Topical Bible: Blood: Sacrificial: On the Horns of the Altar of Sweet Incense

◄ Blood: Sacrificial: On the Horns of the Altar of Sweet Incense ►

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In the sacrificial system of ancient Israel, the use of blood held profound significance, symbolizing atonement, purification, and consecration. One specific ritual involved the application of sacrificial blood on the horns of the altar of sweet incense, a practice that underscored the gravity of sin and the necessity of divine forgiveness.

Biblical Context and Instructions

The altar of incense, located in the Holy Place of the Tabernacle, was distinct from the altar of burnt offering. It was used for burning incense, symbolizing the prayers of the people ascending to God. The instructions for the use of blood on this altar are found in the book of Exodus and Leviticus, where God provides detailed commands to Moses regarding the sacrificial system.

In Exodus 30:10, the Lord commands, "Once a year Aaron is to make atonement on its horns. Throughout your generations, this atonement is to be made once a year with the blood of the sin offering of atonement. It is most holy to the LORD." This annual ritual was part of the Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur) ceremonies, emphasizing the need for purification and reconciliation with God.

Theological Significance

The application of blood on the horns of the altar of incense served multiple theological purposes. Firstly, it highlighted the pervasive nature of sin, affecting not only the people but also the sacred spaces and objects associated with worship. The altar, though a place of holy service, required purification, symbolizing the need for holiness in all aspects of life and worship.

Secondly, the act of applying blood to the altar's horns underscored the concept of substitutionary atonement. The blood of the sin offering, representing the life of the sacrificial animal, was a substitute for the life of the sinner. This ritual pointed forward to the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, whose blood would provide the final and complete atonement for sin.

Ritual Practice and Symbolism

The priest, acting as a mediator between God and the people, performed the ritual of applying blood to the altar's horns. This act was a solemn reminder of the priest's role in interceding for the people and maintaining the sanctity of the worship space. The horns of the altar, often seen as symbols of strength and power, were thus consecrated through the blood, signifying the power of atonement and the strength of God's mercy.

The incense altar's location, just before the veil separating the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place, further emphasized the connection between atonement and access to God's presence. The blood on the altar served as a preparatory act, ensuring that the prayers and worship of the people were acceptable to God.

Conclusion

The ritual of applying sacrificial blood to the horns of the altar of sweet incense is a profound element of the Old Testament sacrificial system. It reflects the seriousness of sin, the necessity of atonement, and the hope of reconciliation with God. Through this practice, the Israelites were continually reminded of their dependence on God's grace and the promise of ultimate redemption through the Messiah.

Nave's Topical Index

Exodus 30:10
And Aaron shall make an atonement on the horns of it once in a year with the blood of the sin offering of atonements: once in the year shall he make atonement on it throughout your generations: it is most holy to the LORD.
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Leviticus 4:7,18,25,30
And the priest shall put some of the blood on the horns of the altar of sweet incense before the LORD, which is in the tabernacle of the congregation; and shall pour all the blood of the bullock at the bottom of the altar of the burnt offering, which is at the door of the tabernacle of the congregation.
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Leviticus 5:9
And he shall sprinkle of the blood of the sin offering on the side of the altar; and the rest of the blood shall be wrung out at the bottom of the altar: it is a sin offering.
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Leviticus 9:9,12
And the sons of Aaron brought the blood to him: and he dipped his finger in the blood, and put it on the horns of the altar, and poured out the blood at the bottom of the altar:
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Library

The Day of Atonement
... of the goat, and put it upon the horns of the ... And he shall sprinkle of the blood
upon it with ... expresses its importance in the series of sacrificial observances ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture k/the day of atonement.htm

Scriptural Types.
... It was required by the law that all the sacrificial victims should be ... the rite of
sprinkling was the application of the victim's blood to the horns of the ...
/.../barrows/companion to the bible/chapter xxxvii scriptural types.htm