burnt-offering also was ...
/.../irenaeus/against heresies/chapter xxiv folly of the arguments.htm

Index of Subjects.
... Allegories; their interpretation, 558, seq. Altar, of incense, 589; of
burnt-offering, 590. ... Joshua the high-priest, as a type of Christ, 590. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/barrows/companion to the bible/index of subjects.htm

The Fifth Day in Passion-Week - Make Ready the Passover!'
... of the sun were reflected, rose the smoke of the Altar of Burnt-offering. ... was going
forward to accomplish His Death in Jerusalem; to fulfil type and prophecy ...
/.../edersheim/the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter ix the fifth day.htm

In the Last, the Great Day of the Feast'
... We have here the only Old Testament type yet unfilfilled; the only ... laying the pieces
of the sacrifice on the great Altar of Burnt-offering, [4005] towards ...
/.../edersheim/the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter vii in the last.htm

What is the Sanctuary?
... court, which contained the altar of burnt-offering, the tabernacle ... was also to be
sprinkled upon the altar of incense ... things." And what was done in type in the ...
/.../the great controversy between christ and satan /23 what is the sanctuary.htm

Why was the altar in Joshua 22:10 34 such a big deal? | GotQuestions.org

What was the significance of the altar King Ahaz built? | GotQuestions.org

Why is Gideon referred to as Jerubbaal? | GotQuestions.org

Altar: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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