The horn is a term for power or strength as well as a symbol of them. So names like “Horn of salvation” declare God’s power to save His people. It is one of the Old Testament names for God but in Luke, it is a name for Jesus (Yeshua‘).
Horn of my salvation (Qeren yish’i), in the Hebrew text of Psalm 18:2
Horn of my salvation in Hebrew:
Qeren yish‘i
Strong’s Concordance numbers: 7161, 3468
Bible references: 2 Sam. 22:3; Ps. 18:2
The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer;
My God, my rock, in whom I take refuge,
My shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold and my refuge;
My savior, You save me from violence. (2 Samuel 22:2-3)
The two Bible verses in which this name of God occurs are similar copies of the same song that David sang to God in thanks for His deliverance. Like many psalms, they are packed with descriptive names of God’s protection and salvation.
“He has raised up a Horn of salvation for us” in the Greek text of Luke 1:69
Horn of salvation in Greek:
Keras sōtērias
Strong’s Concordance numbers: 2768, 4991
Bible reference: Luke 1:69 (which quotes Ps. 18:2)
Zacharias (the father of John the Baptist) celebrated at John’s birth by speaking a prophecy that included words from David’s song:
Blessed be the Lord God of Israel
For He has visited us and accomplished redemption for His people,
And has raised up a horn of salvation for us
In the house of David His servant. (Luke 1:68-69)
King David was the greatest king of Israel. He was the model for messianic hopes. A messianic name for Jesus, “Horn of David,” includes the idea of a strong kingdom like David’s. Jesus (Yeshua‘) was the subject of Zacharias’ prophecy, and “Horn of Salvation” is another of the messianic names of Jesus.
