Boyd’s Bible Dictionary:
(high). First altars were simple memorial piles (Gen. 8:20; 12:7; 26:25; 35:1). Afterward to lay sacrifices upon (Ex. 17:15-16; 27:1-8). Usually built of earth or stone (Ex. 20:24-26); but sacrificial altars quite elaborate (Ex. 40:26-33). Still more elaborate in Solomon’s Temple (1 Kings 8:64; 2 Chron. 7:7). Altar fires to burn perpetually (Lev. 6:12-13). Altar of Incense, called “golden” to distinguish it from Altar of Sacrifice, called “brazen” (Ex. 30:1-10; 40:5, 1 Kings 7:48; 1 Chron. 28:18).
Concise Bible Dictionary:
See ALTAR.
From Manners and Customs of the Bible:
Exodus 40:5. Thou shalt set the altar of gold for the incense before the ark of the testimony.
This was made of acacia wood covered with gold. It was two cubits high, one cubit in length, and one in breadth. It had four “horns” or projections on tin four corners at the top, and like the ark and the table of show-bread, it had a corners of gold, and rings and staves for transportation. The rings were of gold, and the staves of acacia wood covered with gold (Ex. 37:25-28). Its position wit; in the west end of the Holy Place, near the veil which concealed the Most Holy Place (Ex. 40:26). It was thus immediately in front of the Ark of the Covenant, though separated from it by the veil.
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