Topical Encyclopedia The "horns of the altar" are a significant feature in the design and function of the altars used in the Tabernacle, as described in the Old Testament. These horns are mentioned in various passages and hold both symbolic and practical importance in the religious practices of ancient Israel.Design and Construction The horns of the altar were projections at each of the four corners of the altar. The instructions for their construction are found in the book of Exodus. For the altar of burnt offering, Exodus 27:2 states, "Make a horn at each of the four corners, so that the horns and the altar are of one piece, and overlay the altar with bronze" . Similarly, the altar of incense, located inside the Holy Place, also had horns, as described in Exodus 30:2: "It is to be square, a cubit long and a cubit wide, and two cubits high; its horns of one piece with it" . Symbolic Significance The horns of the altar are often interpreted as symbols of strength and power. In biblical times, horns were commonly associated with might and authority, as seen in various scriptural references (e.g., Psalm 18:2, 1 Samuel 2:10). The presence of horns on the altar may symbolize the power and authority of God, to whom the sacrifices were offered. Ritual Function The horns of the altar played a crucial role in the sacrificial system. Blood from the sacrifices was applied to the horns as part of the atonement process. Leviticus 4:7 instructs, "The priest must apply some of the blood to the horns of the altar of fragrant incense that is before the LORD in the Tent of Meeting" . This act of applying blood to the horns was a key element in the ritual of atonement, signifying purification and the covering of sin. Asylum and Refuge The horns of the altar also served as a place of asylum. In ancient Israel, individuals seeking refuge from avengers could grasp the horns of the altar as a plea for mercy. This is illustrated in the narrative of Adonijah and Joab in 1 Kings 1:50-51 and 1 Kings 2:28-34, where they sought sanctuary by holding onto the altar's horns. This practice underscores the altar's role as a place of divine justice and mercy. Theological Implications The horns of the altar, therefore, encapsulate themes of power, atonement, and refuge. They remind believers of the strength and authority of God, the necessity of atonement for sin, and the mercy available to those who seek refuge in Him. The integration of these elements into the worship practices of Israel highlights the comprehensive nature of God's provision for His people, both in terms of justice and grace. Nave's Topical Index Exodus 27:2And you shall make the horns of it on the four corners thereof: his horns shall be of the same: and you shall overlay it with brass. Nave's Topical Index Library The Horns of the Altar The Burnt Offering a Picture and a Prophecy Moses and his Writings The First Part Whether Sufficient Reason Can be Assigned for the Ceremonies ... The Day of Atonement The Twenty-Second Psalm. Praises and Vows Accepted in Zion Our Lord's Prayer for his People's Sanctification Faith Illustrated Resources What is an altar? | GotQuestions.orgWhat was the brazen altar? | GotQuestions.org What was the significance of the altar of incense? | GotQuestions.org Altar: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Altar in Solomon's Temple in Second Temple Altar in Solomon's Temple: Cleansed by Hezekiah Altar in Solomon's Temple: Description of Altar in Solomon's Temple: Ezekiel's Vision of Altar in Solomon's Temple: Furniture of, Taken to Babylon Altar in Solomon's Temple: Removed by Ahaz, and One of Idolatrous Fashion Substituted Altar in Solomon's Temple: Renewed by Asa Altar in Solomon's Temple: Repaired by Manasseh Altar in the Tabernacle: A Place of Refuge Altar in the Tabernacle: Constructed by Bezaleel Altar in the Tabernacle: Furniture of Altar in the Tabernacle: Horns of Altar in the Tabernacle: How Sanctified Altar in the Tabernacle: Location of Altar in the Tabernacle: Pattern of Altar in the Tabernacle: Sanctified Everything That Touched It Altar in the Tabernacle: Uses of the Horns Altar of Burnt offerings: Called Altar of God Altar of Burnt offerings: Called Altar of the Lord Altar of Burnt offerings: Called Brazen Altar Altar of Incense in Solomon's Temple Altar of Incense: A Cover Made For, of the Censers of Korah Altar of Incense: A Type of Christ Altar of Incense: Altar Before the Lord Altar of Incense: Altar of Sweet Incense Altar of Incense: Anointed With Holy Oil Altar of Incense: Atonement Made For, by the High Priest Once Every Year Altar of Incense: Called the Golden Altar Altar of Incense: Carried by Kohathites Altar of Incense: Covered by the Priest Before Removal from the Sanctuary Altar of Incense: Covered With Gold Altar of Incense: Dimensions of Altar of Incense: had Four Rings of Gold Under the Crown for the Staves Altar of Incense: How Prepared for Carrying Altar of Incense: No Strange Incense Nor Any Sacrifice to be offered On Altar of Incense: Placed Before the Vail in the Outer Sanctuary Altar of Incense: Punishment For: Offering Strange Fire On Altar of Incense: Punishment For: Unauthorised offering On Altar of Incense: Said to be Before the Lord Altar of Incense: Seen in John's Vision Altar of Incense: Staves of, Covered With Gold Altar of Incense: The Blood of all Sin offerings Put on the Horns of Altar of Incense: The Priest Burned Incense on Every Morning and Evening Altar of Incense: Top of, Surrounded With a Crown of Gold Altar used in Idolatrous Worship Altar: Built by the Reubenites and Gadites Altar: Mosaic Commandments Prescribing the Construction of The Altar of Burnt-Offering was Most Holy The Altar of Burnt-Offering: A Net-Working Grate of Brass Placed In The Altar of Burnt-Offering: A Type of Christ The Altar of Burnt-Offering: Ahaz Removed and Profaned The Altar of Burnt-Offering: All Gifts to be Presented At The Altar of Burnt-Offering: All Its Vessels of Brass The Altar of Burnt-Offering: All Sacrifices to be offered On The Altar of Burnt-Offering: Anointed and Sanctified With Holy Oil The Altar of Burnt-Offering: Called: The Altar of God The Altar of Burnt-Offering: Called: The Altar of the Lord The Altar of Burnt-Offering: Called: The Brazen Altar The Altar of Burnt-Offering: Cleansed and Purified With Blood The Altar of Burnt-Offering: Covered With Brass The Altar of Burnt-Offering: Dimensions of The Altar of Burnt-Offering: Furnished With Rings and Staves The Altar of Burnt-Offering: Horns on the Corners of The Altar of Burnt-Offering: Made After a Divine Pattern The Altar of Burnt-Offering: Nothing Polluted or Defective to be offered On The Altar of Burnt-Offering: Offering at the Dedication of The Altar of Burnt-Offering: Placed in the Court Before the Door of the Tabernacle The Altar of Burnt-Offering: Sacrifices Bound to the Horns of The Altar of Burnt-Offering: Sanctified by God The Altar of Burnt-Offering: Sanctified Whatever Touched It The Altar of Burnt-Offering: The Blood of Sacrifices Put on the Horns and Poured at The The Altar of Burnt-Offering: The Fire Upon was Continually Burning The Altar of Burnt-Offering: The Fire Upon: Came from Before the Lord The Altar of Burnt-Offering: The Fire Upon: Consumed the Sacrifices The Altar of Burnt-Offering: The Jews Condemned for Swearing Lightly By The Altar of Burnt-Offering: The Priests: Alone to Serve The Altar of Burnt-Offering: The Priests: Derived Support From Related Terms Burnt-sacrifice (13 Occurrences) Burnt-offering (205 Occurrences) Meat-offerings (10 Occurrences) |
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