The blood of the sin offering was applied to the altar’s horns because the horns symbolized strength, power, and refuge, and the application of blood signified atonement and purification at the very place representing God’s authority and presence. This act demons/”>demonstrated that forgiveness and cleansing came only through the shedding of blood.
Leviticus 4:7 says:
“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 meeting; and he shall pour the remaining blood of the bull at the base of the altar of the burnt offering.”
By placing blood on the horns, the most prominent part of the altar, God highlighted the seriousness of sin and the necessity of blood for reconciliation. The horns were also associated with sanctuary and protection (1 Kings 1:50), reinforcing the truth that refuge from judgment is found only through atonement.
This ritual pointed forward to the ultimate power of Christ’s blood to cleanse and intercede. Hebrews 9:12 says:
“Not with the blood of goats and calves, but with His own blood He entered the Most Holy Place once for all, having obtained eternal redemption.”
The application of blood to the horns declared that sin could only be removed by God’s appointed means and foreshadowed the perfect work of Christ on the cross.
