Structure of the Altar
"The altar that alters." The altar of burnt sacrifice commonly called the brazen altar stood in the eastern half of the courtyard of the Tabernacle (Hebrew Mishkan “dwelling place”). This holy vessel was the first station encountered when anyone passed through the gate or entrance to the Mishkan.
The altar was 5 cubits long, 5 cubits wide, and 3 cubits high. It is assumed that this hollow box was elevated on two mounds of dirt on two sides of the structure. This would allow the air to flow underneath the grating to provide oxygen for the fire to burn the wood.
The hollow box was made of acacia wood referred to in the KJV as “shittim” wood which was overlaid with hammered copper. Various English versions translate this word as Brass or Bronze, but the Hebrew word used in Exodus is (nekh-o’-sheth – copper but is often translated in English as “bronze” or “brass.”). At each connecting corner were large acacia wood horns overlaid with hammered copper. Horns in the Bible speak of power and might.
The Metal Grating
One aspect of the altar that is difficult to imagine from the wording of the scripture, is the metal grating that hung down 1.5 cubits from the top or halfway down the altar. The firewood was laid upon this grating and the hot coals would fall underneath allowing the fire to burn continually.
Every morning the ashes would be removed and placed in a sacred place. The wood offering as well as the ashes were considered holy as both were connected with the sacrifices or offerings (Hebrew korban “to draw near to”). The ashes were the remnants of the offeror’s quest to draw a closer relationship with God.
The grating appears to have been connected to a copper arm that wrapped around the bottom portion of the side of the altar then traveling directly up midway on the opposite side. This repeated itself at the opposite end of the grating so that there were two rings on two sides of the altar for a total of four rings. At this point, a ring was fastened to place the poles for lifting and moving the structure. There are numerous depictions of this grating system. Here is the best depiction I have found in June of 2001. (1)
Connection to the Ark of the Covenant
Why is it important to know the grating was placed 1.5 cubits or 27 inches inside the altar? The grating on the brazen altar was the same height where the blood was sprinkled on the “mercy seat” or the atonement cover on the ark of the covenant – 27 inches. (Exodus 27:7, 38:7 and Ark - Mercy Seat)
Altar that Alters
The brazen altar changes everything that was placed on it. Anything placed on the altar was automatically connected to the purpose of the altar. In a sense, the offering was now the property of the altar which was connected with God. It was no longer the possession of the one bringing the offering.
Regardless of whether it was an animal or blood offering, all offerings were transformed from whatever they were to tangible representations of the intentions (korban “to draw near to”) of the offeror’s heart.
The only thing that would prevent the offering (korban) from drawing a person closer to God was inappropriate or bringing the gift with poor motives.
Brazen altar changes or alters everything that is placed upon it. The offering and the offeror do not remain the same but are transformed for a new or renewed purpose.
Anything that touches the altar becomes connected with the purpose of the altar. It now belongs to the altar.
The restorative and redemptive purpose of God with his people is connected with the altar. “Beauty for ashes.”
As long as God’s fire consumes the korban is no longer common or profane but made holy. The natural is elevated to a spiritual dimension.
Conclusion
Our world has become so distracted by everything around us and we have become disconnected from each other. People are desperately searching for meaning and purpose in life. We talk to each other through texts, voicemails, video chats, and Facetime. Have you ever noticed people sitting at restaurants? Seldom do we engage in conversation. We are all focused on the tiny little screen in the palm of our hand.
I like two verses from the New Testament. James 4:8 states, “Draw near unto God and he will draw near to you." How is this accomplished since the altar of burnt sacrifice no longer exists? Saul who was transformed into Paul states … we do this by becoming a "living sacrifice" (Romans 12:1-2).
You and I can offer our intentions, and our hearts, and surrender to the Lord’s purpose for our lives by becoming a living sacrifice. Not by burning ourselves out but by finding meaningful purpose in our lives by serving the Lord and his people, in this world, in whatever capacity he enables us. We can dedicate our time, talents, and treasures to his purpose and repair the brokenness of this world.
(1) I searched for the original artist but the website no longer exists. If you are the artist please email me so I can give you credit for your magnificent work!
Ways to Thank Me
If this teaching was meaningful to you here are ways you can help me. Pray that I stay true to my calling and make the world a better place. You can thank me by reaching out and helping someone in need where you live.
Maybe volunteer at a shelter. Donate your time, talent, or treasure to the homeless, veterans, or community center. Help the widow who feels lonely and just needs to see a smile and a kind gesture. Consider helping out at your house of worship and prayer. It will encourage those who lead you. These actions will improve the world we live in. Thank you for reading my post. Terry aka The Tabernacle Man.
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