What was the brazen altar in the tabernacle?

TL;DR:

The brazen altar, also known as the altar of burnt offerings, was a bronze-covered altar in the tabernacle where sacrifices were made. It symbolized judgment for sin and pointed to Christ's ultimate sacrifice.

what does the bible say?

The brazen altar, also known as the altar of burnt offerings, was part of the tabernacle's furnishings as commanded by God to Moses (Exodus 27:1–8). Made of acacia wood and overlaid with bronze, it was portable for the Israelites during their desert wanderings. The altar stood in the outer court of the tabernacle and symbolized judgment and sacrifice necessary for approaching God's presence. The priests offered daily sacrifices here, which demonstrated the need for atonement (Exodus 29:38–39; Leviticus 6:13). The altar ultimately foreshadows Jesus Christ's perfect sacrifice (Hebrews 10:10).

from the old testament

God commanded Moses to construct the brazen altar from acacia wood and overlay it with bronze. He ensured it was portable with rings and poles (Exodus 27:1–8).
The altar measured approximately 7.5 feet square by 4.5 feet tall. It was the largest piece of furniture in the tabernacle (Exodus 27:1).
Four horns on the altar's corners symbolized help and refuge. They emphasized the altar's role in atonement and mercy (Exodus 27:2).
The bronze altar was situated in the outer court of the tabernacle. It was the first piece of furniture encountered (Exodus 40:6–7).
The priests offered daily sacrifices on the altar. The fire had to be kept burning continuously because there was a constant need for atonement (Exodus 29:38–39; Leviticus 6:13).
During the Day of Atonement, the high priest made atonement on the altar. This act reinforced its role in Israel's yearly reconciliation with God (Leviticus 16:18).

from the new testament

The altar, like other tabernacle elements, foreshadows Jesus Christ's ultimate sacrifice. He became the perfect and final offering for sin (Hebrews 10:10).
The horns of the altar symbolize the refuge found in Christ. He provides salvation from God's judgment through His sacrifice on the cross (Romans 3:25).
The continuous fire on the altar prefigures the enduring nature of Christ's sacrifice. Atonement has been completed and believers are given continual access to God's presence (Hebrews 4:16; 7:22–28; 10:11–14).

implications for today

The brazen altar's function as the place where sacrifices were made for sin emphasizes the seriousness of sin and the need for atonement. This concept is foundational to understanding the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. Just as the altar was the first step for Israelites approaching God, recognizing Christ's sacrifice is the first step for anyone seeking a relationship with God today. Christ, as the ultimate sacrifice, fulfills the need for continual offerings. His sacrifice was once and for all, making it possible for believers to approach God with confidence and assurance of forgiveness from judgment (Hebrews 4:16; 10:10–23).

The continuous fire on the altar reminds us of the ongoing need for a vibrant and active faith. Just as the priests kept the fire burning, Christians are called to maintain their devotion and zeal for God. Prayer, reading Scripture, and communal worship help keep this fire burning in our lives.

understand

The brazen altar was made with acacia wood overlaid with bronze and was made to be portable with rings and poles for transport.
Positioned in the outer court of the tabernacle, the brazen altar symbolized the seriousness of sin and the need for atonement through sacrifice before approaching God's presence.
The brazen altar was used for daily sacrifices by priests, and it foreshadowed Jesus Christ's ultimate sacrifice for sin.

reflect

How does the symbolism of the brazen altar impact your understanding of sin and forgiveness in your life?
What intentional disciplines help you maintain a vibrant spiritual life, akin to the continuous fire on the brazen altar?
How does recognizing Jesus as the ultimate sacrifice, fulfilling the purpose of the brazen altar, impact your daily walk with God?

engage

How did the brazen altar serve as a mediator between God and the Israelites, and how does Jesus fulfill this role today?
What does the symbolism of the horns on the brazen altar teach us about finding refuge in Christ compared to the Old Testament sacrificial system?
How does the concept of atonement, as seen in the brazen altar and fulfilled in Christ, shape our understanding of forgiveness and reconciliation with God?