The Altar as a Place of Intercession
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The concept of the altar as a place of intercession is deeply rooted in the biblical narrative, serving as a focal point for communication between humanity and God. Throughout the Scriptures, altars are depicted as sacred sites where individuals and communities seek divine intervention, offer sacrifices, and engage in prayerful dialogue with the Almighty.

Old Testament Foundations

In the Old Testament, altars are frequently associated with patriarchs and prophets who sought to establish a covenantal relationship with God. Noah, after the flood, built an altar to the LORD and offered burnt offerings, which resulted in God’s promise never to curse the ground again (Genesis 8:20-21). Similarly, Abraham constructed altars at key moments in his journey, such as at Shechem and Bethel, where he "called on the name of the LORD" (Genesis 12:7-8). These altars symbolized Abraham's faith and his intercessory role for his descendants.

The Mosaic Law further institutionalized the altar as a place of intercession. The altar of burnt offering, located in the Tabernacle and later in the Temple, was central to Israel's sacrificial system. It was here that priests offered sacrifices on behalf of the people, seeking atonement and reconciliation with God. Leviticus 17:11 underscores the significance of blood sacrifices at the altar: "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."

Prophetic Intercession

Prophets also utilized altars as places of intercession. Elijah's confrontation with the prophets of Baal on Mount Carmel is a notable example. Elijah repaired the altar of the LORD and prayed for God to reveal Himself to the people of Israel. His intercession was answered with fire from heaven, demonstrating God's power and turning the hearts of the people back to Him (1 Kings 18:30-39).

New Testament Fulfillment

In the New Testament, the role of the altar evolves with the advent of Jesus Christ, who is both the ultimate High Priest and the perfect sacrifice. The cross is often viewed as the ultimate altar where Christ interceded for humanity, offering Himself once for all (Hebrews 7:27). This act of intercession opened a new and living way for believers to approach God directly, as highlighted in Hebrews 10:19-22 : "Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus... let us draw near with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith."

Spiritual Altars in the Church

In the early Church, the concept of the altar continued in a spiritual sense. Believers are encouraged to offer themselves as "living sacrifices" (Romans 12:1), engaging in intercessory prayer and worship. The altar, therefore, becomes a metaphorical space where Christians gather to seek God's presence, intercede for others, and offer praise and thanksgiving.

Conclusion

The altar as a place of intercession remains a powerful symbol throughout the biblical narrative, representing humanity's desire to connect with the divine. From the patriarchs to the prophets, and ultimately through Christ, the altar serves as a testament to God's willingness to engage with His people and respond to their prayers.
Subtopics

Altar

Altar in Solomon's Temple in Second Temple

Altar in Solomon's Temple: Cleansed by Hezekiah

Altar in Solomon's Temple: Description of

Altar in Solomon's Temple: Ezekiel's Vision of

Altar in Solomon's Temple: Furniture of, Taken to Babylon

Altar in Solomon's Temple: Removed by Ahaz, and One of Idolatrous Fashion Substituted

Altar in Solomon's Temple: Renewed by Asa

Altar in Solomon's Temple: Repaired by Manasseh

Altar in the Tabernacle: A Place of Refuge

Altar in the Tabernacle: Constructed by Bezaleel

Altar in the Tabernacle: Furniture of

Altar in the Tabernacle: Horns of

Altar in the Tabernacle: How Sanctified

Altar in the Tabernacle: Location of

Altar in the Tabernacle: Pattern of

Altar in the Tabernacle: Sanctified Everything That Touched It

Altar in the Tabernacle: See

Altar in the Tabernacle: Uses of the Horns

Altar of Burnt offerings: Called Altar of God

Altar of Burnt offerings: Called Altar of the Lord

Altar of Burnt offerings: Called Brazen Altar

Altar of Incense in Solomon's Temple

Altar of Incense: A Cover Made For, of the Censers of Korah

Altar of Incense: A Type of Christ

Altar of Incense: Altar Before the Lord

Altar of Incense: Altar of Sweet Incense

Altar of Incense: Anointed With Holy Oil

Altar of Incense: Atonement Made For, by the High Priest Once Every Year

Altar of Incense: Called the Golden Altar

Altar of Incense: Carried by Kohathites

Altar of Incense: Constructed

Altar of Incense: Covered by the Priest Before Removal from the Sanctuary

Altar of Incense: Covered With Gold

Altar of Incense: Dimensions of

Altar of Incense: had Four Rings of Gold Under the Crown for the Staves

Altar of Incense: How Prepared for Carrying

Altar of Incense: Location of

Altar of Incense: No Strange Incense Nor Any Sacrifice to be offered On

Altar of Incense: Pattern of

Altar of Incense: Placed Before the Vail in the Outer Sanctuary

Altar of Incense: Punishment For: Offering Strange Fire On

Altar of Incense: Punishment For: Unauthorised offering On

Altar of Incense: Said to be Before the Lord

Altar of Incense: Seen in John's Vision

Altar of Incense: Staves of, Covered With Gold

Altar of Incense: The Blood of all Sin offerings Put on the Horns of

Altar of Incense: The Priest Burned Incense on Every Morning and Evening

Altar of Incense: Top of, Surrounded With a Crown of Gold

Altar of Incense: Uses of

Altar used in Idolatrous Worship

Altar: Built by Abraham

Altar: Built by Balaam

Altar: Built by David

Altar: Built by Elijah

Altar: Built by Gideon

Altar: Built by Isaac

Altar: Built by Jacob

Altar: Built by Joshua

Altar: Built by Moses

Altar: Built by Noah

Altar: Built by Samuel

Altar: Built by Saul

Altar: Built by the Reubenites and Gadites

Altar: Mosaic Commandments Prescribing the Construction of

Altar: See

The Altar of Burnt-Offering was Most Holy

The Altar of Burnt-Offering: A Net-Working Grate of Brass Placed In

The Altar of Burnt-Offering: A Type of Christ

The Altar of Burnt-Offering: Ahaz Removed and Profaned

The Altar of Burnt-Offering: All Gifts to be Presented At

The Altar of Burnt-Offering: All Its Vessels of Brass

The Altar of Burnt-Offering: All Sacrifices to be offered On

The Altar of Burnt-Offering: Anointed and Sanctified With Holy Oil

The Altar of Burnt-Offering: Called: The Altar of God

The Altar of Burnt-Offering: Called: The Altar of the Lord

The Altar of Burnt-Offering: Called: The Brazen Altar

The Altar of Burnt-Offering: Cleansed and Purified With Blood

The Altar of Burnt-Offering: Covered With Brass

The Altar of Burnt-Offering: Dimensions of

The Altar of Burnt-Offering: Furnished With Rings and Staves

The Altar of Burnt-Offering: Horns on the Corners of

The Altar of Burnt-Offering: Made After a Divine Pattern

The Altar of Burnt-Offering: Nothing Polluted or Defective to be offered On

The Altar of Burnt-Offering: Offering at the Dedication of

The Altar of Burnt-Offering: Placed in the Court Before the Door of the Tabernacle

The Altar of Burnt-Offering: Sacrifices Bound to the Horns of

The Altar of Burnt-Offering: Sanctified by God

The Altar of Burnt-Offering: Sanctified Whatever Touched It

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

The Altar of Burnt-Offering: The Fire Upon was Continually Burning

The Altar of Burnt-Offering: The Fire Upon: Came from Before the Lord

The Altar of Burnt-Offering: The Fire Upon: Consumed the Sacrifices

The Altar of Burnt-Offering: The Jews Condemned for Swearing Lightly By

The Altar of Burnt-Offering: The Priests: Alone to Serve

The Altar of Burnt-Offering: The Priests: Derived Support From

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The Altar as a Place of Encounter
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