Exodus 27:2

“(Compare Exodus 38:1-7.) The great altar which stood in the court immediately in front of the tabernacle was commonly called the altar of burnt-offering, because on it were burnt the whole burnt-offerings, and all those parts of the other animal sacrifices which were offered to the Lord. It was also called the brazen altar, because it was covered with bronze, in distinction from the golden altar or altar of incense Exodus 39:38-39; Exodus 40:5-6. Exodus 27:2 His horns shall be of the same - These horns were projections pointing upward in the form either of a small obelisk, or of the horn of an ox. They were to be actually parts of the altar, not merely superadded to it. On them the blood of…”

“The horns of it, were for ornament and for use; the sacrifices were bound with cords to the horns of the altar, and to them malefactors fled for refuge. Exodus 27:4”

“27:2 Archaeology has shown that the horns of the altar were protrusions sticking up from the corners of the structure. Perhaps they kept wood and offerings from falling off (see Ps 118:27). They also seem to have had a theological significance, representing God’s gracious care. A person who held onto the horns of the altar was requesting leniency in judgment (see 1 Kgs 1:50-51; 2:28). The horns were anointed with blood in atonement and purification ceremonies (Exod 29:12; Lev 4:7).”

“horns of it upon the four corners thereof: The horns might have been designed not only for ornament, but to prevent the sacrifices from falling off, and to tie the victim to, previous to its being sacrificed. Exo 29:12; Lev 4:7, Lev 4:18, Lev 4:25, Lev 8:15, Lev 16:18; Kg1 1:50, Kg1 2:28; Psa 118:27; Heb 6:18 overlay it with brass: Num 16:38, Num 16:39; Kg1 8:64 Exodus 27:3”