Topical Bible: Horns: Natural Weapons on Heads of Animals

◄ Horns: Natural Weapons on Heads of Animals ►

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Topical Encyclopedia

In the biblical context, horns are frequently mentioned as natural weapons found on the heads of various animals. These structures serve not only as physical tools for defense and combat but also carry significant symbolic meaning throughout Scripture.

Physical Characteristics and Functionality

Horns are bony projections that grow from the heads of certain animals, such as rams, goats, and oxen. They are often used in the animal kingdom for defense against predators, competition for mates, and establishing dominance within a herd. The strength and size of an animal's horns can be indicative of its power and status.

Symbolic Significance in Scripture

In the Bible, horns are often used metaphorically to represent strength, power, and authority. This symbolism is rooted in the natural world, where animals with prominent horns are seen as formidable and commanding. The imagery of horns is employed in various passages to convey messages of divine power and human authority.

For instance, in the Book of Daniel, horns are used to symbolize kings and kingdoms. Daniel 7:24 states, "The ten horns are ten kings who will rise from this kingdom. After them another king, different from the earlier ones, will rise and subdue three kings." Here, horns represent the power and authority of rulers.

Similarly, in the Book of Revelation, horns are used to depict authority and power in apocalyptic visions. Revelation 13:1 describes a beast with "ten horns and seven heads, with ten crowns on its horns," symbolizing a coalition of powerful rulers or nations.

Horns in Sacrificial and Religious Contexts

Horns also appear in the context of religious rituals and sacrifices. The altar of burnt offering in the Tabernacle and later in the Temple had horns on its four corners. These horns were integral to the sacrificial system, as they were sometimes smeared with the blood of sacrifices, symbolizing atonement and purification (Exodus 29:12).

Furthermore, the horn is used as a symbol of salvation and deliverance. In 1 Samuel 2:1 , Hannah prays, "My heart rejoices in the LORD; my horn is exalted in the LORD." Here, the horn represents her strength and triumph through God's intervention.

Messianic and Eschatological References

The horn is also associated with messianic prophecy and eschatological hope. In Luke 1:69 , Zechariah prophesies about the coming of Jesus, saying, "He has raised up a horn of salvation for us in the house of His servant David." This reference to a "horn of salvation" signifies the power and deliverance brought by the Messiah.

In conclusion, horns in the Bible serve as a multifaceted symbol, representing natural strength and divine authority. They are woven into the fabric of biblical narrative and prophecy, illustrating the power and sovereignty of God and His anointed ones.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Daniel 7:20
And of the ten horns that were in his head, and of the other which came up, and before whom three fell; even of that horn that had eyes, and a mouth that spoke very great things, whose look was more stout than his fellows.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Creation of Terrestrial Animals.
... have called it a regularity in the discharge of natural functions; a ... The calf has
as yet no horns, nevertheless he already knows where his weapons will grow ...
/.../basil/basil letters and select works/homily ix the creation of.htm

The Rise of the Assyrian Empire
... lady of Byblos placed the cow's horns upon her ... Indeed, it was natural that they should
have ... produced statuettes, intaglios, jewels, vases, weapons, and textile ...
/.../chapter iithe rise of the.htm

Chaldaean Civilization
... supporting a double pair of horns, and sometimes ... of heads and limbs, of tools, weapons,
stars, trees ... Sumerian tongue; subsequently, when the natural progress of ...
/.../chapter iiichaldaean civilization.htm

The Nile and Egypt
... and antelopes with lyre-shaped horns, are as ... been regarded as perfectly right and
natural; the words ... an analogous organization, and similar weapons and tools. ...
/.../chapter i the nile and egypt.htm

Syria at the Beginning of the Egyptian Conquest
... sapping; and in the second, it caused the weapons launched by the ... a little to the
north, formed a natural defence for ... [Illustration: 215.jpg THE HEADS OF THREE ...
/.../chapter iisyria at the beginning.htm

The Flight into Egypt and St. John the Baptist in the Desert
... led into a large courtyard and given clothes and weapons. ... the head of an ox with
three horns, and there ... often ran on ahead; he was quite natural and childlike ...
/.../emmerich/the life of the blessed virgin mary/xvi the flight into egypt.htm

Sargon of Assyria (722-705 BC )
... The figures resembling stags' horns, which crown three of the ... It was natural that
the new king, not yet ... protected the throne, his sceptre, weapons, and stores ...
/.../chapter iiisargon of assyria 722-705.htm

The Eighteenth Theban Dynasty
... A complete set of weapons was carried in the ... precious metals, ivory, timber, or the
natural products of ... of cattle, particularly of oxen, whose horns they were ...
/.../chapter iiithe eighteenth theban dynasty.htm

The Temples and the Gods of Chaldaea
... from his flattened skull protruded the horns of a ... The succession of natural phenomena
with them was not the ... with a cord twisted about their heads,"and there ...
/.../chapter iithe temples and the.htm

The First Chaldaean Empire and the Hyksos in Egypt
... of about 3000 feet, resembling a natural rampart flanked ... in which we find stone weapons
and implements ... to him human victims, whose heads, prepared according to ...
/.../chapter ithe first chaldaean empire.htm