Types of altars in the bible

         In the Bible, altars are significant structures where people encountered God, offered sacrifices, made covenants, and marked spiritual experiences. There are various types of altars mentioned in Scripture, each with specific meanings and purposes.

         Here are the major types of altars in the Bible:

1. Altar of Sacrifice

Purpose: For offering burnt offerings and sacrifices to God.

Example:

● Noah’s Altar – After the flood, Noah built an altar and offered sacrifices (Genesis 8:20).

● Abraham’s Altars – Abraham built several altars to sacrifice and worship (Genesis 12:7–8; Genesis 22:9).

    “Then Noah built an altar to the LORD…” Genesis 8:20

2. Altar of Covenant

Purpose: To establish or commemorate a covenant between God and His people.

Example:

● Moses and Israel – Moses built an altar and offered sacrifices to confirm the covenant with God (Exodus 24:4–6).

    “And he sent young men of the children of Israel… and Moses took half of the blood and put it in basins…” Exodus 24:5–6

3. Altar of Worship

Purpose: To worship God and express reverence.

Example:

● Jacob’s Altar at Bethel – Jacob built an altar after his dream of the ladder reaching heaven (Genesis 35:7).

    “He built an altar there and called the place El-Bethel…” Genesis 35:7

4. Altar of Remembrance

Purpose: To remember God’s faithfulness, victories, or divine encounters.

Example:

● Joshua’s Altar at Gilgal – Built as a memorial after crossing the Jordan River (Joshua 4:20–24).

    “These stones shall be for a memorial to the children of Israel forever.” Joshua 4:7

5. Altar of Intercession

Purpose: A place where prayers and petitions were made to God.

Example:

● The Golden Altar of Incense in the Tabernacle – Used by priests to offer incense, symbolizing intercession (Exodus 30:1–10).

    “Let my prayer be set before You as incense…” Psalm 141:2

6. Family or Personal Altars

Purpose: Built by individuals or families for personal worship and devotion.

Example:

● Abraham’s Personal Altars – Abraham often built altars when God appeared to him (Genesis 12:7, Genesis 13:4).

7. National or Public Altars

Purpose: Established for national worship or repentance.

Example:

● Elijah’s Altar on Mount Carmel – Repaired and used during a national confrontation with Baal worship (1 Kings 18:30–38).

    “Then Elijah said to all the people, ‘Come near to me.’ So all the people came near to him. And he repaired the altar of the LORD…” 1 Kings 18:30

8. False or Evil Altars

● Purpose: Built for idol worship or demonic sacrifices.

Example:

● Jeroboam’s Golden Calves – He made altars in Bethel and Dan to turn Israel from true worship (1 Kings 12:28–33).

● Baal’s Altars – Frequently condemned by God’s prophets (Judges 6:25; 2 Kings 23:4).

    “Tear down the altar of Baal that your father has…” Judges 6:25

9. Heavenly Altar

Purpose: Described in visions as the eternal altar before God in heaven.

Example:

● Revelation – John sees an altar in heaven where the prayers of saints rise like incense (Revelation 8:3–5).

    “Another angel came and stood at the altar, holding a golden censer…” Revelation 8:3