Customs & Culture
Altars and the Practice of Sacrifice
Altars were designated places for offerings and sacrifice and appear throughout biblical history before and after the establishment of the tabernacle and temple.
Primary Scripture
Historical and Cultural Background
Patriarchs built altars at significant encounters with God, while the Torah prescribed altars and sacrifices for Israel's sanctuary. Later narratives describe both authorized worship and rival or idolatrous altars.
Biblical Examples
Key biblical examples include Genesis 8:20; Genesis 12:7-8; Exodus 20:24-26; Judges 6:25-27; 1 Kings 18:30-39; 2 Kings 23:12-15.
Biblical Significance
Altars help trace the movement from patriarchal worship to regulated sanctuary worship and illuminate conflicts over legitimate sacrifice and covenant loyalty.
Related Images
Common Misconceptions
Not every altar in Scripture had the same design or status, and later temple regulations should not simply be imposed on patriarchal narratives.
Historical Setting and Evidence
Culture: Ancient Near Eastern, Israelite, Canaanite
Period: Patriarchal Period, Exodus and Wilderness, Conquest and Judges, United Monarchy, Divided Monarchy, Kingdom of Judah
Evidence: Well Attested
Interpretive Importance: Essential
Altars are abundantly attested in biblical texts and archaeology throughout the ancient Near East.