Topical Encyclopedia The Temple of Solomon, also known as the First Temple, was a central place of worship for the Israelites and a significant symbol of God's presence among His people. Constructed under the reign of King Solomon, the temple housed several altars that played crucial roles in the religious practices and sacrificial system of ancient Israel.1. The Altar of Burnt Offering (Bronze Altar): The Altar of Burnt Offering, also referred to as the Bronze Altar, was situated in the courtyard of the temple. This altar was the primary site for sacrifices, where offerings were made to atone for the sins of the people and to express devotion to God. According to 2 Chronicles 4:1 , "He made a bronze altar twenty cubits long, twenty cubits wide, and ten cubits high." This large, imposing structure was made of bronze, signifying strength and endurance, and was used for burnt offerings, grain offerings, and peace offerings. The altar's design and dimensions were divinely inspired, reflecting the instructions given to Moses for the tabernacle's altar, but on a grander scale. The sacrificial system conducted at this altar was central to the covenant relationship between God and Israel, emphasizing themes of atonement, purification, and consecration. 2. The Altar of Incense: Located inside the Holy Place, the Altar of Incense was smaller and made of gold. It was positioned before the veil that separated the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place, where the Ark of the Covenant resided. Exodus 30:1-3 provides the specifications for this altar: "You are also to make an altar of acacia wood for the burning of incense. It is to be square, a cubit long and a cubit wide, and two cubits high; its horns must be of one piece. Overlay with pure gold its top, all around its sides, and its horns, and make a gold molding around it." The Altar of Incense was used for burning fragrant incense every morning and evening, symbolizing the prayers of the people ascending to God. The incense offering was a vital part of the daily worship and was considered a pleasing aroma to the Lord, as described in Psalm 141:2 : "May my prayer be set before You like incense, my uplifted hands like the evening offering." 3. The Altar of the Most Holy Place: While not an altar in the traditional sense, the Most Holy Place contained the Ark of the Covenant, which served as the ultimate symbol of God's presence and covenant with Israel. The Ark was not used for sacrifices but was the focal point of the Day of Atonement rituals, where the high priest would sprinkle the blood of the sacrifice on the mercy seat to atone for the sins of the nation (Leviticus 16:14-15). The altars of the Temple of Solomon were integral to the worship and sacrificial system of ancient Israel, each serving a distinct purpose in the spiritual life of the nation. They underscored the importance of holiness, atonement, and communion with God, reflecting the deep theological truths of the Old Testament covenant. Torrey's Topical Textbook 2 Chronicles 4:1,19Moreover he made an altar of brass, twenty cubits the length thereof, and twenty cubits the breadth thereof, and ten cubits the height thereof. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library The Fall of Solomon Solomon's Reign. The Foundations of Good Citizenship. The Old Testament and Comparative Religion The Abiding of the Spirit the Glory of the Church The Two Boy Kings. Pride of Prosperity Costly and Fatal Help Solomon's Repentance Whether Sufficient Reason Can be Assigned for the Ceremonies ... 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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