Topical Encyclopedia In biblical times, altars served not only as places of worship and sacrifice but also as symbols of divine protection and refuge. The concept of altars providing protection is deeply rooted in the narratives and laws of the Old Testament, where they often represent a sanctuary for those seeking God's mercy and justice.Sanctuary and Refuge One of the most notable aspects of altars in the context of protection is their role as places of asylum. In ancient Israel, altars were considered sacred spaces where individuals could seek refuge from avengers or unjust persecution. This is exemplified in the case of Adonijah and Joab, who fled to the altar for protection. In 1 Kings 1:50-51 , Adonijah, fearing Solomon, "took hold of the horns of the altar" as a plea for mercy. Similarly, Joab sought refuge at the altar when Solomon ordered his execution (1 Kings 2:28-34). The horns of the altar, in particular, were seen as a place of asylum. Grasping these horns was a symbolic act of seeking divine intervention and protection, acknowledging the altar as a place where God's justice and mercy could be invoked. Cities of Refuge The concept of altars providing protection is further extended in the establishment of cities of refuge, as outlined in Numbers 35 and Deuteronomy 19. These cities were designated places where individuals who had committed unintentional manslaughter could flee to avoid retribution from the victim's family. While not altars themselves, these cities functioned similarly by offering protection and a fair trial, reflecting the altar's role as a place of divine justice and mercy. Divine Presence and Protection Altars were also seen as places where God's presence dwelled, offering spiritual protection to those who approached with a contrite heart. In Exodus 20:24 , God instructs the Israelites, "Make for Me an altar of earth, and sacrifice on it your burnt offerings and peace offerings, your sheep and goats and cattle. In every place where I cause My name to be remembered, I will come to you and bless you." This promise of blessing and presence underscores the protective nature of altars as places where God meets His people. Symbol of Covenant and Protection The altar is also a symbol of the covenant between God and His people, serving as a reminder of His promises and protection. In Genesis 12:7 , when God appeared to Abram and promised the land to his descendants, Abram built an altar to the Lord. This act signified not only worship but also a recognition of God's protective covenant. Judicial Protection In some instances, altars were associated with judicial protection. The altar in the tabernacle and later in the temple was a place where justice was sought and divine will was discerned. This is evident in the practice of casting lots or seeking divine guidance at the altar, as seen in various Old Testament accounts. Conclusion Throughout the Old Testament, altars are depicted as more than mere structures for sacrifice; they are places imbued with divine presence, offering protection, justice, and mercy. Whether serving as a physical refuge or a spiritual sanctuary, altars symbolize God's unwavering commitment to protect and uphold His covenant with His people. Torrey's Topical Textbook 1 Kings 1:50,51And Adonijah feared because of Solomon, and arose, and went, and caught hold on the horns of the altar. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library Whether Sufficient Reason Can be Assigned for the Ceremonies ... In God's Name I Beseech You Let Prayer Nourish Your Soul as Your ... Epistle Li. To Antonianus About Cornelius and Novatian. Epistle Liv. To Cornelius, Concerning Fortunatus and Felicissimus ... The First Chaldaean Empire and the Hyksos in Egypt The Persecutions of the Church. The Last Days of the Old Eastern World The Seven Trumpets. The Medes and the Second Chaldaean Empire The Prophet Amos. Resources Who was Athaliah in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWho was Hezekiah in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Who is the Queen of Heaven? | 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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