Worship

Worship in the biblical context is the reverent devotion and allegiance accorded to God. It is a central theme throughout the Scriptures, reflecting the relationship between the Creator and His creation. Worship involves both an inward attitude of the heart and outward expressions of reverence, adoration, and obedience.

In the Old Testament, worship is often associated with sacrifices, offerings, and rituals prescribed by the Mosaic Law. The Israelites were commanded to worship Yahweh alone, as seen in the first of the Ten Commandments: "You shall have no other gods before Me" (Exodus 20:3). Worship was to be conducted in a manner that was holy and pleasing to God, emphasizing purity and sincerity.

The Psalms are rich with expressions of worship, highlighting praise, thanksgiving, and the acknowledgment of God's majesty and sovereignty. Psalm 95:6-7 invites believers to worship: "Come, let us worship and bow down; let us kneel before the LORD our Maker. For He is our God, and we are the people of His pasture, the sheep under His care."

In the New Testament, worship takes on a more spiritual dimension, transcending physical locations and rituals. Jesus, in His conversation with the Samaritan woman, declares, "But a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and in truth, for the Father is seeking such as these to worship Him" (John 4:23). This indicates a shift from external rituals to an internal, heartfelt devotion.

The early Christian church continued the practice of worship through prayer, singing hymns, reading Scripture, and partaking in the Lord's Supper. The Apostle Paul exhorts believers to offer their bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God, as a spiritual act of worship (Romans 12:1).

Altars

Altars in the Bible are structures upon which offerings and sacrifices are made to God. They serve as places of worship, remembrance, and covenant. The construction and use of altars are significant throughout biblical history, symbolizing the relationship between God and His people.

The first mention of an altar is found in Genesis 8:20 , where Noah builds an altar to the LORD after the flood and offers burnt offerings. This act of worship signifies gratitude and dedication to God. Altars are often associated with key patriarchs, such as Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, who built altars to commemorate divine encounters and covenants (Genesis 12:7, 26:25, 35:7).

Under the Mosaic Law, the altar became a central feature of the Tabernacle and later the Temple. The bronze altar in the Tabernacle courtyard was used for burnt offerings, symbolizing atonement and reconciliation with God (Exodus 27:1-8). The altar of incense, located inside the Holy Place, represented the prayers of the people ascending to God (Exodus 30:1-10).

Altars also served as memorials and witnesses to significant events. For example, Joshua built an altar on Mount Ebal as a witness to the covenant renewal with the Israelites (Joshua 8:30-35). The prophet Elijah repaired the altar of the LORD on Mount Carmel to demonstrate God's power and call the people back to true worship (1 Kings 18:30-39).

In the New Testament, the concept of altars is transformed through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. He is both the High Priest and the ultimate sacrifice, rendering the need for physical altars obsolete. Hebrews 13:10 speaks of an altar from which those who serve the tabernacle have no right to eat, symbolizing the new covenant established through Christ's atoning work.

Altars, therefore, represent the meeting place between God and humanity, a place of sacrifice, worship, and covenant. They remind believers of the importance of approaching God with reverence, gratitude, and a heart devoted to His service.