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.