Why is the "horns of the altar" significant in the context of Leviticus 4:7? Verse Under Focus “Then the priest is to put some of the blood on the horns of the altar of fragrant incense before the LORD in the Tent of Meeting, and he is to pour out all the rest of the bull’s blood at the base of the altar of burnt offering at the entrance to the Tent of Meeting.” (Leviticus 4:7) Getting Acquainted with the Horns • Each altar—whether for burnt offerings (Exodus 27:2) or the incense altar (Exodus 30:3)—had four protruding “horns,” one at each corner. • The horns were not decorative; they were functional and symbolic. Animals could be bound to them (Psalm 118:27), fugitives clung to them for sanctuary (1 Kings 1:50; 2:28), and, most importantly, sacrificial blood was daubed on them. Why Apply Blood to the Horns? 1. Point of atonement—Exodus 30:10 speaks of “making atonement on its horns once a year.” Touching them with blood declared that the entire altar—and by extension the worshiper—was covered. 2. Four-corner reach—The horns faced all directions, picturing atonement reaching “the four corners of the earth.” 3. Power and strength—Throughout Scripture “horn” pictures power or salvation (Psalm 18:2; Luke 1:69). Blood on the horns testifies that the power to cleanse sin comes from the shed blood. 4. Link to intercession—Because Leviticus 4:7 concerns the incense altar (the place of prayer), the blood on its horns shows that prayer is effective only through atoning blood (Hebrews 10:19–22). Layers of Symbolism • Mercy and refuge—Since desperate men laid hold of the horns seeking mercy, the sin-offering blood says, “Here is real, God-granted refuge.” • Continuous holiness—Daily incense rose from this altar (Exodus 30:7–8). Atoning blood kept that constant worship acceptable. • Corporate cleansing—The sacrifice in Leviticus 4 deals with the high priest’s or congregation’s sin (4:3, 13). Smearing the horns ensured the people’s collective approach to God remained unbroken. Pointing Forward to Christ • Jesus entered “the greater and more perfect tabernacle…by His own blood” (Hebrews 9:11–12). • He embodies the true “horn of salvation” (Luke 1:69). • Because His blood has touched the heavenly altar, believers “draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith” (Hebrews 10:22). Bringing It Home • Bold access—Just as the priest approached the horns confidently, we come boldly to the throne because blood has already been applied (Hebrews 4:16). • Prayer grounded in sacrifice—Our intercession, like incense, rises on the basis of Jesus’ finished work, not our merit. • Refuge for the guilty—If the guilty in Israel could flee to physical horns, how much more can sinners today find refuge in Christ’s once-for-all sacrifice. |
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