1. THE ORIGIN.

This was the first institution of worship and the origin is not stated in the Scripture, but it must have originated by a direct command of the Lord. It also was a necessity because of a desire of the people to worship God. In the fourth Chapter of Genesis we have this inference as to sacrifice, and no doubt the altar was necessary to offer the sacrifice. The first altar mentioned in the Bible was erected by Noah immediately after the flood. Gen. 8:20. When Adam and Eve were expelled from the garden they were clothed with skins of animals, and they may have offered the animals for sacrifice in the garden.

2. GROWTH.

In the eastern land where Noah lived the altar was known, and when Abram came to Palestine the altar was erected there. This development was due to the proper consideration of those who represented the head of the family or tribe. The altar stood alone as a place of worship until the Tabernacle was built, 1490, when it became a part of Tabernacle furniture.

3. THE MATERIAL.

The altar was made of earth and unhewn stone. Ex. 20:24, 25. The wood and brass which were used were considered merely as the covering of the altar.

4. THE OBJECT.

The altar was a meeting place between man and God. It was to remove all obstacles between the worshiper and God. All kinds of offerings were made here, and they were for an atonement or a complete sacrifice.

QUESTIONS.

• What was the first institution of the Bible?
• How did the altar originate?
• Where is the altar mentioned?
• How did the altar worship develop?
• What material was used in making the altar?
• What was the object of the altar?