Topical Encyclopedia Altars for burnt-offering hold a significant place in the religious practices and spiritual life of ancient Israel, as detailed in the Old Testament. These altars were central to the sacrificial system instituted by God, serving as the designated places where offerings were made to atone for sin, express devotion, and maintain a covenant relationship with God.Biblical Origins and Instructions The concept of altars for burnt-offering is first introduced in the context of the patriarchs, with figures such as Noah, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob building altars to offer sacrifices to God (Genesis 8:20; 12:7; 26:25; 35:7). However, the formalization of the altar for burnt-offering is most clearly articulated in the Mosaic Law. In Exodus 27:1-8, God provides Moses with specific instructions for constructing the altar of burnt-offering for the Tabernacle: "You are to construct the altar of acacia wood, five cubits long and five cubits wide; the altar is to be square, and three cubits high" (Exodus 27:1). The altar was to be overlaid with bronze, equipped with horns on its four corners, and accompanied by various utensils for handling the sacrifices. It was placed in the courtyard of the Tabernacle, signifying its accessibility to the people and its role in mediating between God and Israel. Function and Significance The primary function of the altar for burnt-offering was to facilitate the sacrificial system, which was central to Israel's worship and covenant relationship with God. Burnt offerings, or "olah" in Hebrew, were wholly consumed by fire, symbolizing complete surrender and dedication to God. Leviticus 1:3-9 outlines the procedure for offering a burnt sacrifice, emphasizing the need for an unblemished male animal and the ritual actions of laying hands on the animal, slaughtering it, and burning it on the altar. The burnt offering served multiple purposes: it was an act of atonement for sin, a means of expressing worship and devotion, and a way to seek God's favor. The continual burnt offering, made every morning and evening, underscored the perpetual need for atonement and the constant presence of God among His people (Exodus 29:38-42). The Altar in the Temple With the establishment of the Temple in Jerusalem, the altar for burnt-offering took on an even more prominent role. Solomon's Temple featured a large bronze altar, as described in 2 Chronicles 4:1: "He made a bronze altar twenty cubits long, twenty cubits wide, and ten cubits high." This altar became the focal point of Israel's sacrificial worship, accommodating the increased number of offerings during festivals and daily sacrifices. Symbolism and Theological Implications The altar for burnt-offering is rich in symbolism, representing themes of sacrifice, atonement, and divine-human interaction. It prefigures the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, who, according to Christian theology, fulfills and transcends the Old Testament sacrificial system. Hebrews 10:10-12 highlights this fulfillment: "And by that will, we have been sanctified through the sacrifice of the body of Jesus Christ once for all." In the New Testament, the concept of sacrifice is spiritualized, with believers called to offer themselves as "living sacrifices" (Romans 12:1), reflecting the total dedication once symbolized by the burnt offerings on the altar. Conclusion The altars for burnt-offering, as detailed in the Old Testament, were central to the worship and religious life of ancient Israel. They served as the primary means of atonement and devotion, symbolizing the covenant relationship between God and His people. Through the lens of Christian theology, these altars point to the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, who fulfills the sacrificial system and calls believers to a life of spiritual dedication. Torrey's Topical Textbook Exodus 27:1-8And you shall make an altar of shittim wood, five cubits long, and five cubits broad; the altar shall be foursquare: and the height thereof shall be three cubits. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library The Story of Abraham and Isaac The Blood of Sprinkling The Witness of Balaam to Israel Sacrifice Renewed Jehovah-Jireh Praises and Vows Accepted in Zion How Upon the Death of Jotham, Ahaz Reigned in his Stead; against ... With what virtuous Feelings the Fathers of Old Hid the Sacred ... Influences that Gave Rise to the Priestly Laws and Histories Of the Priesthood of Aaron. Resources Who are the Chemarim / Chemarims in Zephaniah 1:4? | GotQuestions.orgWhat are the books of 1 and 2 Maccabees? | GotQuestions.org Who was Balaam in the Bible? | 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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