There were two altars in the tabernacle that had horns, the brazen altar and the golden altar of incense. Psalm 118:27 says: “Bind the sacrifice with cords, even unto the horns of the altar.” Read also 1 Kings 1:50-53 and 21:28. The cords secured the sacrifice from falling off the altar. This speaks of our total commitment. No going back. No second thoughts.
The horns also represented the strength, authority, and power of this altar. The brass altar represents our faith in the blood of the Lamb, shed forever for the sins of the world. We bind ourselves to this truth that enables us to know that our sins are forgiven.
Jesus was bound with cords of love and dedication to the horns of this altar. Isaiah 50:5-7 states: “The LORD GOD hath opened mine ear, and I was not rebellious, neither turned away back. I gave my back to the smiters, and my cheeks to them that plucked off the hair. I hid not my face from shame and spitting. For the LORD GOD will help me; therefore, shall I not be confounded: therefore, have I SET MY FACE LIKE A FLINT, and I know I shall not be ashamed.” Jesus was the Lamb slain before the foundation of the world (Revelation 13:8).
In Luke 9:51 we read: “And it came to pass, when the time was come that he should be received up, he STEDFASTLY SET HIS FACE to go to Jerusalem.” The cords that bound Jesus to the cross caused His face to be set to go.
Just as Jesus was bound by cords (nails) to the brass altar, even so he was bound by cords to the horns of the golden altar, representing prayer and intercession.
Matthew 14:23: “And when he had sent the multitudes away, he went up into a mountain apart to pray: and when the evening was come, he was there alone.”
Mark 1:35: “And in the morning, rising up a great while before day, he went out, and departed into a solitary place, and there prayed.”
Luke 5:16: “And he withdrew himself into the wilderness, and prayed.
Read Matthew 26:37-46 where it tells of Jesus’ love and commitment to the Father and to us to be bound to the cross. But we see that on His way to the altar of brass (judgment) He also took hold of the horns of the golden altar of prayer and intercession. He was bound to both altars.
Let’s look at some other examples:
When Jacob wrestled with the angel all night, we read in Genesis 32:25, 26: “And he (the angel) said, Let me go for the day breaketh. And he said, I WILL NOT LET THEE GO, except thou bless me” Jacob showed that he was bound to the horns of the altar of prayer.
John Knox, founder of the Presbyterian church said: “Give me Scotland or I die.” He was bound with cords to the horns of the golden altar of prayer and intercession and he saw great revival in Scotland.
Most of the evangelical church today is bound to the altar, representing Calvary, but has very little commitment to the golden altar of prayer and intercession.
Be encouraged.
Colin Campbell