the Week of Proper 28 / Ordinary 33
Click here to learn more!
Bible Dictionaries
Horn
Easton's Bible Dictionary
or Flasks or vessels were made of horn (1 Samuel 16:1,13; 1 Kings 1:39 ).
But the word is used also metaphorically to denote the projecting corners of the altar of burnt offerings (Exodus 27:2 ) and of incense (30:2). The horns of the altar of burnt offerings were to be smeared with the blood of the slain bullock (29:12; Leviticus 4:7-18 ). The criminal, when his crime was accidental, found an asylum by laying hold of the horns of the altar (1 Kings 1:50; 2:28 ).
The word also denotes the peak or summit of a hill (Isaiah 5:1 , where the word "hill" is the rendering of the same Hebrew word).
This word is used metaphorically also for strength (Deuteronomy 33:17 ) and honour (Job 16:15; Lamentations 2:3 ). Horns are emblems of power, dominion, glory, and fierceness, as they are the chief means of attack and defence with the animals endowed with them (Daniel 8:5,9; 1 Samuel 2:1; 16:1,13; 1 Kings 1:39; 22:11; Joshua 6:4,5; Psalm 75:5,10; 132:17; Luke 1:69 , etc.). The expression "horn of salvation," applied to Christ, means a salvation of strength, or a strong Saviour (Luke 1:69 ). To have the horn "exalted" denotes prosperity and triumph (Psalm 89:17,24 ). To "lift up" the horn is to act proudly (Zechariah 1:21 ).
Horns are also the symbol of royal dignity and power (Jeremiah 48:25; Zechariah 1:18; Daniel 8:24 ).
These dictionary topics are from M.G. Easton M.A., D.D., Illustrated Bible Dictionary, Third Edition, published by Thomas Nelson, 1897. Public Domain.
Easton, Matthew George. Entry for 'Horn'. Easton's Bible Dictionary. https://www.studylight.org/dictionaries/eng/ebd/h/horn.html. 1897.
