In biblical terms, a "grate" refers to a metal lattice or framework, often used in the context of the altar in the tabernacle or temple. It is an essential component in the sacrificial system established by God for the Israelites, serving both practical and symbolic purposes.

Exodus 27:4-5 :
"You are to construct for it a grate of bronze mesh, and make a bronze ring at each of the four corners of the mesh. Set the grate beneath the ledge of the altar, so that the mesh comes halfway up the altar."

In this passage, God provides Moses with specific instructions for the construction of the altar of burnt offering. The bronze grate is to be placed beneath the altar's ledge, allowing the ashes from the sacrifices to fall through. This design facilitates the burning process and the removal of ashes, ensuring that the altar remains functional and clean.

Exodus 38:4-5 :
"He made a grate of bronze mesh for the altar, under its ledge, halfway up from the bottom. At the four corners of the bronze grate he cast four rings as holders for the poles."

Here, the construction of the altar as per God's command is described. The grate's placement and the addition of rings for carrying poles highlight the importance of mobility and practicality in the design of the tabernacle's furnishings. The use of bronze, a durable and heat-resistant material, underscores the grate's role in enduring the intense heat of the sacrificial fires.

Leviticus 1:7 :
"The sons of Aaron the priest shall put fire on the altar and arrange wood on the fire."

While the grate itself is not mentioned explicitly in this verse, it is implied in the process of arranging the fire and wood on the altar. The grate supports the wood and the sacrificial offerings, allowing the fire to consume them effectively. This process is central to the burnt offerings, which symbolize atonement and dedication to God.

Symbolic Significance:

The grate's function in the sacrificial system can be seen as a representation of the separation between the holy and the profane. By allowing the ashes to fall through, the grate ensures that what is offered to God is consumed, while the remnants are removed. This separation can be viewed as a metaphor for the purification and sanctification of the believer, where sin is consumed and removed through the sacrificial act.

The use of bronze, a metal often associated with judgment and strength in biblical symbolism, further emphasizes the grate's role in the sacrificial process. It withstands the fire of judgment, much like the believer is called to withstand trials and emerge purified.

In summary, the grate is a crucial element in the design and function of the altar, facilitating the sacrificial offerings that are central to Israelite worship. Its construction and symbolism reflect the broader themes of purification, judgment, and dedication to God found throughout Scripture.Exodus 27:4,5
And you shall make for it a grate of network of brass; and on the net shall you make four brazen rings in the four corners thereof.
Nave's Topical Index

Exodus 38:4,5
And he made for the altar a brazen grate of network under the compass thereof beneath to the middle of it.
Nave's Topical Index

Footnotes
... August, 1647, the committee gave in a Report to the General Assembly, to ... that there
is in it the best collection of scriptures he knows, concerning the sin ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/footnotes.htm

The Dialogue against the Luciferians.
... that the evil opinions which ought to grate upon our ... let him be anathema." There
was a general chorus of ... like the Father according to the Scriptures, let him ...
/.../the principal works of st jerome/the dialogue against the luciferians.htm

Preface by the Editor.
... horses towardes the border, and with grate haist, with ... was an English version of
the scriptures that was ... In the year 1575, the General Assembly required that ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/preface by the editor.htm

Our Manifesto
... It is our duty to search the Scriptures to see whether ... A great general, going in
before his king, stumbled over ... us, and even when they seem to grate upon the ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 37 1891/our manifesto.htm

Canones Synodi Dordrechtan??.
... the Approval of the States-General, but distinguishing ... sui miserationes humiliter
agnoscunt, ac grate pr??dicant. ... is clearly revealed in the Scriptures both of ...
/.../canones synodi dordrechtanae.htm

The Resurrection of the Dead, and Eternal Judgment:
... (2.) By the faith he gave Joseph concerning his bones ... give an account of all things,
in general, that they ... is evident from divers places of the holy Scriptures: ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the resurrection of the dead.htm

The Holy War,
... Being worsted in a general engagement, the doubters are ... and all his spiritual supplies
from the sacred Scriptures. ... somewhat to say to you concerning your King ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the holy war.htm

Grate: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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