What is an altar?

from the old testament

• In the Bible, there are more than four hundred references to altars. Some are piles of rock or stone, some are table-like, and others take other forms. The first specific use of altar occurs when Noah offered burnt offerings to the Lord after the flood (Genesis 8:20).
• Earlier, Cain and Abel brought sacrifices to the Lord; while an altar is not specifically mentioned, they may have presented their gifts on one (Genesis 4:3–4).
• Before God gave the Law to Moses, men built altars wherever they went, out of whatever was available. Altars were often made in response to a significant encounter with God in order to commemorate it (see Genesis 12:7; 26:24–25; 35:3; 1 Chronicles 21:26; Judges 6:24).
• One of the most dramatic uses of an altar in the Bible involves God's prophet Elijah who challenged the prophets of Baal to a contest to see whose God was alive and active. First, the Baal worshippers implored Baal to light their sacrifice on fire, beseeching with shouts and even mutilating themselves in worship. Nothing happened. Elijah then doused his altar with water and prayed that God would honor his sacrifice. God sent fire to consume the sacrifice, evaporate the water, and even destroy the altar (1 Kings 18:20–40).
• When the Israelites were instructed to build the tabernacle, God gave specific instructions for the altar in the courtyard (Exodus 27:1–8) for worshippers to use to offer their sacrifices. When Solomon built a temple, the altar was made of gold (1 Kings 7:48).
• The Bible speaks negatively about people worshiping at false altars in several passages. For example, 1 Kings 13:1–5 describes a prophet condemning King Jeroboam's altar at Bethel, while Hosea 8:11 criticizes Israel for multiplying altars for sin. Additionally, Ezekiel 6:3–6 and Amos 3:14 declares God's judgment on the high places and altars where Israel has committed idolatry.

from the new testament

• In the New Testament, altars are not prominently featured as they were in the Old Testament. Most references quote or refer to a specific incident from the Old Testament.
• In Matthew 5:23–24, Jesus teaches about reconciling with others before continuing to worship at the altar.
• In Acts 17:23, Paul encounters an altar dedicated "To the unknown god" and uses it to teach the Athenians about the true God.
• In discussing the rights of apostles, Paul asks in 1 Corinthians 9:13, "Do you not know that those who are employed in the temple service get their food from the temple, and those who serve at the altar share in the sacrificial offerings?" This reference reveals the altar in the practice of priests and temple service in Jewish religious life, drawing a parallel to the support given to Christian ministers.
• Hebrews highlights the differences between the old and new covenants and the way Jesus fulfilled the old and ushered in the new. In doing so, it refers to the altars in the temple. Hebrews 7:13 mentions the lineage of those who serve at the altar, contrasting the priesthood of Melchizedek with that of the Levites. Hebrews 9:4 mentions the golden altar of incense in the tabernacle as the author describes the regulations for worship and the limitations of the earthly temple, which had “copies of the true things” (Hebrews 9:24). Hebrews 13:10 differentiates between the altar from the old covenant and the altar of the new.
• James 2:21 reflects on Abraham's faith demonstrated through offering Isaac on an altar.
• Revelation 6:9, 8:3-5, 9:13, 11:1, 14:18, and 16:7 depict altars in heavenly visions, symbolizing worship, judgment, and divine justice. The use of this word is likely to connect the reader to what they already understand from the Old Testament.

implications for today

Even though today we do not need to come to literal altars to worship, we come to a symbolic altar, surrendering to God our desires, our hearts, and our whole lives. This spiritual act mirrors the ancient practice of offering sacrifices and prayers at a literal altar. Just as the patriarchs erected altars to commemorate meeting with and giving to God, we, too, present ourselves before Him, laying down our desires, fears, and ambitions at His feet. We come to Him seeking forgiveness, renewal, and direction, inviting God to reign supreme in every aspect of our lives and being (Galatians 2:20). Through this surrender, our hearts become sanctuaries where His presence dwells, shaping us into vessels of His grace and instruments of His will. Our coming to the altar in surrender expresses our recognition of Him as the one true God, and coming to Him in this way is how we are able to receive the blessings He has for us both at salvation and in relationship with Him.