In the Bible, the horn is a term for power as well as a symbol of it. This title only occurs in one Bible verse but a lot of meaning is attached to it. “Horn of David” is a name for the Messiah (Christ); it represents the strength of King David returning to Israel in the person of God’s Messiah. When God promised that the horn of David would “spring forth,” He used the same expression that He did when speaking about the Righteous Branch, another of the messianic names of Jesus. The Hebrew word for Messiah simply means, “Anointed.”
There is no New Testament equivalent for this name but the book of Revelation often uses the symbol of the horn. The dragon and the beast have horns on their heads symbolizing their power over the earth. The Lamb of God has “seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven Spirits of God” (Rev. 5:6). Seven represents completeness or perfection. Jesus, the slain and risen Lamb of God has all power at His disposal.
Horn of David (Qeren leDawid), in the Hebrew text of Psalm 132:17
Horn of David in Hebrew:
Qeren leDawid
Strong’s Concordance numbers: 7161, 1732
Bible reference: Ps. 132:17
I will cause the horn of David to spring forth;
I have prepared a lamp for Mine anointed. (Psalm 132:17)
A similar name is found in the New Testament that expresses God’s power to save: the Horn of Salvation. It too is one of the messianic names of Jesus.
