The Brazen Altar

Content

Other Vessels Used in the Service of the Tabernacle | Measuring Cups | The Mizrak | Stone Vessels

Overview

The Altar stood in the midst of the eastern half of the oblong Court enclosure, the sacrificial tables and utensils being upon the left of the main entrance within the Court. The Altar of Burnt-offering was the instrument used for the purpose of reconciling man with his Maker. The Altar was 5 cubits long, 5 cubits broad and 3 cubits high (7 1/2 feet by 7 1/2 by 4 1/2). It was a large hollow case, made of shittim wood, overlaid with brass, and ornamented with huge wooden horns overlaid with brass, one for each of the four corners.

A grating or network of brass, having a ring at each of its four corners, was hung in the middle of the top of the Altar, and on it was laid the wood for the fire which consumed the sacrifice. On two sides of the Altar were rings of brass, through which were laid staves of shittim wood overlaid with brass, to carry it from place to place. The pots, shovels, basins, flesh-hooks and fire pans, as well as all other vessels or utensils necessary to the service of the Altar, were made of brass. Exodus 27:1-8; Exodus 38:1-7.

Bason - Exodus 38

The word "basons" (v.3) means "vessels for sprinkling," and these vessels were used to hold the blood of the animals sacrificed at the altar of burnt-offerings. On some occasions the blood was poured out at the bottom of the altar, and on other occasions it was carried into the Holy Place. Once a year, on the Day of Atonement, it was taken into the Holy of Holies.

Fire Pans

The fire pans or censers which carries coals of fire from the altar of burnt-offerings. When incense was burned before God in the Holy Place the fire was removed from the Brazen Censer and placed in those made of gold.

Pans

The pans were used for carrying the ashes from the altar to a prescribed place outside the camp.

Fleshhooks

The word "fleshhooks" is translated "tridents" in some versions suggesting that they were three-pronged instruments which were hooked at the ends. They were used by the priests to keep the sacrifice in place on the altar. As the fire did its work, the sacrifice fell apart and tended to move away from the fire. The fleshhooks were used to catch hold of the carcass and bring it back to the center of the altar and the heat of the fire.

Brass Shovel

A brass shovel was used to remove burning coals from the outer altar, where the fire was constantly burning. The priest used the shovel to bring these coals into the sanctuary to the Golden Altar, where the incense was offered.

Each offering in the Temple was accompanied by a specific measure of wine, water, oil, or grain. Ancient measures were not "quarts," "gallons" or "liters" but rather hin, lug, and isaron.

The "Mizrak" is one of the sacred vessels used for the Temple service. The priest gathers the blood from the sacrifice into the Mizrak, and then poured the blood on the corner of the altar.