Restraining blood
Four angels at the four corners of the land hold back the winds that destroy (Revelation 7:1-3).
Altars have corners, and at each corner is a “horn” that “stands” at attention.
In the purification offering, blood is smeared on the four horns of the altar, turning the altar into a doorway covered with the blood of Passover. Because blood is at the corners of the altar, the angel of death doesn’t sweep through to destroy. Blood at the corners restrains the winds of heaven.
The angels of Revelation 7 are horns, fulfilling the same function as the horns of the altar, restraining the wind from sweeping away the chaff.
Peter Leithart
Peter J. Leithart is President of Theopolis Institute. He is the author of numerous books on theology, literature, and culture, including Theopolitan, Defending Constantine, and Baptized Body.
In Medias Res
Your weekly digest for all things Theopolis.