Horns of the Two Altars (Sacrifice and Incense)

The horns of the two altars, representative of power and strength (see 1 Sam. 2:10; Ps. 75:10; Jer. 48:25), typify God Himself: “The Lord is . . . the horn of my salvation” (2 Sam. 22:2–3; see also Ps. 18:2; Luke 1:69). Note also the following items concerning the two altars’ horns.

The sacrificial altar had four horns, each having the same dimensions and appearance, with one horn located on each of the corners (see Ex. 27:1–2; 38:2). Each horn was overlaid with brass, giving it a striking, decorative, and shining appearance. The horns were fundamental to the atonement ceremony, for the priest took of the bullock’s blood and placed it on the horns with his finger (see Ex. 29:12).

Four horns of the altar of incense, in front of the tabernacle veil.

The incense altar (located in the holy place), also had four horns—one on each corner. Each horn was the same size and dimensions and each was overlaid with pure gold (see Ex. 30:1–3), providing the horns with a deep, yellow luster and splendid appearance. On the Day of Atonement, the high priest was required to “make an atonement upon 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 upon it throughout your generations: it is most holy unto the Lord” (Ex. 30:10).