What is the significance of Horns on the Altar in Revelations?

[mommybug47]

I am leading a Bible study and this question was quite off topic, but I told her I would see what I could find out. Can anyone shoot me a quick and simple answer. I told her she should have joined us last year when we studied Revelations! Can you save me some homework and give her a good Catholic answer?

 

[COPLAND_3]

These, in my opinion, are high ranking angels, and horns is symbolic of their superiority. I did not comment on that specifically in my commentary, but here is my commentary on Revelation if you want to consult it for future references litteralchristianlibrary.wetpaint.com/page/Commentary+on+Revelation+by+John+Litteral

 

[COPLAND_3]

By the way, so that someone might ask why I referred to the horns being symbolic of high rank and superiority, here is some info on that

This word is used metaphorically also for strength (Deut. 33:17) and honour (Job 16:15; Lam. 2:3). Horns are emblems of power, dominion, glory, and fierceness, as they are the chief means of attack and defence with the animals endowed with them (Dan. 8:5, 9; 1 Sam. 2:1; 16:1, 13; 1 Kings 1:39; 22:11; Josh. 6:4, 5; Ps. 75:5, 10; 132:17; Luke 1:69, etc.). The expression “horn of salvation,” applied to Christ, means a salvation of strength, or a strong Saviour (Luke 1:69). To have the horn “exalted” denotes prosperity and triumph (Ps. 89:17, 24). To “lift up” the horn is to act proudly (Zech. 1:21). Horns are also the symbol of royal dignity and power (Jer. 48:25; Zech. 1:18; Dan. 8:24).

 

[James_S_Saint]

More physically, a horn for calling attention was literally created from the protrusions of the horned beasts. Those protrusions were called “horns” because that was their use. In ancient times, all things were named by their use, not arbitrary labels. Because of this association, the 2 meanings are now inseparable.

The horns in ancient Scriptures represent the “trumpeting” type of horns that deliver a calling.

The single horn refers to a “hear and follow only this one thought” type of calling. The unicorn is a depiction of such a concept and is considered fantasy because any such single call can never be real nor stand against the doubled horn calling.

The 2 horns refer to a doubled type of calling usually of the threat of the bad and the hope of the good. It is similar to more recent use of “the left hand and the right hand” to obtain full power and control. Much greater power is obtained by having 2 opposing horns - “Heaven and Hell”.

The horns extend from the head because they are extensions of the mind/spirit behind it.