Topical Bible: The Altar of Burnt-Offering: The Blood of Sacrifices Put on the Horns and Poured at The

Bible > Topical > The Altar of Burnt-Offering

◄ The Altar of Burnt-Offering: The Blood of Sacrifices Put on the Horns and Poured at The ►

Jump to: Torrey's • Library • Subtopics • Terms

Topical Encyclopedia

The Altar of Burnt-Offering, also known as the Bronze Altar, was a central element in the sacrificial system of ancient Israel, as prescribed in the Mosaic Law. This altar was located in the courtyard of the Tabernacle and later in the Temple, serving as the primary site for offering sacrifices to God. Constructed of acacia wood and overlaid with bronze, the altar was designed with specific dimensions and features, including four horns at its corners (Exodus 27:1-2).

Purpose and Significance

The Altar of Burnt-Offering was primarily used for the offering of burnt sacrifices, which were a key component of Israelite worship. These sacrifices symbolized atonement for sin, dedication to God, and the restoration of fellowship between God and His people. The act of sacrifice was a vivid reminder of the cost of sin and the need for a substitute to bear the penalty on behalf of the sinner.

The Role of Blood in Sacrifices

Blood played a crucial role in the sacrificial system, symbolizing life and atonement. Leviticus 17:11 states, "For the life of the flesh is in the blood, and I have given it to you on the altar to make atonement for your souls; for it is the blood that makes atonement by the life" . The application of blood on the altar was a vital part of the ritual, signifying the purification and consecration of both the altar and the worshippers.

Application of Blood on the Horns

The horns of the altar were significant in the sacrificial rites. During certain offerings, such as the sin offering, the priest would apply the blood of the sacrifice to the horns of the altar. Leviticus 4:7 describes this process: "The priest must apply some of the blood to the horns of the altar of fragrant incense that is before the LORD in the Tent of Meeting, and he shall pour out the rest of the bull’s blood at the base of the altar of burnt offering at the entrance to the Tent of Meeting" . The application of blood to the horns symbolized the transfer of sin and the plea for divine mercy and forgiveness.

Pouring of Blood at the Base

In addition to the application on the horns, the remaining blood was poured out at the base of the altar. This act further emphasized the complete offering of the sacrifice and the total surrender of the worshipper to God. The pouring of blood at the base of the altar was a vivid representation of the cleansing and sanctifying power of the sacrificial blood.

Theological Implications

The rituals involving the blood of sacrifices on the Altar of Burnt-Offering foreshadowed the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, whose blood was shed for the atonement of humanity's sins. Hebrews 9:22 underscores this connection: "In fact, according to the law, nearly everything must be purified with blood, and without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness" . The sacrificial system pointed to the necessity of a perfect and final sacrifice, fulfilled in Christ, who offered Himself once for all.

In summary, the Altar of Burnt-Offering and the associated blood rituals were integral to the worship and religious life of ancient Israel. They served as a constant reminder of the holiness of God, the seriousness of sin, and the need for atonement through the shedding of blood.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Exodus 29:12
And you shall take of the blood of the bullock, and put it on the horns of the altar with your finger, and pour all the blood beside the bottom of the altar.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Leviticus 4:7,18,25
And the priest shall put some of the blood on the horns of the altar of sweet incense before the LORD, which is in the tabernacle of the congregation; and shall pour all the blood of the bullock at the bottom of the altar of the burnt offering, which is at the door of the tabernacle of the congregation.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Leviticus 8:15
And he slew it; and Moses took the blood, and put it on the horns of the altar round about with his finger, and purified the altar, and poured the blood at the bottom of the altar, and sanctified it, to make reconciliation on it.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Scriptural Types.
... and then burned by Moses on the altar of burnt-offering. ... think that the outer sanctuary,
with its altar of incense ... work, he went "by his own blood" into the ...
/.../barrows/companion to the bible/chapter xxxvii scriptural types.htm

A Plea Regarding Christians by Athenagoras, the Athenian
... With libation and burnt offering that men implore [the gods]. ... of sinning, by being
enslaved to flesh and blood and by ... from a drought by erecting an altar to Zeus ...
/.../richardson/early christian fathers/a plea regarding christians by.htm

Praises and Vows Accepted in Zion
... by God to break through the rule, burnt offering was only ... off, we are made nigh through
the blood of Christ ... fastly bound, never to escape from the altar of God. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 17 1871/praises and vows accepted in.htm

The Prophet Amos.
... thereby to indicate that He required the blood of many ... the brazen altar, or altar
of burnt-offering in the ... On this altar all the sacrifices were offered, and ...
/.../hengstenberg/christology of the old testament/the prophet amos.htm

Solomon's Temple Spiritualized
... Second. This teaches us also that we are to enter into that temple of God by blood.
The altar, this altar of burnt-offering, stood as men went into the ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/solomons temple spiritualized.htm

The Saints' Privilege and Profit;
... to God; for by him as priest our spiritual sacrifices are accepted ... throne of grace;
and was to put some of the blood upon the horns of the altar of incense ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the saints privilege and profit.htm

The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus
... of Jerubbaal might come, and that their blood might be ... and he built there an altar
unto the Lord." To ... lamb, and offered it for a whole burnt offering unto the ...
/.../chapter iiithe hebrews and the.htm