The word “horn” (qěrěn) occurs for the first time in the context of the sin offering. It is generally assumed that the altar’s four horns (Exodus 27:2) symbolize divine power or divine presence. Since the worshipper cannot approach the altar as he is, the priest appeases the Lord's wrath by daubing the animal's blood on the altar. Just as the Israelites applied the blood of the lamb to the door at the time of the exodus, so now the blood on the altar allows the wrath of God to be appeased. Additionally, the four horns may symbolize the Lord’s complete protection from evil powers.
7 Le sacrificateur mettra du sang sur les cornes de l'autel des parfums odoriférants, qui est devant l'Eternel dans la tente d'assignation; et il répandra tout le sang du taureau au pied de l'autel des holocaustes, qui est à l'entrée de la tente d'assignation.