Why did they have to sacrifice on the north side of the Altar in the Tabernacle?
2007-01-24 12:52:02 · 5 answers · asked by Marmitemonster 2 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
"the north is often associated with God's pressence. THe diferent sides of the altar may have indicated different types of sacrifices-in this case, it signaled an offering tor remove sin. Another option is that it may have been a practical matter of space. The east side of the altar was for ashes and the crop of a asacrificial bird; the washbasin was on the west side."
taken form the Quest Study Bible
2007-01-24 12:59:00 · answer #1 · answered by Droppinshock 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I don't mean to sound like a jerk, but the short answer is because God said so.
The long answer is that no one really knows. However, the laws in Leviticus appeared while Israel was fleeing Egypt. Still not intending to sound like a jerk, the "Altar" was more than just a glorified table; the Altar was also the place the sacrifices were burned. Basically, it was a huge barbecue intended to incinerate the sacrifices. The Altar was also directly in front of the tent housing the Ark of the Covenant. Tents are flammable. A lot of fuel is required to incinerate flesh. Sparks and cinders are sure to be generated. Wind carries sparks. This was not what most of us would call a "safe" situation.
The commandment in Leviticus 1:11 is probably a safety measure. Sacrificing on the North side of the Altar probably allowed the prevailing winds to carry the sparks away from the priests, the common people, and the tent housing the Ark during sacrifices.
2007-01-24 13:26:28 · answer #2 · answered by mcmufin 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
According to Matthew Henery commentaries ... Perhaps on that side of the altar there was the largest vacant space, and room for the priests to turn them in.
Another thing was in the area it was of observed that fair weather comes out of the north, and that "the north wind drives away rain; and by these sacrifices the storms of God’s wrath are scattered, and the light of God’s countenance is obtained, which is more pleasant than the brightest fairest weather."
Space and weather ... Sounds good to me!
2007-01-24 13:17:33 · answer #3 · answered by thundercatt9 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I forget. I think it may have something to do with getting blood all over the place and making the temple unclean.
2007-01-24 12:56:46 · answer #4 · answered by Fish <>< 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
it was closer to door. Ever try to drag a struggling animal? Its very tiring.
2007-01-24 12:55:48 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 0⤋