Topical Encyclopedia The Second Temple, constructed after the return of the Jewish exiles from Babylonian captivity, played a central role in the religious life of Israel. The altars within this sacred edifice were integral to the worship practices prescribed in the Hebrew Scriptures. The Second Temple period began with the completion of the temple around 516 BC and continued until its destruction in AD 70 by the Romans.The Altar of Burnt Offering The primary altar in the Second Temple was the Altar of Burnt Offering, also known as the Bronze Altar. This altar was located in the temple courtyard and was used for sacrifices, which were central to the worship and atonement practices of the Israelites. According to the biblical instructions given to Moses, the altar was to be made of acacia wood and overlaid with bronze (Exodus 27:1-8). While the exact dimensions and materials of the Second Temple's altar are not detailed in the biblical text, it is understood to have followed the general pattern established in the Tabernacle and later in Solomon's Temple. The Altar of Burnt Offering was the site where daily sacrifices were made, including the morning and evening offerings, as well as special sacrifices during festivals and holy days. The Book of Ezra records the rebuilding of the altar even before the foundation of the Second Temple was laid: "Then Jeshua son of Jozadak and his fellow priests, along with Zerubbabel son of Shealtiel and his associates, began to build the altar of the God of Israel to offer burnt offerings on it, as it is written in the Law of Moses the man of God" (Ezra 3:2). The Altar of Incense Inside the temple itself, the Altar of Incense was situated in the Holy Place, just before the veil that separated the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place. This altar was used for burning incense, a symbol of 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 on the golden lampstand (Exodus 30:7-8). The Altar of Incense was made of acacia wood and overlaid with pure gold, as described in the instructions for the Tabernacle (Exodus 30:1-6). While the Second Temple's altar likely followed this design, specific details are not provided in the biblical text. The burning of incense was a priestly duty, and only the priests were permitted to perform this sacred task. Significance and Symbolism The altars of the Second Temple were not merely functional structures but held deep symbolic significance. The Altar of Burnt Offering represented the need for atonement and reconciliation with God through the shedding of blood, prefiguring the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, as understood in Christian theology. The Altar of Incense symbolized the prayers and intercessions of the people, highlighting the importance of a spiritual relationship with God. The Second Temple period was marked by a renewed emphasis on the Law and the proper worship of Yahweh, as seen in the reforms of leaders like Ezra and Nehemiah. The altars were central to this worship, serving as tangible reminders of God's covenant with Israel and His presence among His people. Torrey's Topical Textbook Ezra 3:2,3Then stood up Jeshua the son of Jozadak, and his brothers the priests, and Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, and his brothers, and built the altar of the God of Israel, to offer burnt offerings thereon, as it is written in the law of Moses the man of God. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library Christians, Temples of the Living God Josiah The Young Josiah and the Book of the Law The Assumption of Moses The Second Homily. On the Annunciation to the Holy virgin Mary. Second Sunday after Epiphany Costly and Fatal Help The Abiding of the Spirit the Glory of the Church The Medes and the Second Chaldaean Empire My Daily Meditation for the Circling Year 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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