“[A]nd has raised up a horn of salvation for us in the house of his servant David” (Luke 1:69).

“The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer, my God, my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold” (Psalm 18:2).

Welcome to the “Your Guess Is as Good as Mine” School of Theology, where you get to choose what meaning of a verse you like best.

Sometimes, it happens that when you study a passage, you find several plausible interpretations and must choose the one you think is correct. This is what we find in today’s main passage, Luke 1:69.

Luke Chapter 1 is a lengthy introduction to the more-famous story of Jesus’ birth in Luke Chapter 2. Zechariah, the father of John the Baptist, was struck speechless because he doubted Gabriel’s announcement of John’s birth (Luke 1:20). When John was born, Zechariah complained bitterly about being unable to speak for nine months. Ooops, wrong interpretation. He immediately blessed God (Luke 1:69) and spoke a prophecy about John and Jesus (Luke 1:67 – 79). In his speech, Zechariah shows his familiarity with what we call the Old Testament and his understanding of its message. He first mentions a “horn of salvation” from the house of King David, a savior who was predicted long ago, who would redeem Israel (Luke 1:68 – 70).

What is a “horn of salvation?” The word “horn” in our passage is the Greek word keras, from which we get “keratin,” the material that forms hair, fingernails, and animal horns. Scripturally, “horn” often represents power and kings, relating to the horns of a powerful animal (e.g., Daniel 7:8). It is also used of the four corners of the altar of sacrifice, which served two purposes (Exodus 27:2).

1. Sacrificial animals were tied to the horns of the altar for slaughtering (Psalm 118:27). Also, the blood of sacrifices was applied to the horns of the altar as well as poured out at the base of the altar to atone for sins (Leviticus 4:7).

1. The horns of the altar also served as a place of protection when a sinner grabbed them and pleaded for mercy (1 Kings 1:50 – 51).

So, horns represent power, sacrifice, and mercy. Do any of these relate to Jesus Christ?

Jesus is a direct and legal descendent of King David, inheriting the right to rule with mighty power, as prophesied (See Psalm 2:9; Revelation 2:27). He will conquer Israel’s enemies (Luke 1:71). So, Christ is the horn of power, God Himself (1 Samuel 2:10; 2 Samuel 22:1 – 3).

But wait — there’s more! The horn can also mean the horns of the altar. This “horn of salvation” provides holiness and righteousness forever (Luke 1:75). This same horn provides forgiveness of sin (Luke 1:77). When one lays hold of the horns of this altar, one receives the mercy of God (Luke1:72, 78; 2 Timothy 6:12).

So, which image is correct? Is Jesus the keratin horn of power, conquering the enemies of His people, the son of David restoring the Kingdom? Or is He the horn of the altar, providing sanctuary and forgiveness? There is no need to guess here or pick one — Jesus Christ is both!

Alan is editor of Lifestyles Over 50 (Thrive Media) and contributor to the Allentown, PA, Morning Call. He is also an adult Sunday school teacher and Bible study leader. Passionate about reviving theology and church methodology, and being a senior citizen!