What is an Altar?
An altar is a sacred place where sacrifices and offerings are made to deities. In the Bible, men built altars to the true God (Jehovah) and others built altars to false gods.
In the realm of the spirit, altars are places of covenant, sacrifice, and communion between the divine and humanity. Throughout Scripture, both godly and evil altars play significant roles in shaping destinies, territories, and generations. An altar is more than a physical structure it is a spiritual gateway where power is invoked, where transactions are made, and where destinies are decided.
“And Noah builded an altar unto the LORD…” – Genesis 8:20
“Then said Elijah unto the people, I, even I only, remain a prophet of the LORD; but Baal’s prophets are four hundred and fifty men.” – 1 Kings 18:22
Thus, there are two types of altars:
- Godly Altars
- Evil Altars
1. Godly Altars: Portals of Divine Encounter
Examples of Godly Altars:
- Noah’s Altar (Genesis 8:20–21): After the flood, Noah built an altar and offered sacrifices. God smelled a sweet savour and made a covenant not to destroy the earth again.
- Abraham’s Altars (Genesis 12:7; 13:18): He built altars at various stages in his journey, reinforcing his walk with God.
- Jacob’s Altar at Bethel (Genesis 35:1–7): A place of divine revelation, vow, and renewal of promise.
- Elijah’s Restored Altar (1 Kings 18:30–39): He repaired the broken altar of the Lord and called down fire from heaven.
“And Elijah took twelve stones…and he built an altar in the name of the LORD…” – 1 Kings 18:31–32
Significance of Godly Altars:
- A place of worship and remembrance.
- A point of divine covenant.
- A centre of sacrifice and consecration.
- A spiritual gateway for blessings, protection, and divine intervention.
2. Evil Altars: Thrones of Demonic Manipulation
Examples of Evil Altars:
- Baal and Asherah Altars: Raised by King Ahab and Jezebel (1 Kings 16:32–33).
- Manasseh’s Altars to Idols: Even in the house of the Lord (2 Kings 21:3–5).
- Jeroboam’s Altar in Bethel: Built to turn Israel away from the true worship of God (1 Kings 12:28–33).
“He built again the high places which Hezekiah his father had destroyed; and he reared up altars for Baal…” – 2 Kings 21:3
Functions of Evil Altars:
- They corrupt and pervert destinies.
- They are platforms for satanic covenants.
- They empower demonic forces over people, families, and nations.
- They initiate curses, bondage, and stagnation.
“They sacrificed unto devils, not to God…” – Deuteronomy 32:17