Movatterモバイル変換

Bible >Topical > Altar in the Tabernacle

◄ Altar in the Tabernacle: Pattern of►

Jump to:Nave's •Library •Subtopics •Terms

Topical Encyclopedia

The altar in the Tabernacle, as described in the Old Testament, holds significant theological and liturgical importance. It served as the central place for sacrifices and offerings, symbolizing the covenant relationship between God and the Israelites. The pattern of the altar was divinely revealed to Moses on Mount Sinai, as part of the comprehensive instructions for the construction of the Tabernacle, which was to be a dwelling place for God's presence among His people.

Design and Construction

The altar of burnt offering, also known as the brazen altar, was the first object encountered upon entering the Tabernacle courtyard. According toExodus 27:1-8, the altar was to be made of acacia wood and overlaid with bronze. It measured five cubits square and three cubits high, with horns on its four corners. The altar was equipped with bronze utensils, including pots, shovels, basins, forks, and firepans, all necessary for the sacrificial rites.

The altar's design included a grating, a network of bronze, placed halfway down the altar, allowing the ashes to fall through. Rings and poles were also part of the design, facilitating the altar's transport as the Israelites journeyed through the wilderness.

Symbolism and Function

The altar's primary function was for the offering of sacrifices, which were central to the Israelites' worship and atonement practices.Leviticus 1-7 details the various types of offerings, including burnt offerings, grain offerings, peace offerings, sin offerings, and guilt offerings. Each type of offering had specific regulations and purposes, often involving the sprinkling of blood on the altar, symbolizing purification and atonement for sin.

The altar's horns, mentioned inExodus 27:2, were significant in the sacrificial rituals. Blood from the sacrifices was applied to the horns, symbolizing the power and efficacy of the atonement provided by the sacrifice. The altar thus served as a place of divine mercy and forgiveness, where the Israelites could seek reconciliation with God.

Theological Significance

The pattern of the altar in the Tabernacle reflects the holiness and justice of God, as well as His provision for atonement and reconciliation. The sacrificial system foreshadowed the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, who, according to Christian theology, fulfilled the law and the prophets by offering Himself as the perfect and final atonement for sin.Hebrews 9:22 states, "In fact, according to the law, nearly everything must be purified with blood, and without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness."

The altar's construction from acacia wood and bronze signifies durability and strength, while its position at the entrance of the Tabernacle underscores the necessity of atonement before entering into deeper communion with God. The altar, therefore, is not only a physical structure but also a profound symbol of God's redemptive plan and His desire to dwell among His people.

Biblical References

·Exodus 27:1-8: Detailed instructions for the construction of the altar.
·Leviticus 1-7: Regulations for various offerings and sacrifices.
·Hebrews 9:22: The necessity of blood for forgiveness, pointing to the ultimate sacrifice of Christ.

The altar in the Tabernacle, as a pattern, serves as a foundational element in understanding the sacrificial system and its fulfillment in the New Testament. It is a testament to God's holiness, justice, and mercy, providing a means for His people to approach Him in worship and repentance.

Nave's Topical Index

Exodus 27:1-8
And 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.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

What is the Sanctuary?
... separating the holy from the most holy was the goldenaltar of incense... to all that
I show thee, after thepattern of thetabernacle, and thepattern of all...

Following the Cloud.
... Lord gave him the laws for a great nation, and thepattern of thetabernacle which
He... as the Egyptians worshiped, and before it they made analtar, and they...

On the Management of the Resources Collected for the Support of...
... holy Catholic Church; who stand at thealtar of the... and glory, if you duly minister
to the holytabernacle.... for others, so have you Christ for yourpattern....

Whether Sufficient Reason Can be Assigned for the Ceremonies...
... thetabernacle: See, says He, that thou make all things according to thepattern
which was... In the court outside thetabernacle was thealtar of holocausts...

Princely Service.
... were according to the divinepattern, both as... The importance of the brazenaltar
can scarcely be... TheTabernacle contained many precious things, each typifying...

Daniel: aPattern for Pleaders
... Daniel: APattern For Pleaders.... of a person who finds it too far to come to the
Tabernacle.... divided and lightened." But then I put, "Build thealtar before you...

Bezaleel and Aholiab.
... God showed Moses thepattern of thistabernacle, with its... the cherubims and
mercy-seat, its table for the shewbread, golden candlestick, andaltar of incense...

The First Sermon in theTabernacle
... The First Sermon in theTabernacle.... for the priest, but we must have him for the
altar, the victim... Of every virtue he is thepattern; of the perfection of human...

Christ Glorified as the Builder of his Church
... the men chosen out of the world to be clothed in white robes to minister at his
altar.... The Lord, who had shown thepattern of the oldtabernacle in the...