THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO LUKE - Chapter 1 - Verse 69

Verse 69. And hath raised up a horn. A horn is a symbol of strength. The figure is taken from the fact that in horned animals the strength lies in the horn. Particularly, the great power of the rhinoceros or unicorn is manifested by the use of a single horn of great strength, placed on the head near the end of the nose. When the sacred writers, therefore, speak of great strength they often use the word horn, Ps 148:14; De 33:17; Da 7:7,8; Da 8:21.

The word salvation, connected here with the word horn, means that this strength, or this mighty Redeemer, was able to save. It is possible that this whole figure may be taken from the Jewish altar. On each of the four corners of the altar there was an eminence or small projection called a horn. To this persons might flee for safety when in danger, and be safe, 1 Ki 1:50; 1 Ki 2:28.

Comp. See Barnes on "Lu 1:11".

So the Redeemer may be called the "horn of salvation," because those who flee to him are safe.

In the house. In the family, or among the descendants of David.