In the Hebrew term for altar, mizbe’ah, the Sages found an allusion to the great blessing that the sacrificial service brings to the people of Israel.

Why is the altar called mizbe’ah, [spelled mem-zayin-bet-ĥet]? Mem – because it forgives [mohel] the iniquities of Israel; zayin – because it serves as a good remembrance [zikaron] for Israel; bet – because it brings a blessing [berakha] for Israel; ĥet – because it is life [hayim] for Israel. (Tanĥuma [Buber], Tetzaveh)