And thou shalt take of the blood thereof, and put it on the four horns of it, and on the four corners of the settle, and upon the border round about: thus shalt thou cleanse and purge it.
The blood application—'thou shalt take of the blood thereof, and put it on the four horns of it, and on the four corners of the settle, and upon the border round about'—describes altar consecration. The Hebrew דָּם (dam, 'blood') effects atonement and purification. The four horns (קֶרֶן, qeren) symbolize strength and refuge (Psalm 18:2, 118:27). Applying blood to horns, corners, and border comprehensively consecrates the altar—nothing left untreated. This teaches that atonement must be complete, not partial. Reformed theology sees Christ's blood comprehensively atoning—'the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin' (1 John 1:7). The fourfold application (horns, corners, settle, border) suggests complete coverage for all nations (four corners of earth).
Historical Context
Altar consecration paralleled priesthood consecration—both required blood application (Exodus 29:12, 36-37; Leviticus 8:15). The horns were altar's most sacred parts where blood was applied for sin offerings (Leviticus 4:7, 18, 25, 30, 34). Criminals fleeing to temple could grasp altar horns seeking sanctuary (1 Kings 1:50-51, 2:28). The settle (Hebrew עֲזָרָה, azarah) was a ledge or shelf midway up the altar. The border (גְּבוּל, gevul) defined altar boundaries. This comprehensive blood application sanctified the altar for holy use. Christ's blood sanctifies believers comprehensively—body, soul, spirit (1 Thessalonians 5:23). The altar's one-time consecration parallels Christ's once-for-all sacrifice (Hebrews 9:26-28, 10:10).
Questions for Reflection
Has Christ's blood been applied comprehensively to all areas of your life, or do some corners remain untouched?
What 'horns' (places of strength) in your life need blood application—recognizing that even strengths require redemption?
How does altar consecration's completeness challenge partial commitments that reserve areas from God's lordship?
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Analysis & Commentary
The blood application—'thou shalt take of the blood thereof, and put it on the four horns of it, and on the four corners of the settle, and upon the border round about'—describes altar consecration. The Hebrew דָּם (dam, 'blood') effects atonement and purification. The four horns (קֶרֶן, qeren) symbolize strength and refuge (Psalm 18:2, 118:27). Applying blood to horns, corners, and border comprehensively consecrates the altar—nothing left untreated. This teaches that atonement must be complete, not partial. Reformed theology sees Christ's blood comprehensively atoning—'the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin' (1 John 1:7). The fourfold application (horns, corners, settle, border) suggests complete coverage for all nations (four corners of earth).