The Altar of Burnt-Offering, also known as the Bronze Altar, was a central element in the worship practices of ancient Israel, as described in the Old Testament. It was located in the courtyard of the Tabernacle and later the Temple, serving as the primary site for sacrifices and offerings to Yahweh. One of the distinctive features of this altar was the presence of horns on its four corners.

Biblical Description and Significance

The instructions for constructing the Altar of Burnt-Offering are detailed in the Book of Exodus. According to Exodus 27:1-2 , "You are to construct the altar of acacia wood, five cubits long and five cubits wide—the altar is to be square—and three cubits high. Make a horn at each of the four corners, so that the horns are of one piece with the altar, and overlay it with bronze."

The horns on the corners of the altar held significant symbolic and ritual importance. They were integral to the altar's design, being made of the same material and overlaid with bronze. The horns were not merely decorative but served several purposes in the religious life of Israel.

Symbolism and Function

1. Symbol of Strength and Power: In biblical symbolism, horns often represent strength, power, and authority. The presence of horns on the altar may signify the power and authority of God, to whom the sacrifices were offered. This symbolism is consistent with other biblical references where horns denote might and divine protection (e.g., Psalm 18:2, "The LORD is my rock, my fortress, and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold").

2. Ritual Purity and Atonement: The horns of the altar played a crucial role in the rituals of atonement and purification. In Leviticus 4:7 , it is instructed that the priest "must apply some of the bull’s blood to the horns of the altar of fragrant incense before the LORD in the Tent of Meeting, and he shall 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." This act of applying blood to the horns was part of the sin offering, symbolizing the transfer of sin and the need for atonement.

3. Place of Refuge: The horns of the altar also served as a place of asylum. In times of distress or danger, individuals could seek refuge by grasping the horns of the altar, as seen in the case of Adonijah in 1 Kings 1:50-51 , "But Adonijah, in fear of Solomon, got up and went to take hold of the horns of the altar. It was reported to Solomon: 'Behold, Adonijah fears King Solomon, and he has taken hold of the horns of the altar, saying, "Let King Solomon first swear to me that he will not put his servant to the sword."'"

Theological Implications

The horns on the corners of the Altar of Burnt-Offering underscore the multifaceted nature of Old Testament worship and the sacrificial system. They highlight the themes of divine strength, the necessity of atonement, and the provision of refuge and mercy. These elements point to the broader theological narrative of redemption and the foreshadowing of Christ's ultimate sacrifice, which fulfills and transcends the Old Testament sacrificial system.Exodus 27:2
And 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.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Exodus 38:2
And he made the horns thereof on the four corners of it; the horns thereof were of the same: and he overlaid it with brass.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

The Burnt Offering a Picture and a Prophecy
... object, in some of which it was smeared on the horns of the altar, and, in ...
mercy-seat, suggests that the essential character of the burnt offering was not ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture k/the burnt offering a picture.htm

Solomon's Temple Spiritualized
... nothing, when the Beast comes to turn and toss up professors with his horns (Revelation
11 ... This altar was called 'the altar of burnt-offering,' and therefore ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/solomons temple spiritualized.htm

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