Bible Dictionary
HORNS OF THE ALTAR
The horns of the altar were four projections at the altar’s corners. They were touched with sacrificial blood and could serve as a place of refuge for fugitives seeking asylum.
Biblical Usage
The horns were touched with sacrificial blood during certain consecration and sin offerings. Fugitives could cling to the altar horns seeking asylum, as Adonijah did. The horns of the incense altar were touched with blood when a high priest or the whole congregation had sinned unwittingly.