Topical Encyclopedia The altar in the Tabernacle, as described in the Old Testament, was a central element in the worship and sacrificial system of ancient Israel. The altar had four horns, one at each corner, which held significant symbolic and practical purposes in the religious life of the Israelites.Design and Symbolism The altar of burnt offering, also known as the brazen altar, was constructed according to divine specifications given to Moses on Mount Sinai. It was made of acacia wood and overlaid with bronze, measuring five cubits square and three cubits high (Exodus 27:1-2). The horns of the altar were integral to its design, crafted from the same material as the altar itself, symbolizing strength and power. In biblical symbolism, horns often represent authority and might (Psalm 18:2; 89:17). Sacrificial Function The horns of the altar played a crucial role in the sacrificial rituals. During offerings, the blood of the sacrificed animal was applied to the horns. This act was a vital part of the atonement process, signifying the transfer of sin and the seeking of divine forgiveness. Leviticus 4:7 states, "The priest must apply some of the blood to the horns of the altar of fragrant incense before the LORD in the Tent of Meeting, and he is to pour out the rest of the bull’s blood at the base of the altar of burnt offering at the entrance to the Tent of Meeting." Asylum and Sanctuary The horns of the altar also served as a place of refuge. In ancient Israel, individuals seeking mercy or protection could grasp the horns of the altar, symbolizing their appeal for divine intervention or justice. This practice is illustrated in the narrative of Adonijah, who, fearing retribution from Solomon, "went and took hold of the horns of the altar" (1 Kings 1:50). Similarly, Joab sought sanctuary by holding the altar's horns (1 Kings 2:28). Consecration and Anointing The horns of the altar were involved in the consecration and anointing processes. During the ordination of priests and the consecration of the altar, the horns were anointed with oil, signifying their sanctification and the setting apart of the altar for holy purposes. Exodus 30:10 describes the annual atonement ritual: "Once a year Aaron is to make atonement on its horns. Throughout your generations, this is to be a most holy thing to the LORD." Judicial and Covenantal Significance The horns of the altar also held judicial and covenantal significance. They were a reminder of God's covenant with Israel and His justice. The application of blood to the horns during sacrifices underscored the seriousness of sin and the necessity of atonement. The altar, with its horns, stood as a testament to God's holiness and the means by which His people could approach Him. In summary, the horns of the altar in the Tabernacle were multifaceted in their uses, serving as instruments in sacrificial rituals, symbols of refuge and sanctuary, elements in consecration ceremonies, and reminders of divine justice and covenant. These functions highlight the centrality of the altar in the spiritual and communal life of Israel, reflecting the profound relationship between God and His people. Nave's Topical Index Psalm 118:27God is the LORD, which has showed us light: bind the sacrifice with cords, even to the horns of the altar. Nave's Topical Index Library Moses and his Writings Whether Sufficient Reason Can be Assigned for the Ceremonies ... Our Lord's Prayer for his People's Sanctification Scriptural Types. The First vision "In Heaven": Chapters 4-5 The Revelation of St. John the Divine The Second vision "On Earth" The Gospel of John Hosanna! Solomon's Temple Spiritualized 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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