The Altar Table
Altar Table Explained
In Exodus 27:1-8, God gave Moses specific instructions on the construction of the altar
1
It is from the South to the North and is cube shaped as it resembles the Cross and Tomb of our Lord
2
The altar faces the East
3
The Altar is consecrated by the Holy Myron. The Liturgy of the Eucharist can be temporarily held on an unconsecrated Altar as long as a consecrated Altar-Board is placed upon it.
4
Old Testament Vs New Testament
-
Hebrews 13:10 shows that our altar is unique to the altar in the Old Testament; “We have an altar from which those who serve the tabernacle have no right to eat”
-
Hebrews 9:11-15 discusses why we have a different holier altar; Christ the ultimate High Priest, entered the greater tabernacle, offering His own blood for our eternal redemption, thus fulfilling the Old Covenant and establishing a new one that sanctifies us
-
Malachi 1:11 - This prophesy refers to the sacrifice of the New Testament, which is offered everywhere throughout the world as compared to the Old Testament, which was offered in the Temple in Jerusalem.
Prophecy Fulfilled
In that day there will be an altar to the Lord in the midst of the land of Egypt.
Isaiah 9:19
-
This prophecy was fulfilled through the establishment of the Coptic Orhtodox Church in Egypt