Altar [N] [E] [S]
Structure on which offerings are made to a deity. The Hebrew word for altar is mizbeah [;eBzim], from a verbal root meaning "to slaughter." Greek renders this word as thusiasterion [qusiasthvrion], "a place of sacrifice." In the developed temple ritual, the same word is used for both the altar of holocausts and the altar of incense. Thus, an altar is a place where sacrifice is offered, even if it is not an event involving slaughter.


Now, Stephen told us in Acts 7:48 that, God does not dwell in things made by man. God dwells in man. If this is the case, my question is, WHY DO MANY MEN OF GOD IN OUR TIMES REFER TO THE PODIUMS IN THEIR PLACES OF WORSHIPS AS ALTARS?

MATURE RESPONSES PLEASE!







Altars could be natural objects or man-made constructs. Four materials are recorded as being used in altars: stone, earth, metal, and brick. Archaeology has provided numerous examples of altars from Palestine dating back to approximately 3000 b.c. Natural rocks were also used ( Judg 6:20 ). An altar could stand alone, or it was located in the courtyard of a shrine.
Their Jerusalem temple had two altars: the altar of incense and the altar of holocausts. The altar of incense was placed inside the sanctuary in front of the curtain screening the Holy of Holies. It was made of gold-covered wood. It stood upright and measured 1 x 1 x 2 cubits. Archaeological data indicate that all four corners of the upper surface were slightly peaked. Twice a day, incense was burned on the altar.
The altar of holocausts stood in the courtyard of the temple. Like the other objects in the courtyard, the altar was made of bronze. It measured 20 x 20 x 10 cubits (2 Chron. 4). Ahaz replaced this altar with one modeled on an alter he had seen in Damascus ( 2 Kings 16 ). He moved the old altar, using it for divination. In Ezekiel's vision the courtyard altar also was horned ( Eze 43:15 ).