HORN.—The expression ‘a horn of salvation’ in the song of Zacharias (Luke 1:69) is undoubtedly a reference to the promised Messiah. A similar combination of words is found in Psalms 18:2, but the conception is more probably due to Psalms 132:17, 1 Samuel 2:10.
1. In the OT the word ‘horn’ is figuratively used in poetical and allegorical language: (a) for abstract notions of strength (Numbers 23:22, Psalms 89:17-24), and hence of dignity (Psalms 112:9) or pride (Psalms 75:4 ff.); also, (b) in a concrete sense, to represent kings and empires (Daniel 7:24; Daniel 8:20 f., Zechariah 1:18 ff.). The rendering ‘a mighty salvation,’ Luke 1:69 (Pr. Bk. [Note: Bk. Prayer Book.] ), paraphrases the sense but obliterates the associations. Hor. Od. iii. 21, 18 is quoted as an instance of the metaphor in ordinary literature, in which it is rare.
2. Inasmuch as the horn in animals is a weapon of attack rather than of defence, some have regarded it as a symbol of aggressive strength (see Delitzsch, Perowne, etc., on Psalms 18:2): possibly combative strength, in which both ideas are included, would be a better definition. There are two classes of symbols expressive of such strength: (a) natural weapons (e.g. horn, right hand, arm, etc.), and (b) artificial weapons (arrows, axe, shield, etc.). When any distinction is to be made, the former class tends to represent that strength which is personal, inherent, immediate; the latter, to represent that strength in which second causes, instruments, agents appear (Isaiah 10:5; Isaiah 10:15).
F. S. Ranken.