Horns

The horn was always symbolized as the strength of an animal. Or the power of a person or nation.

Ps 89:17 For You are the glory of their strength, and in Your favor our horn is exalted.

Lam 2:3 He has cut off in fierce anger every horn of Israel; he has drawn back His right hand from before the enemy. He has blazed against Jacob like a flaming fire devouring all around.

By examining the verse we see that the altar and its horns were one. Just as His person and His power are inseparably connected. There's no limit to Gods power when a sacrifice is made. Notice what else is taught concerning the horns:

Ex 29:12 "You shall take some of the blood of the bull and put it on the horns of the altar with your finger, and pour all the blood beside the base of the altar.

There was unlimited power in the blood as it was sprinkled on the horns. Also because the blood represents life, and the sacrifice was a substitute, the sinners life would be at one with God. There was a blood union between the altar, the horns, and the sinner.

Gods mercy is also seen here:

1. Ki 1:50 Now Adonijah was afraid of Solomon; so he arose, and went and took hold of the horns of the altar.

The sacrifices were also tied with cords unwillingly to the horns:

Ps 118:27 God is the LORD, and He has given us light; bind the sacrifice with cords to the horns of the altar.