There I will make a horn grow for David;The "horn" in biblical literature often symbolizes strength, power, and victory. In the context of David, it signifies the establishment and continuation of his royal lineage. This imagery is rooted in ancient Near Eastern culture, where horns of animals represented might and authority. The promise of a "horn" growing for David is a prophetic assurance of the enduring nature of his dynasty, which is fulfilled in the coming of Jesus Christ, a descendant of David, as seen in the genealogies in
Matthew 1 and
Luke 3. The horn also connects to the Messianic prophecy in
2 Samuel 7:12-16, where God promises David that his throne will be established forever.
I have prepared a lamp for My anointed one.
The "lamp" symbolizes guidance, presence, and the continuation of a dynasty. In the ancient world, a lamp was a source of light in darkness, representing hope and divine favor. For David's "anointed one," this indicates God's ongoing support and the promise of a lasting legacy. The term "anointed one" refers to the Messiah, the ultimate fulfillment of God's covenant with David. This imagery is echoed in1 Kings 11:36, where God promises to maintain a "lamp" for David's descendants in Jerusalem. The concept of light is further expanded in the New Testament, where Jesus is described as the "light of the world" (John 8:12), fulfilling the role of the anointed one who brings spiritual illumination and salvation.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
DavidThe second king of Israel, a man after God's own heart, and the recipient of God's covenant promising an everlasting dynasty.
2.
ZionOften synonymous with Jerusalem, it is the city of David and the spiritual center of Israel, representing God's dwelling place among His people.
3.
The Anointed OneRefers to the Messiah, the promised deliverer of Israel, who Christians believe is fulfilled in Jesus Christ.
4.
The HornSymbolizes strength and power, often used in the Bible to denote the might and authority of a king.
5.
The LampRepresents guidance, truth, and the enduring presence of God, often associated with the light of God's word and His anointed leadership.
Teaching Points
God's Faithfulness to His PromisesGod's promise to David is a testament to His unwavering faithfulness. Believers can trust that God will fulfill His promises in their lives as well.
The Messianic HopeThe "horn of David" and the "lamp" point to the coming of the Messiah. Christians see this fulfilled in Jesus, who brings salvation and light to the world.
Strength and Guidance in ChristJust as the horn symbolizes strength and the lamp symbolizes guidance, believers find their strength and direction in Christ, the ultimate fulfillment of these symbols.
The Role of the ChurchAs the body of Christ, the Church is called to be a light in the world, reflecting the lamp prepared for God's anointed and spreading the message of salvation.
Living in the Light of God's PromisesBelievers are encouraged to live with confidence and hope, knowing that God's promises are sure and His plans for His people are good.
Lists and Questions
Top 10 Lessons from Psalm 132
What does the Bible mention about unicorns?
In Job 39:9, the text mentions a 'wild ox' (sometimes 'unicorn'); how can this be reconciled with any known species or historical evidence?
Psalm 75:10 mentions the cutting off of 'horns' of the wicked; does this figurative language conflict with a literal approach to interpreting biblical texts?
What is the horn of salvation?(17)
Horn of David.--The sprouting or growing horn is an image of young, vigorous life. (See Note,
Psalm 75:5.) The Messianic application of this prediction comes out in Zechariah's song (
Luke 1:69).
I have ordained a lamp.--Or,I have trimmed a lamp;the word used in connection with the sacred lights, under the express charge of Aaron and his sons (Exodus 27:21;Leviticus 24:2-3). But with this distinctly sacerdotal allusion we must also combine the special allusion to the Davidic dynasty, according to the promise (1Kings 11:36): "That David my servant may have a light (or,lamp,as here) always before me in Jerusalem." . . .
Verse 17. -
There will I make the horn of David to bud. The "horn of David" budded most gloriously when "a rod came forth out of the stem of Jesse, and a branch grew out of his roots, and the Spirit of the Lord rested upon him" (
Isaiah 11:1, 2) - in other words, when Messiah appeared, and re-established the Davidian kingdom, which thenceforth has endured, and will endure for ever.
I have ordained a lamp for mine anointed. The metaphor is changed; but the idea is the same. Christ's coming shed a glory on David's house, and on the temple, and on David himself, such as had never previously illumined them. David is often promised "a lamp" (
1 Kings 11:36;
1 Kings 15:4;
2 Kings 8:19;
2 Chronicles 21:7). In Christ the lamp was given.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
Thereשָׁ֤ם(šām)Adverb
Strong's 8033:There, then, thitherI will make a hornקֶ֣רֶן(qe·ren)Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 7161:A horn, a flask, cornet, an elephant's tooth, a corner, a peak, a ray, powergrowאַצְמִ֣יחַ(’aṣ·mî·aḥ)Verb - Hifil - Imperfect - first person common singular
Strong's 6779:To sprout, spring upfor David;לְדָוִ֑ד(lə·ḏā·wiḏ)Preposition-l | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 1732:David -- perhaps 'beloved one', a son of JesseI have preparedעָרַ֥כְתִּי(‘ā·raḵ·tî)Verb - Qal - Perfect - first person common singular
Strong's 6186:To set in a, row, arrange, put in ordera lampנֵ֝֗ר(nêr)Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 5216:A lamp, lightfor My anointed one.לִמְשִׁיחִֽי׃(lim·šî·ḥî)Preposition-l | Adjective - masculine singular construct | first person common singular
Strong's 4899:Anointed, a consecrated person, the Messiah
Links
Psalm 132:17 NIVPsalm 132:17 NLTPsalm 132:17 ESVPsalm 132:17 NASBPsalm 132:17 KJV
Psalm 132:17 BibleApps.comPsalm 132:17 Biblia ParalelaPsalm 132:17 Chinese BiblePsalm 132:17 French BiblePsalm 132:17 Catholic Bible
OT Poetry: Psalm 132:17 There I will make the horn (Psalm Ps Psa.) 
