The Outer Court of the Temple at Arad

Altar of sacrifice: It measures 4.5 feet high and 7.5 feet square, the same dimensions as the altar of the tabernacle. It is made of unworked stones, just as God commanded. A large stone on top provided a place for the sacrifice to be made. Archaeologists originally found a plastered channel on top of the altar to catch blood and direct it to the edge of the altar, where it could be collected. Some scholars believe that there was a metal rack on the stone to hold the meat of the sacrifice. If so, it has not survived.The ancient structure provides the most basic elements of our relationship with God. Because of our sins, we are made right with God through the shedding of blood. Because of God’s forgiveness, we “offer” our lives as sacrifices to him.

Bronze Sea: According to God’s instructions for the tabernacle and Solomon?s construction of the temple, the Bronze Sea was to stand in the outer court. This basin symbolized the removal of the ceremonial uncleanness before the sacrifice was offered, and the forgiveness resulting from the sacrifice itself. The Bronze Sea was not found at Arad. Possibly, it was made of metal and therefore too valuable to bury with the temple.

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