Horns of Power of God
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The concept of "horns" in the Bible often symbolizes strength, authority, and power. This imagery is deeply rooted in the ancient Near Eastern context, where horns were seen as a natural emblem of might and dominance, akin to the strength of animals like bulls and rams. In the biblical narrative, horns frequently represent the power and sovereignty of God, as well as the authority bestowed upon His anointed leaders.

Old Testament References

In the Old Testament, horns are prominently featured in both literal and symbolic contexts. The altar of burnt offering and the altar of incense in the Tabernacle and later in the Temple had horns at their corners (Exodus 27:2, 30:2). These horns were integral to the sacrificial system and were associated with atonement and sanctuary (Leviticus 4:7, 18). The act of grasping the horns of the altar was sometimes a plea for mercy and protection (1 Kings 1:50-51).

The Book of Psalms frequently uses the imagery of horns to depict God's power and the exaltation of the righteous. Psalm 18:2 declares, "The LORD is my rock, my fortress, and my deliverer. My God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold." Here, the "horn of my salvation" signifies God's strength and deliverance.

In prophetic literature, horns often symbolize kingdoms and rulers. Daniel's visions include beasts with horns, representing various empires and their leaders (Daniel 7:7-8, 8:3-10). These horns are indicative of political power and influence, often in opposition to God's kingdom.

New Testament References

The New Testament continues the symbolic use of horns, particularly in the Book of Revelation. In Revelation 5:6, the Lamb, representing Christ, is described as having "seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven Spirits of God sent out into all the earth." The seven horns symbolize the fullness of Christ's power and authority.

Revelation 13:1 and 17:12-14 describe beasts with multiple horns, representing earthly powers and their opposition to God. These passages highlight the ultimate triumph of the Lamb over worldly authorities, emphasizing the supremacy of divine power.

Theological Significance

Theologically, the horns of power underscore God's omnipotence and His sovereign rule over creation. They serve as a reminder of His ability to protect, deliver, and exalt His people. The imagery of horns also points to the messianic hope fulfilled in Jesus Christ, who embodies the ultimate authority and power of God.

Throughout Scripture, the horns of power are a testament to God's unassailable strength and His commitment to justice and righteousness. They assure believers of His unwavering presence and His capacity to overcome all adversities.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
Psalm 18:2
The LORD is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Habakkuk 3:4
And his brightness was as the light; he had horns coming out of his hand: and there was the hiding of his power.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

God's Law Immutable.
... like a lamb." The lamb-like horns indicate youth ... every man being permitted to worship
God according to ... principles are the secret of its power and prosperity. ...
/.../white/the great controversy between christ and satan /25 gods law immutable.htm

God's Law Immutable
... horns like a lamb." The lamblike horns indicate youth ... every man being permitted to
worship God according to ... principles are the secret of its power and prosperity ...
/.../white/the great controversy/chapter 25 gods law immutable.htm

The Apostasy in Two Days.
... The evening time is called the third day, when God shall send copious ... a "dark day,"
and relates to the reign of the Catholic power. ... This beast had ten horns. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/orr/the gospel day /chapter i the apostasy in.htm

The Horns of the Altar
... Joab took hold of the horns, the projecting corners of ... His love and power can never
fail a sinner's confidence. Wherefore, may God the Holy Spirit lead you to ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 31 1885/the horns of the altar.htm

The Sealed Book.
... sovereignty is shown by the "seven horns," the symbols of power; and his relation
to the Godhead, by the seven eyes, the seven Spirits of God;"expressive of ...
/.../bliss/a brief commentary on the apocalypse/the sealed book.htm

The Power of Little Things.
... But it was not the rod; it was the God of Moses ... Lord will use us; He will link His
mighty power with our ... you would have seen would have been a few rams' horns. ...
/.../moody/to the work to the work/chapter vi the power of.htm

Psalm LXXV.
... hand of the Lord," that is, in the power of the ... ever will rejoice, I will Psalm to
the God of Jacob ... is said, "corrupt not." [3430] "And all the horns of sinners ...
/.../augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm lxxv.htm

My Brethren.
... He who suffered on the cross was heard "from the horns of the unicorn" (Psalm
22:21). Resurrection was the answer from God; the power of God raised Him from ...
//christianbookshelf.org/gaebelein/the lord of glory/my brethren.htm

God.
... God the Creator will sometimes mount himself and ride through ... brightness was as the
light: he had horns coming out ... hand, and there was the hiding of his power. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bunyan/the riches of bunyan/i god.htm

On Daniel. Iii. Scholia on Daniel.
... horns of the last beast, and three horns broken by ... own conceit, and plumed himself
on the power of his ... is the appointed end of all things"the kingdom of God. ...
/.../the extant works and fragments of hippolytus/on daniel iii scholia on.htm

Resources
What are the meanings of the various visions in the book of Zechariah? | GotQuestions.org

What was the significance of the altar of incense? | GotQuestions.org

Who is the beast of Revelation? | GotQuestions.org

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Subtopics

Horns

Horns of Antichristian Powers

Horns of Kings

Horns of Power of Christ

Horns of Power of Ephraim

Horns of Power of God

Horns of Power of the Wicked

Horns of the Altar

Horns used offensively

Horns were Used for Holding Oil

Horns were Used: As Musical Instruments

Horns: (Bringing Down) of Degradation

Horns: (Budding of) of the Commencement or Revival of a Nation

Horns: (Cutting off) of Destruction of Power

Horns: (Exalting) of Increase of Power and Glory

Horns: (Pushing With) Conquests

Horns: (Raising Up) Arrogance

Horns: Animals With, Mentioned: The Goat

Horns: Animals With, Mentioned: The Ox

Horns: Animals With, Mentioned: The Ram

Horns: Animals With, Mentioned: The Wild Ox

Horns: Natural Weapons on Heads of Animals

Horns: Representations of, Placed at the Four Corners of the Altars

Horns: Tusks of the Elephant So Called

Horns: Wearing of, Alluded To

Related Terms

Blowing (31 Occurrences)

Overlaid (50 Occurrences)

Sounded (66 Occurrences)

Push (23 Occurrences)

Sounding (99 Occurrences)

Gore (9 Occurrences)

Draining (20 Occurrences)

Bottom (33 Occurrences)

Remaining (87 Occurrences)

Antelope (2 Occurrences)

Melody (55 Occurrences)

Pour (137 Occurrences)

Mass (65 Occurrences)

Parting (27 Occurrences)

Finger (35 Occurrences)

Corded (37 Occurrences)

Burnt-offering (205 Occurrences)

Bronze (146 Occurrences)

Foundation (82 Occurrences)

Uttering (10 Occurrences)

Overlayeth (19 Occurrences)

Overlay (15 Occurrences)

Four (3139 Occurrences)

Trumpets (52 Occurrences)

Blew (37 Occurrences)

Boastfully (6 Occurrences)

Boasts (18 Occurrences)

Blasphemous (4 Occurrences)

Crowns (27 Occurrences)

Canal (6 Occurrences)

Chamois (1 Occurrence)

Angles (20 Occurrences)

Pushing (26 Occurrences)

Note (129 Occurrences)

Adoni'jah (26 Occurrences)

Heads (439 Occurrences)

Copper (55 Occurrences)

Piece (93 Occurrences)

Sin-offering (115 Occurrences)

Playing (37 Occurrences)

Corners (56 Occurrences)

Beast (243 Occurrences)

Horn (108 Occurrences)

Violently (92 Occurrences)

Continued (148 Occurrences)

Itself (203 Occurrences)

Antichrist (4 Occurrences)

Burnt (392 Occurrences)

Rams (81 Occurrences)

Caught (110 Occurrences)

Seven (404 Occurrences)

Zedeki'ah (62 Occurrences)

Kenaanah (5 Occurrences)

Notable (7 Occurrences)

Loud-sounding (8 Occurrences)

Gazelle (12 Occurrences)

Frighten (15 Occurrences)

Fray (4 Occurrences)

Feareth (36 Occurrences)

Flaming (40 Occurrences)

Foursquare (10 Occurrences)

Thicket (9 Occurrences)

Exterminated (8 Occurrences)

Eradicated (3 Occurrences)

Drained (38 Occurrences)

Molding (10 Occurrences)

Majesty (67 Occurrences)

Makers (20 Occurrences)

Plating (13 Occurrences)

Plated (29 Occurrences)

Possessing (18 Occurrences)

Bull's (8 Occurrences)

Considering (10 Occurrences)

Chena'anah (5 Occurrences)

Contemplating (4 Occurrences)

Chenaanah (5 Occurrences)

Affright (10 Occurrences)

Loudly (31 Occurrences)

Horns of Power of Ephraim
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