“And thou shalt make the horns of it upon the four corners thereof: his horns shall be of the same: and thou shalt overlay it with brass.”
In this verse, God is giving instructions to Moses regarding the construction of the altar of burnt offering. Let’s break down the verse and explore its significance.
“And thou shalt make the horns of it upon the four corners thereof”: The altar of burnt offering was a significant piece of furniture in the tabernacle, where various sacrifices were made. This verse instructs Moses to construct four horns on the corners of the altar. These horns were extensions or projections from the corners of the altar, and they were meant to be strong and prominent.
“His horns shall be of the same”: The horns of the altar were to be made of the same material as the altar itself. In this case, the altar was made of acacia wood overlaid with bronze (Exodus 27:1). Therefore, the horns were also to be overlaid with brass or bronze, maintaining a consistent appearance.
“And thou shalt overlay it with brass”: The entire altar, including the horns, was to be covered or overlaid with brass. This metal covering not only added strength and durability but also provided a visually appealing and consistent appearance for the altar.
Symbolically, the horns on the altar held significance in ancient Hebrew culture and worship:
- Symbol of Power and Authority: Horns were often associated with power and strength in biblical times. The presence of horns on the altar symbolized the authority and power of God. It signified that the altar was a place where divine encounters and interactions took place.
- Symbol of Protection and Refuge: In certain cultural contexts, horns were seen as a symbol of protection. The horns of the altar provided a place of refuge for individuals seeking God’s mercy and forgiveness through sacrifices. It represented God’s willingness to receive and pardon those who sought Him.
- Symbol of Exaltation: Horns were sometimes used to represent exaltation or victory. The horns on the altar symbolized the triumph and victory of God over sin and evil. It reflected His ultimate authority and His ability to conquer all spiritual adversaries.
Overall, Exodus 27:2 emphasizes the construction details of the altar of burnt offering, highlighting the importance of the horns and their symbolic significance. The horns represented God’s power, protection, and victory, and they served as a reminder of His authority and mercy in the worship and sacrificial system of the Israelites.
