Horn of Divine Protection
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The "Horn of Divine Protection" is a metaphorical expression found within the biblical text, symbolizing strength, power, and the protective nature of God. This imagery is deeply rooted in the ancient Near Eastern culture, where the horn of an animal, particularly that of a ram or ox, represented might and authority. In the biblical context, the horn becomes a powerful symbol of God's ability to protect and deliver His people.

Biblical References:

1. 2 Samuel 22:3 : "My God is 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." In this passage, David extols God as the "horn of my salvation," emphasizing God's role as a deliverer and protector. The horn here signifies God's strength and His ability to save David from his enemies.

2. Psalm 18:2 : "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." This psalm echoes the sentiments of 2 Samuel 22, reinforcing the idea of God as a powerful protector. The repetition of this imagery underscores its importance in the Hebrew understanding of divine protection.

3. Psalm 92:10 : "But You have exalted my horn like that of a wild ox; with fine oil I have been anointed." Here, the psalmist speaks of God exalting his horn, which symbolizes strength and honor. The anointing with oil further signifies divine favor and blessing, suggesting that God's protection is both empowering and sanctifying.

4. Luke 1:69 : "He has raised up a horn of salvation for us in the house of His servant David." In the New Testament, the horn of salvation is identified with Jesus Christ, who is seen as the ultimate fulfillment of God's promise of protection and deliverance. This passage highlights the continuity of the horn imagery from the Old Testament to the New Testament, where it finds its culmination in the person and work of Christ.

Theological Significance:

The horn as a symbol of divine protection is deeply embedded in the biblical narrative, reflecting God's covenantal faithfulness to His people. It conveys the assurance that God is a refuge and fortress for those who trust in Him. The imagery of the horn also points to the messianic hope fulfilled in Jesus Christ, who embodies the ultimate "horn of salvation" for humanity.

In the broader biblical theology, the horn signifies not only protection but also the empowerment of God's people to stand firm against spiritual adversaries. It serves as a reminder of God's omnipotence and His unwavering commitment to safeguard His covenant community.

Cultural and Historical Context:

In ancient cultures, the horn was often associated with kingship and divine authority. The use of this imagery in the Bible would have resonated with the original audience, who understood the horn as a symbol of power and protection. This cultural backdrop enriches the biblical metaphor, providing a vivid picture of God's protective and salvific role.

The "Horn of Divine Protection" thus remains a powerful symbol within the Christian tradition, encapsulating the strength, deliverance, and faithfulness of God towards His people throughout the ages.
Nave's Topical Index
2 Samuel 22:3
The God of my rock; in him will I trust: he is my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my high tower, and my refuge, my savior; you save me from violence.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

Israel the Beloved
... the object of the divine activity in protection, stands firm ... will be purposes in
accordance with the divine mind, and ... and in Thy favour shall our horn be exalted ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/israel the beloved.htm

The Divine Liturgy of James the Holy Apostle and Brother of the ...
... Exalt the horn of Christians by the power of ... heavenly, unutterable, pure, glorious,
dread, awful, divine gifts, and ... be counted worthy of the protection of Thy ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/various/early liturgies/the divine liturgy of james.htm

Book ix. On Jerusalem and Her Enemies
... [Col.2:11]. The horn is strength or the kingdom; in Kings: and he raised high the
horm of His Christ ... The walls are the protection of the divine scriptures or ...
/.../eucherius/the formulae of st eucherius of lyons/book ix on jerusalem and.htm

The General Service to a Hiero-Confessor or Monk-Confessor.
... God, that hast, as Good One, exalted the horn of Thy ... piously writing down for the
faithful the divine understanding and ... one, I flee, and as a protection of my ...
/.../anonymous/the general menaion/chapter xxv the general service.htm

The General Service to a Prophet.
... heavenly orders and on earth the strong protection of men ... hast, as Good One, exalted
the horn of Thy ... glorious one, submitted thyself unto the Divine Spirit, and ...
/.../anonymous/the general menaion/chapter vii the general service.htm

The Service Common to the Festivals of the Holy virgin.
... she is our refuge, hope and protection, and the ... Rejoice, O ye divine prophets,
venerating the honoured (name of ... Exalt the horn of our right pious Emperor and ...
/.../anonymous/the general menaion/chapter ii the service common.htm

General Service to the Unmercenaries and Wonder-Workers.
... The Theotokion: Do thou, O incessant protection of the afflicted ... is fixed in the
Lord, exalted is my horn in my ... O most pure one, as the divine tabernacle, the ...
/.../anonymous/the general menaion/chapter xxvi general service to.htm

Chapter xxviii
... The protection promised involves being brought back to this ... a doubt, the climax of
the whole divine revelation was ... in olden times regularly carry a horn of oil ...
/.../leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter xxviii.htm

The Close of the Theban Empire
... The Castle of Usirmari-Miamon was "on the mountain of the horn of the ... sparrow-hawk
and the cartouche with outspread wings give the idea of divine protection. ...
/.../chapter iiithe close of the.htm

The Annunciation of Jesus the Messiah, and the Birth of his ...
... had chosen for wife, only a direct Divine communication could ... afford not only outward,
but moral protection to both ... Thy servant, and exalt Thou his horn by Thy ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter iv the annunciation of.htm

Resources
What was the significance of the horns of the altar (Amos 3:14)? | GotQuestions.org

What is the significance of Hannah's prayer? | GotQuestions.org

Why does the KJV Bible mention the unicorn? | GotQuestions.org

Horn: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

Bible ConcordanceBible DictionaryBible EncyclopediaTopical BibleBible Thesuarus
Subtopics

Horn

Horn of Divine Protection

Horn of Power

Horn used to Containi the Anointing Oil

Horn: Symbolical

Related Terms

Blast-horn (1 Occurrence)

Ink-horn (3 Occurrences)

War-horn (3 Occurrences)

Boasts (18 Occurrences)

Inkhorn (4 Occurrences)

Sounded (66 Occurrences)

Notable (7 Occurrences)

Uttering (10 Occurrences)

Lute (13 Occurrences)

Ram's (7 Occurrences)

Boastfully (6 Occurrences)

Bagpipe (4 Occurrences)

Flute (16 Occurrences)

Pipe (13 Occurrences)

Lyre (32 Occurrences)

Feast (209 Occurrences)

Zither (3 Occurrences)

Kerenhappuch (1 Occurrence)

Keren-happuch (1 Occurrence)

Unicorn (6 Occurrences)

Ox (197 Occurrences)

Pipes (9 Occurrences)

Considering (10 Occurrences)

Shouts (34 Occurrences)

Horned (5 Occurrences)

Flag (30 Occurrences)

Bud (23 Occurrences)

Flaming (40 Occurrences)

Exalt (56 Occurrences)

Wild (147 Occurrences)

Parted (67 Occurrences)

He-goat (23 Occurrences)

Sounding (99 Occurrences)

Meaning (41 Occurrences)

Trumpets (52 Occurrences)

Exalted (126 Occurrences)

Blast (28 Occurrences)

Year (4027 Occurrences)

Sorts (65 Occurrences)

Oils (4 Occurrences)

Lantern

Lift (283 Occurrences)

Gore (9 Occurrences)

War-cry (5 Occurrences)

Wild-ox (6 Occurrences)

Exalteth (15 Occurrences)

Eradicated (3 Occurrences)

Mountain (298 Occurrences)

Prominent (13 Occurrences)

Bugle (1 Occurrence)

Boastful (18 Occurrences)

Bicri (8 Occurrences)

Conspicuous (11 Occurrences)

Cornet (8 Occurrences)

Contemplating (4 Occurrences)

Antichrist (4 Occurrences)

Anointeth (6 Occurrences)

Arrogantly (15 Occurrences)

Stout (6 Occurrences)

Deliverance (86 Occurrences)

Stronghold (68 Occurrences)

Larger (23 Occurrences)

Sprout (25 Occurrences)

Loudly (31 Occurrences)

Associates (26 Occurrences)

Horns (104 Occurrences)

Astrology

Uprooted (29 Occurrences)

Blazing (27 Occurrences)

Division (135 Occurrences)

Walled (63 Occurrences)

Roots (31 Occurrences)

Wide (206 Occurrences)

Fellows (30 Occurrences)

Everywhere (53 Occurrences)

Note (129 Occurrences)

Completely (213 Occurrences)

Jubilee (25 Occurrences)

Crushed (199 Occurrences)

Horn of David
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