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Book of Genesis - Chapter 8 - Verse 20

8:20
And Noah builded an altar unto the LORD; and took of every clean beast, and of every clean fowl, and offered burnt offerings on the altar.

Meaning

When Noah built an altar to the Lord and offered burnt offerings made from clean animals, he was following a tradition that dates back to ancient times. In the Bible, the act of offering sacrifices on an altar was considered a way to worship and honor God. By offering these sacrifices, Noah was expressing his gratitude to God for saving him and his family from the great flood. The clean animals that Noah sacrificed were symbolic of purity and were set apart for this specific purpose. The burnt offerings were a way for Noah to show his devotion and dedication to God, acknowledging his dependence on Him for protection and provision. This act of worship also served as a reminder of God's mercy and faithfulness throughout the generations following the flood. The altar that Noah built was a place of spiritual significance, where he could connect with God and offer his prayers and sacrifices as an act of worship and thanksgiving.

Theological Overview

In this verse, we see Noah building an altar to the LORD after the flood has subsided. This act of building an altar and offering burnt offerings was a common practice in the Old Testament as a way of worshiping and seeking forgiveness from God. The word "altar" in this context signifies a place of sacrifice and worship, where individuals would bring offerings to God as an act of worship and thanksgiving. The burnt offerings mentioned here would typically consist of animals that were considered clean according to the dietary laws outlined in the Old Testament. This act of offering clean animals as sacrifices symbolized the importance of purity and holiness in worshiping God. It also foreshadowed the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, who would one day offer Himself as a perfect and unblemished sacrifice for the sins of humanity. Through this act, Noah displayed his faith and reverence towards God, setting an example for future generations to follow in worshiping the Lord.

American Standard Version

And Noah builded an altar unto Jehovah, and took of every clean beast, and of every clean bird, and offered burnt-offerings on the altar.
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