Topical Encyclopedia The altars constructed by Moses hold significant theological and historical importance within the biblical narrative, serving as focal points for worship, sacrifice, and covenantal remembrance. These altars are emblematic of the Israelites' relationship with God during their wilderness journey and the establishment of the covenant at Sinai.1. The Altar at Mount Sinai The first notable altar associated with Moses is the one he built at the foot of Mount Sinai. Following the Israelites' exodus from Egypt, God called Moses to ascend Mount Sinai, where He delivered the Ten Commandments and other laws. In response to God's covenant, Moses constructed an altar as a tangible sign of the people's commitment to the Lord. Exodus 24:4 states, "And Moses wrote down all the words of the LORD. He got up early the next morning and built an altar at the base of the mountain and set up twelve pillars for the twelve tribes of Israel." This altar was central to the ratification of the covenant, where Moses offered burnt offerings and peace offerings. The blood of the sacrifices was sprinkled on the altar and the people, symbolizing the binding nature of the covenant between God and Israel (Exodus 24:5-8). 2. The Altar of Burnt Offering Another significant altar is the Altar of Burnt Offering, also known as the Bronze Altar, which was part of the Tabernacle's furnishings. Detailed instructions for its construction are found in Exodus 27:1-8. This altar was made of acacia wood and overlaid with bronze, measuring five cubits square and three cubits high. It was placed in the courtyard of the Tabernacle and was used for daily sacrifices, serving as a constant reminder of the need for atonement and the holiness of God. The Altar of Burnt Offering was central to the sacrificial system, where offerings were made for the sins of the people. Leviticus 1:9 describes the process: "The entrails and legs must be washed with water, and the priest shall burn all of it on the altar as a burnt offering, an offering made by fire, a pleasing aroma to the LORD." 3. The Altar of Incense Within the Holy Place of the Tabernacle stood the Altar of Incense, also constructed under Moses' direction. This altar was made of acacia wood and overlaid with gold, as described in Exodus 30:1-10. It was used for burning incense, symbolizing the prayers of the people ascending to God. The incense was to be burned every morning and evening, coinciding with the lighting of the lamps, as a perpetual offering before the Lord. The Altar of Incense played a crucial role in the Day of Atonement rituals, where the high priest would use its coals to burn incense in the Most Holy Place, creating a cloud of smoke that covered the mercy seat (Leviticus 16:12-13). 4. The Altar at Rephidim In Exodus 17, after the Israelites' victory over the Amalekites at Rephidim, Moses built an altar and named it "The LORD Is My Banner" (Yahweh-Nissi). This altar commemorated God's deliverance and served as a testament to His protection and provision. Exodus 17:15 records, "And Moses built an altar and named it The LORD Is My Banner." 5. The Altar on Mount Ebal Though not directly built by Moses, the altar on Mount Ebal was constructed under his instructions as part of the covenant renewal ceremony led by Joshua. Deuteronomy 27:4-5 records Moses' command: "And when you have crossed the Jordan, you are to set up these stones on Mount Ebal, as I am commanding you today, and you are to coat them with plaster. Moreover, you shall build there an altar to the LORD your God, an altar of stones. You must not use an iron tool on them." This altar was a physical manifestation of the blessings and curses associated with the covenant, reinforcing the Israelites' commitment to obey God's law. The altars of Moses, therefore, are not merely historical artifacts but are deeply embedded in the spiritual and communal life of Israel, reflecting the covenantal relationship between God and His chosen people. Torrey's Topical Textbook Exodus 17:15And Moses built an altar, and called the name of it Jehovahnissi: Torrey's Topical Textbook Exodus 24:4 Library And in the Wilderness Moses Received the Law from God... The Assumption of Moses The Polity Settled by Moses; and How He Disappeared from among ... The Earlier Hebrew Histories. Abstraction from Material Things Necessary in Order to Attain to ... The Unity of Revelation. 1 "Known unto God are all his Works from ... Elijah's Weakness, and Its Cube Of the Priesthood of Aaron. Appendix Christ Our High Priest. 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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