Over The Shoulder

so he arose, and went and took hold of the horns of the altar. 1 Kings 1:50

The criminal in us has found an asylum by laying hold of the horns of the altar. The corner projections on the altar harbor protection; they are strong and they are smeared with blood. Horns are the chief means of attack and defense for the animals endowed with them. A salvation and strength is applied to them denoting prosperity and triumph sovereignly from Genesis through Revelation. Surely there is a significance in the psaltry language of them and for us – (1) You have exalted my horn like that of a wild ox; fine oils have been poured upon me. Each portrayal vests us in gaining of prosperity or cuts us off into poverty. Even the shout is projected from them in the battle forum. So strong is the horn of salvation that still we can arise, go and take hold and receive refuge without fear. For the horns of the altar have been chiefly christened, not in dead burnt offering sacrifices any longer but in living flesh of the Son of man, now to the four corners of all the earth. Make way for the re-establishment of pardon and protection, the vicarious asylum of our unworthiness raised, outstretched, and lifted high. No prosecution can bring us down from laying hold of salvation’s horns. As that blast protrudes, run to it, take residence there, and echo the ensuing ivory tower; affixed for you- take hold.

(1) – Psalm 92:10