Topical Encyclopedia
The title "Horn of Salvation" is a significant and evocative name attributed to Jesus Christ, reflecting His power and strength in delivering His people. This title is deeply rooted in the biblical tradition and imagery, drawing from the cultural and historical context of the Scriptures.
Biblical References:The primary reference to Christ as the "Horn of Salvation" is found in the Gospel of Luke. In the prophetic song of Zechariah, the father of John the Baptist, he declares:
"Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel, because He has visited and redeemed His people. He has raised up a horn of salvation for us in the house of His servant David" (
Luke 1:68-69).
This passage highlights the messianic expectation and fulfillment through Jesus, who is identified as the "Horn of Salvation" arising from the lineage of David. The imagery of the horn in biblical literature often symbolizes strength, power, and victory, particularly in the context of deliverance and salvation.
Old Testament Background:The concept of the "horn" as a symbol of strength and salvation is well-established in the Old Testament. In ancient Near Eastern culture, the horn of an animal, such as a bull or a ram, represented power and might. This symbolism is frequently used in the Psalms and prophetic literature to describe God's saving power:
"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" (
Psalm 18:2).
In this verse, the psalmist extols God as the "horn of my salvation," emphasizing His role as a mighty deliverer and protector. This imagery is carried forward into the New Testament, where it is applied to Christ, signifying His divine power to save and redeem.
Messianic Fulfillment:The title "Horn of Salvation" underscores the messianic mission of Jesus Christ. As the promised descendant of David, Jesus fulfills the Old Testament prophecies concerning the coming Savior who would deliver His people from their enemies and establish an everlasting kingdom. The horn, as a symbol of strength, points to Christ's authority and ability to conquer sin, death, and the powers of darkness.
In the context of Zechariah's prophecy, the "Horn of Salvation" not only signifies deliverance from physical enemies but also points to the spiritual salvation that Christ brings. Through His life, death, and resurrection, Jesus provides redemption and eternal life to all who believe in Him.
Theological Significance:The title "Horn of Salvation" encapsulates the essence of Christ's redemptive work. It affirms His divine nature and His role as the ultimate Savior who possesses the power to rescue humanity from the bondage of sin. This title also reflects the fulfillment of God's covenant promises to Israel and the extension of His salvation to all nations through Jesus Christ.
In summary, the "Horn of Salvation" is a profound and meaningful title that highlights the strength, authority, and saving power of Jesus Christ, the Messiah, who delivers His people and reigns as King.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
Luke 1:69And has raised up an horn of salvation for us in the house of his servant David;
Torrey's Topical Textbook
Library
Christ's Exaltation
... Thus he is exalted in his titles of honour ... Our high priest has all the names and
wants of his people ... Though Christ be in glory, he knows how to pity and succour ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watson/a body of divinity/7 christs exaltation.htm
On the Great Athanasius, Bishop of Alexandria.
... virgin Thekla, and afterwards at this mighty city, thus connecting their names,
no longer ... 3276] Body of Christ, ie, the ... 3375] Hospitable, etc., titles given to ...
/.../cyril/lectures of s cyril of jerusalem/oration xxi on the great.htm
Of Antichrist, and his Ruin: and of the Slaying the Witnesses.
... matters and things of worship of Antichrist; it dwells in the titles and names that
are ... be destroyed; not by sword, nor by bow, but by Christ, as fighting ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/of antichrist and his ruin .htm
Scriptural Predictions of an Apostasy.
... Reverend." They who assume such honorary titles set themselves ... Christ and his
church"the lights of the world ... the earth shall worship him, whose names were not ...
/.../orr/the gospel day /chapter ii scriptural predictions of.htm
Answer to Eunomius' Second Book .
... to the light of truth, have overlooked all those names supplied by ... word of our religion
is, that all hope of salvation should be placed in Christ, it being ...
/.../gregory of nyssa dogmatic treatises etc/answer to eunomius second book.htm
Book ii. Jerome Answers the Second, Third, and Fourth Propositions ...
... enter through the gate of sin, Christ will immediately withdraw. Hence David after
sinning says: [4660] "Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation," that is ...
/.../jerome/the principal works of st jerome/book ii jerome answers the.htm
Dialogue ii. --The Unconfounded.
... Eran."And we give names to him from both these attributes ... shew a true Passover as
says the Apostle, Christ, God, [1314 ... From his work on The Titles of the Psalms ...
/.../the ecclesiastical history of theodoret/dialogue ii the unconfounded.htm
Funeral Oration on the Great S. Basil, Bishop of C??sarea in ...
... and glory, and holds to salvation, and beauty ... into captivity every thought to Christ:
[4412] and ... Different men have different names, derived from their fathers ...
/.../cyril/lectures of s cyril of jerusalem/oration xliii funeral oration on.htm
The Doctrine
... These are several titles which are set over the several ... through the merits of our
Lord Jesus Christ, the mediator ... to the right remedy for the salvation of thy ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the doctrine.htm
The Life and Death of Mr. Badman,
... As for those whose names I mention, their crimes or judgments were manifest; public
almost ... Because it makes them incapable of salvation by Christ; for none ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the life and death of.htm
Resources
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