In the biblical context, altars served as sacred places for worship, sacrifice, and communion with God. They were central to the religious life of the Israelites, symbolizing God's presence and the covenant relationship between God and His people. However, the sanctity of altars did not extend to providing refuge for those guilty of murder.

The principle that altars afforded no protection to murderers is rooted in the Mosaic Law. Exodus 21:14 states, "But if a man schemes and comes and attacks another man and kills him deliberately, you must take him away from My altar to be put to death." This directive underscores the seriousness with which God viewed the crime of murder and the importance of justice. The altar, while a place of mercy and atonement, was not to be misused as a sanctuary for those who had committed premeditated murder.

The distinction between accidental and intentional killing is further clarified in the provision of cities of refuge, as outlined in Numbers 35:9-34 and Deuteronomy 19:1-13. These cities were designated places where individuals who had killed someone unintentionally could seek asylum until a fair trial could be conducted. However, this provision did not apply to those who committed murder with malice aforethought. The law required that such individuals be removed from the altar and face the prescribed penalty, emphasizing that justice must prevail even in the presence of sacred spaces.

The narrative of Joab, a commander in King David's army, illustrates this principle. In 1 Kings 2:28-34, Joab fled to the altar and took hold of its horns, seeking sanctuary after having killed Abner and Amasa in peacetime. Despite his position and the sacredness of the altar, King Solomon ordered Joab's execution, reinforcing the notion that the altar could not shield a murderer from justice.

This biblical teaching reflects the broader theological understanding that God's justice is integral to His character. While God is merciful and provides means for atonement and forgiveness, He also upholds righteousness and justice. The altar, therefore, is a place of divine encounter and grace, but it does not negate the moral and legal responsibilities of individuals, particularly in cases of murder.

In summary, the biblical record is clear that altars, while central to worship and atonement, did not offer protection to those guilty of murder. This principle underscores the balance of justice and mercy in God's law, affirming that sacred spaces are not to be exploited to evade the consequences of sin, particularly the grave sin of taking another's life intentionally.Exodus 21:14
But if a man come presumptuously on his neighbor, to slay him with guile; you shall take him from my altar, that he may die.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

1 Kings 2:18-34
And Bathsheba said, Well; I will speak for you to the king.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Book 1.
... demolished the [old] temples and the altars, they assisted ... yet have they all of them
afforded their testimony ... themselves; and indeed they do by no means fail ...
//christianbookshelf.org/josephus/against apion/book 1.htm

part i
... Is there not, on the contrary, no such sonlike voice to be heard in our hearts,
which are deadened by the vanities of this world and attachments to its objects ...
//christianbookshelf.org/calvin/my life in christ/part i.htm

What is an altar? | GotQuestions.org

Who was King Manasseh in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

What was the significance of the horns of the altar (Amos 3:14)? | GotQuestions.org

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