Exodus 27:2 – “Make a horn at each of the four corners, so that the horns and the altar are of one piece, and overlay the altar with bronze.”
Extended Explanation
In Exodus 27:2, God gives Moses specific instructions on how to construct the altar, emphasizing the creation of horns at each of the four corners. These horns were to be crafted as part of the altar itself, meaning they were not separate pieces attached later, but were integral to the structure. The entire altar, including the horns, was then to be overlaid with bronze. The horns on the altar were not merely decorative; they held significant symbolic meaning in the worship practices of the Israelites.
The horns represented strength, power, and salvation. In the ancient world, horns were often associated with authority and protection. By having them as part of the altar, God was communicating the power and security that came through the sacrificial system. The overlaying of the altar with bronze, a strong and durable metal, symbolized the enduring nature of the altar’s purpose—to be a place where sins could be atoned for and where people could seek God’s forgiveness.
Historical Context
The altar mentioned in Exodus 27:2 was to be placed in the courtyard of the Tabernacle, the portable sanctuary that the Israelites used during their journey through the wilderness. This was a time when the Israelites were learning to live in obedience to God after their deliverance from Egypt. The detailed instructions for the altar reflected the importance of worship and the need for a proper way to approach God.
In the ancient Near East, altars were central to religious practices. They were places where sacrifices were offered, and where people sought to connect with the divine. The horns on the altar had a particular significance; they were considered places of refuge. For example, if someone grabbed hold of the horns, they were seen as seeking asylum or mercy, as seen in 1 Kings 1:50, where Adonijah fled to the altar for safety.
Theological Implications
Theologically, this verse emphasizes the importance of atonement and the power of sacrifice in maintaining a relationship with God. The altar, with its horns and bronze overlay, symbolizes the strength and permanence of God’s provision for dealing with sin. The horns, in particular, point to God’s power to save and protect His people. They also remind us of the seriousness of sin and the need for a means of atonement.
This verse also foreshadows the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ. Just as the altar was central to the sacrificial system in the Old Testament, the cross of Christ is central to the New Testament’s message of salvation. The horns can be seen as a symbol of the power of Christ’s sacrifice, which is sufficient to cover all sin and provide refuge for all who seek God.
Literary Analysis
Exodus 27:2 is part of the broader narrative in the book of Exodus, where God provides Moses with detailed instructions for building the Tabernacle and its furnishings. The specific mention of the horns being part of the altar and the use of bronze underscores the meticulous care that God demanded in worship. The verse is straightforward but rich in symbolic meaning, using imagery that would have been well understood by the ancient Israelites.
The use of horns, which are strong and often associated with animals like bulls, conveys a sense of power and authority. The overlay of bronze, a common metal in that era, further adds to the sense of durability and importance of the altar. The literary structure of the verse highlights the importance of each detail in the construction, reflecting the idea that every aspect of worship is significant and must be carried out according to God’s design.
Biblical Cross-References
- 1 Kings 1:50 – Describes Adonijah seeking refuge by holding onto the horns of the altar, symbolizing a plea for mercy.
- Psalm 118:27 – Mentions the binding of the sacrifice with cords to the horns of the altar, emphasizing the connection between the altar’s horns and the sacrificial system.
- Hebrews 9:12 – Refers to Christ entering the Most Holy Place once for all by His own blood, thus securing eternal redemption, a fulfillment of the sacrificial system symbolized by the altar.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For today’s Christian, Exodus 27:2 serves as a reminder of the strength and protection that comes through Christ’s sacrifice. While we no longer offer animal sacrifices, the principle of seeking refuge in God remains. The horns of the altar symbolize God’s power to save, and this power is fully realized in Jesus Christ.
This verse also encourages Christians to approach God with reverence, understanding that our relationship with Him is made possible through sacrifice—first through the sacrifices of the Old Testament, and ultimately through the sacrifice of Jesus. It challenges us to consider the seriousness of sin and the great lengths to which God has gone to provide a way for us to be reconciled to Him.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
Exodus 27:2, with its emphasis on the altar and its horns, reflects God’s love in providing a means for His people to find safety and atonement. The altar was not just a place of sacrifice; it was a place where people could experience God’s mercy. The horns, symbolizing power and protection, demonstrate God’s desire to provide a refuge for His people. This verse shows that God’s love is not passive but active, providing the means for His people to be reconciled to Him and to experience His protection and care.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
The altar, with its horns and bronze overlay, points directly to Jesus Christ, who is the ultimate fulfillment of the sacrificial system. Just as the horns of the altar provided a place of refuge, Jesus offers refuge and salvation to all who come to Him. The strength and power symbolized by the horns are fully realized in Christ’s victory over sin and death. Hebrews 10:12 reminds us that Jesus offered Himself as the final sacrifice, and by doing so, He made the altar obsolete. The cross has become the new “altar” where the ultimate sacrifice was made, providing eternal refuge for all who believe.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- How do the horns on the altar symbolize the power and protection of God in your life?
- In what ways does the concept of the altar challenge your understanding of worship and sacrifice?
- How does seeing the connection between the altar and Jesus’ sacrifice deepen your appreciation for what Christ has done for you?
- What does this verse teach us about seeking refuge in God during times of trouble or uncertainty?