(changing) the father of the apostle James the Less, (Matthew 10:3; Mark 3:18; Luke 6:15; Acts
1:13) and husband of Mary. (John 19:25) [Mary] In this latter place he is called Clopas (not, as in
the Authorized Version, Cleophas).
Altar
The first altar of which we have any account is that built by Noah when he left the ark. (Genesis
8:20) In the early times altars were usually built in certain spots hallowed by religious associations,
e.g., where God appeared. (Genesis 12:7; 13:18; 26:25; 35:1) Though generally erected for the
offering of sacrifice, in some instances they appear to have been only memorials. (Genesis 12:7;
Exodus 17:15,16) Altars were most probably originally made of earth. The law of Moses allowed
them to be made of either earth or unhewn stones. (Exodus 20:24,25) I. The Altar of Burnt Offering
. It differed in construction at different times. (1) In the tabernacle, (Exodus 27:1) ff.; Exod 38:1
ff., it was comparatively small and portable. In shape it was square. It as five cubits in length, the
same in breadth, and three cubits high. It was made of planks of shittim (or acacia) wood overlaid
with brass. The interior was hollow. (Exodus 27:8) At the four corners were four projections called
horns made, like the altar itself, of shittim wood overlaid with brass, (Exodus 27:2) and to them
the victim was bound when about to be sacrificed. (Psalms 118:27) Round the altar, midway between
the top and bottom, ran a projecting ledge, on which perhaps the priest stood when officiating. To
the outer edge of this, again, a grating or network of brass was affixed, and reached to the bottom
of the altar. At the four corners of the network were four brazen rings, into which were inserted the
staves by which the altar was carried. These staves were of the same material as the altar itself. As
the priests were forbidden to ascend the altar by steps, (Exodus 20:26) it has been conjectured that
a slope of earth led gradually up to the ledge from which they officiated. The place of the altar was
at the door of the tabernacle of the congregation.)” (Exodus 40:29) (2) In Solomon’s temple the
altar was considerably larger in its dimensions. It differed too in the material of which it was made,
being entirely of brass. (1 Kings 8:64; 2 Chronicles 7:7) It had no grating, and instead of a single
gradual slope, the ascent to it was probably made by three successive platforms, to each of which
it has been supposed that steps led. The altar erected by Herod in front of the temple was 15 cubits
in height and 50 cubits in length and breadth. According to (Leviticus 6:12,13) a perpetual fire was
to be kept burning on the altar. II. The Altar of Incense, called also the golden altar to distinguish
it from the altar of burnt offering which was called the brazen altar. (Exodus 38:30) (a) That in the
tabernacle was made of acacia wood, overlaid with pure gold. In shape it was square, being a cubit
in length and breadth and two cubits in height. Like the altar of burnt offering it had horns at the
four corners, which were of one piece with the rest of the altar. This altar stood in the holy place,
“before the vail that is by the ark of the testimony.” (Exodus 30:6; 40:5) (b) The altar of Solomon’s
temple was similar, (1 Kings 7:48; 1 Chronicles 28:18) but was made of cedar overlaid with gold.
III. Other Altars. In (Acts 17:23) reference is made to an alter to an unknown God. There were
several altars in Athens with this inscription, erected during the time of a plague. Since they knew
not what god was offended and required to be propitiated.
Altaschith
(destroy not), found in the introductory verse to Psalms 57,58,59,75. It was probably the
beginning of some song or poem to the tune of which those psalms were to be chanted.
Alush
(a crowd of men) one of the stations of the Israelites on their journey to Sinai, the last before
Rephidim. (Numbers 33:13,14)