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NASB | Exodus 17:15 Moses built an altar and named it The LORD is My Banner; |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | Exodus 17:15 And Moses built an altar and named it The LORD Is My Banner; |
Subject: When did Christians start to use altars? |
Bible Note: Hi Ed, I understand why you feel the way you do. You are right to say that I'm hung up on the the term "altar". But words mean things, and an altar is a table upon which sacrifices are made. Altar - (Heb. mizbe'ah, from a word meaning "to slay"), any structure of earth (Ex. 20:24) or unwrought stone (20:25) on which sacrifices were offered. Altars were generally erected in conspicuous places (Gen. 22:9; Ezek. 6:3; 2 Kings 23:12; 16:4; 23:8; Acts 14:13). The word is used in Heb. 13:10 for the sacrifice offered upon it--the sacrifice Christ offered. Paul found among the many altars erected in Athens one bearing the inscription, "To the unknown God" (Acts 17:23), or rather "to an [i.e., some] unknown God." The reason for this inscription cannot now be accurately determined. It afforded the apostle the occasion of proclaiming the gospel to the "men of Athens." The first altar we read of is that erected by Noah (Gen. 8:20). Altars were erected by Abraham (Gen. 12:7; 13:4; 22:9), by Isaac (Gen. 26:25), by Jacob (33:20; 35:1, 3), and by Moses (Ex. 17:15, "Jehovah-nissi"). (Easton's) To my mind, each element of worship must mean something to the worshippers. The meaning must of neccessity come from Scripture! How can we be in one accord if that meaning is subjective and left to the sentiments of each individual? We don't have tabernacles. Why not? Because our bodies are the temple of the Holy Spirit and God now dwells within us. Does your church provide a Bible based reason for having an altar? If so, I would appreciate your providing it. Thanks Ed, John |