Topical Encyclopedia In biblical times, altars played a significant role in the worship and religious practices of the Israelites and other ancient Near Eastern cultures. These structures were primarily used for sacrifices, offerings, and as places of worship and remembrance. While many altars were constructed from hewn stones or built with specific materials, there are instances in the Bible where natural rocks or unhewn stones were used as altars.The use of natural rocks as altars is rooted in the biblical principle of simplicity and reverence for God's creation. In Exodus 20:25, God instructs the Israelites, "But if you make an altar of stones for Me, you must not build it with cut stones; for if you use a chisel on it, you will defile it." This command underscores the importance of using natural, unaltered materials in the construction of altars, emphasizing the purity and holiness of worship. One of the earliest examples of a natural rock used as an altar is found in the account of Jacob. In Genesis 28:18, after experiencing a divine vision, Jacob "rose early in the morning, took the stone that he had placed under his head, and set it up as a pillar. He poured oil on top of it." This stone, which served as a pillow during his sleep, became a sacred monument marking the place where God revealed Himself to Jacob. Another significant instance is found in the account of Gideon. In Judges 6:20-24, the Angel of the Lord instructs Gideon to prepare an offering. Gideon uses a rock as an altar, upon which he places the meat and unleavened bread. The Angel of the Lord touches the offering with the tip of His staff, causing fire to spring up from the rock and consume the offering. This event signifies God's acceptance of Gideon's worship and His presence with Israel. The use of natural rocks as altars is also evident in the account of Elijah on Mount Carmel. In 1 Kings 18:31-32, Elijah takes twelve stones, representing the twelve tribes of Israel, and builds an altar in the name of the Lord. He then calls upon God to demonstrate His power and authority over the false prophets of Baal. The fire from heaven that consumes the sacrifice, the wood, the stones, and even the dust, serves as a powerful testament to God's supremacy. These examples highlight the significance of natural rocks as altars in biblical narratives. They serve as reminders of God's interaction with His people and the importance of worship that is grounded in humility and reverence. The use of unhewn stones reflects a desire to honor God with the materials He has provided, free from human alteration or embellishment. Torrey's Topical Textbook Judges 6:19-21And Gideon went in, and made ready a kid, and unleavened cakes of an ephah of flour: the flesh he put in a basket, and he put the broth in a pot, and brought it out to him under the oak, and presented it. Torrey's Topical Textbook Judges 13:19,20 Library Syria at the Beginning of the Egyptian Conquest Pagan Shrines and Temples. The Infallibility of God's Purpose The First Chaldaean Empire and the Hyksos in Egypt Aubrey Leigh was a Man who had Chosen his Own Way of Life... Letter cxxx. To Demetrias. The Memphite Empire The Sibylline Oracles. Footnotes The Iranian Conquest Resources What is an altar? | GotQuestions.orgWho was King Manasseh in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org What was the significance of the horns of the altar (Amos 3:14)? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Altars for Idolatrous Worship, often Erected on Roofs of Houses Altars for Idolatrous Worship, to be Destroyed Altars of Brick, Hateful to God Altars of Reubenites East of Jordan Altars of the People of Israel Altars of the Temple of Solomon Altars were not to Have Steps up to Them Altars: Afforded No Protection to Murderers Altars: Designed for Sacrifice Altars: Idolaters Planted Groves Near Altars: Natural Rocks Sometimes Used As Altars: Probable Origin of Inscriptions On Altars: Protection Afforded By Altars: The Jews not to Plant Groves Near Altars: To be Made of Earth, or Unhewn Stone Related Terms |
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