In biblical literature, the concept of salvation is often illustrated through various symbols and metaphors, one of which is the "horn." The horn, in ancient Near Eastern culture, is a symbol of strength, power, and victory. This imagery is employed in the Bible to convey the might and deliverance associated with God's saving acts.

Old Testament Context

The horn is frequently mentioned in the Old Testament as a symbol of strength and divine intervention. In 1 Samuel 2:10, Hannah's prayer includes the imagery of a horn: "Those who oppose the LORD will be shattered; He will thunder from heaven against them. The LORD will judge the ends of the earth. He will give strength to His king and exalt the horn of His anointed." Here, the horn signifies the empowerment and victory granted by God to His chosen king, a foreshadowing of the ultimate salvation through the Messiah.

In Psalm 18:2, David declares, "The LORD is my rock, my fortress, and my deliverer. My God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold." The horn of salvation here represents God's protective and saving power, a refuge for those who trust in Him.

Messianic Fulfillment

The horn as a symbol of salvation finds its ultimate fulfillment in the person of Jesus Christ. In the New Testament, Zechariah, the father of John the Baptist, prophesies about the coming Messiah in Luke 1:69: "He has raised up a horn of salvation for us in the house of His servant David." This passage highlights Jesus as the powerful deliverer from the lineage of David, fulfilling the Old Testament prophecies and bringing salvation to His people.

Theological Significance

The horn as an illustration of salvation emphasizes the strength and authority of God in delivering His people. It underscores the belief that salvation is not achieved through human effort but is a divine act of grace and power. The horn signifies God's intervention in history to rescue and redeem, a theme that resonates throughout the biblical narrative.

Practical Implications

For believers, the horn of salvation serves as a reminder of God's unwavering strength and faithfulness. It encourages trust in God's ability to save and protect, offering assurance in times of trouble. The imagery of the horn calls Christians to rely on the power of God rather than their own strength, recognizing that true salvation comes from the Lord.

In summary, the horn as a symbol of salvation in the Bible encapsulates the themes of divine strength, deliverance, and the fulfillment of God's promises through Jesus Christ. It serves as a powerful reminder of the hope and assurance found in God's saving work.Psalm 18:2
The LORD is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower.
Nave's Topical Index

Luke 1:69
And has raised up an horn of salvation for us in the house of his servant David;
Nave's Topical Index

Covenanting Enforced by the Grant of Covenant Signs and Seals.
... God's covenant freely offered, and its duties illustrated and enjoined ... for mine eyes
have seen thy salvation, which thou ... and hath raised up an horn of salvation ...
/.../cunningham/the ordinance of covenanting/chapter xi covenanting enforced by.htm

The Spiced Wine of My Pomegranate;
... in earnest acknowledge the fellowship which was illustrated in the ... poured upon it
from the golden horn of the ... All other attempts at salvation were a grievous ...
//christianbookshelf.org/spurgeon/till he come/the spiced wine of my.htm

And ii.
... is meant, as is connected with the full enjoyment of salvation, and in ... for ever,"
are thus beautifully illustrated by Calvin: "Micah does not here mention the ...
/.../hengstenberg/christology of the old testament/chap i and ii.htm

Latitudinarian Churchmanship.
... Thinking that salvation was obtainable only in their own Church, was it not ... on their
side, would sometimes argue that 'Arminianism was a shoeing horn to draw ...
/.../chapter v latitudinarian churchmanship.htm

On the Interpretation of Scripture
... beast,' the two witnesses,' the little horn,' the man of ... to maintain the advantage
of denying salvation to those ... The remark might be further illustrated by the ...
/.../on the interpretation of scripture.htm

The Pilgrim's Progress
... then was glad at her heart, not only that she had a companion, but also that she
had prevailed with this poor maid to fall in love with her own salvation. ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the pilgrims progress.htm

An Exposition on the First Ten Chapters of Genesis, and Part of ...
... And therefore, as Moses begins with the creation of the world, so John begins with
the gospel of salvation (Genesis 1:1; John 1:1). There is also besides many ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/an exposition on the first.htm

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How can you believe in salvation by faith alone when the only occurrence of 'faith alone' in the Bible (James 2:24) says that salvation is not by faith alone? | GotQuestions.org

Salvation: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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