Occurrences and meanings of the term “horn” in the Bible

Abstract

The “horn” in the Scripture literally means the horn of an animal and expresses its strength and power. The same term in the Old Testament describes the horns of the altar of burnt offering and the altar of incense, symbolizing the presence of God, from whom any murderer can find asylum and, taking hold of the horns of the altars, receive pardon. Some texts use the term “horn” to mean a vessel of oil used to anoint people chosen for important functions in Israel. The anointed one was becoming the Lord’s anointed. He could then act as a king, priest or prophet and was performing these functions in the name of God Yahweh. The “horn” can also signify the entrance of great God’s power. This was the case with the conquest of Jericho, when the people shouted loudly, and the priests played the horns. The description of the conquest of the walls of Jericho has theological significance. God’s power caused the walls of the fortified city to fall completely. The image of the procession and the sound of the horns was formulated by the priestly redactor and emphasizes the cultic importance of the rites described. The use of the term “horn” in Anna’s song in 1 Sam 2, 1.10 is significant. It creates an inclusion embracing this canticle. At the beginning of the song, the words “my horn” can be read to mean the male descendant of Anna, Samuel, and at the end of the song, the “messiah’s horn” is mentioned. It was Samuel who anointed David to be King and whose offspring would be the promised Messiah in a prophetic sense. Zechariah tells about Him at the circumcision of John the Baptist. The translation of the expression κέρας σωτηρίας is still an open question. Should we translate it literally as a “horn of salvation”, or as a “saving power”? The literal translation seems to be more significant and gives a deeper understanding of the communicated truth. In apocalyptic literature, the term “horn” symbolizes various evil powers that go against God and man. Some occurrences of the term “horn” symbolize the struggle of earthly rulers with God’s people, and even with God Himself. The apocalyptic, however, shows that in the final struggle the God who surpasses the forces of evil,
always wins.