The horns of various beasts have been given to them both as a means of defense and offense against others, whether those foes be human or fellow beasts. (see Ex.21:29). A person only has to observe the shape and use of the “horn”, by these assorted creatures, to realize the capability of it to inflict damage and subdue any who would dare stand against it. Thus, we find that the word “horn” is often used in the scriptures as a symbol of power, most especially that which is associated with a governmental authority, as we see in the seventh and eighth chapters of Daniel, and I Kings 22:11.
The LORD JESUS CHRIST is the HORN of SALVATION for the sons of GOD. HE is both their DEFENDER and PROTECTOR, as well as the DESTROYER of all of their foes. “Who is this that cometh from Edom, with dyed garments from Bozrah? this that is glorious in his apparel, travelling in the greatness of his strength? I that speak in righteousness, mighty to save. Wherefore art thou red in thine apparel, and thy garments like him that treadeth in the winefat? I have trodden the winepress alone; and of the people there was none with me: for I will tread them in mine anger, and trample them in my fury; and their blood shall be sprinkled upon my garments, and I will stain all my raiment. For the day of vengeance is in mine heart, and the year of my redeemed is come. And I looked, and there was none to help; and I wondered that there was none to uphold: therefore mine own arm brought salvation unto me; and my fury, it upheld me. And I will tread down the people in mine anger, and make them drunk in my fury, and I will bring down their strength to the earth.” (Isa 63:1-6)
Who can stand against HIM? HE will totally destroy and obliterate all who dare oppose HIM and who reject HIS right to rule and reign over that which is HIS. “And he beheld them, and said, What is this then that is written, The stone which the builders rejected, the same is become the head of the corner? Whosoever shall fall upon that stone shall be broken; but on whomsoever it shall fall, it will grind him to powder.” (Luke 20:17-18) Yet HE has demonstrated HIS mercy on all who tremble at the mention of HIS name and cast themselves at HIS feet.
It is for these poor beggars that HE has shown HIMSELF valiant and mighty to save. Those who know themselves to be lost and ruined sinners don’t need a partner or someone who will offer them some assistance. They cannot be comforted by religious platitudes (however true they may be), advice, or schemes of obedience and duty. They can only be saved by ONE who has the power to raise the dead and grant eternal life, ONE who has purchased their redemption with HIS own blood, canceling their sin debt and fulfilling every jot and tittle of the law for them. They need a MIGHTY DELIVERER who can set them free from the depths of their woe.
Thus did David say, “I will love thee, O LORD, my strength. 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. I will call upon the LORD, who is worthy to be praised: so shall I be saved from mine enemies.” (Psa 18:1-3) Who else, but this MIGHTY SAVIOR, can meet the needs of those who are daily sinking down under a load of guilt and depravity and see in themselves no hope or help?
When I was sinking down, sinking down, sinking down.
When I was sinking down, sinking down.
When I was sinking down, beneath GOD’s righteous frown,
CHRIST laid aside HIS crown for my soul, for my soul,
CHRIST laid aside HIS crown for my soul.
Yes, indeed HE is the HORN (or power) of salvation unto those that call upon HIS name. These are those that are caused to flee to HIM for refuge by the same grace that moved HIM to undertake their complete redemption, sparing no expense, even to the laying down of HIS very life, and demonstrating HIS total power over all their enemies when HE led captivity captive and triumphed over death itself in their behalf. “Thou hast ascended on high, thou hast led captivity captive: thou hast received gifts for men; yea, for the rebellious also, that the LORD God might dwell among them. Blessed be the Lord, who daily loadeth us with benefits, even the God of our salvation. Selah.” (Psa 68:18-19)
HE demonstrated HIS “power” when HE ascended back into the heavens from whence HE came, having temporarily (for a season) laid aside the glory which is rightfully HIS, as HE took upon HIMSELF the likeness of sinful flesh and made HIMSELF of no reputation. The LORD told Nicodemus, “And no man hath ascended up to heaven, but he that came down from heaven, even the Son of man which is in heaven.” (John 3:13) Did HE not prophetically speak of HIS own singular ascension back to that place which is rightfully HIS as the GOD of might and power? Who else could have occupied such a place of glory but HIM who is the HORN of our salvation.
HE has demonstrated HIS “power” in the establishment of a kingdom which the very gates of hell cannot “prevail against”. Isaiah prophesied of the establishment of this Kingdom when he said, “For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.” (Isa 9:6) HIS subjects, the objects of HIS love, grace, and mercy can never be destroyed for HE holds them in the palm of HIS hand and they shall never perish. The proud religious men of this earth who desire a kingdom of flesh and blood cannot see this kingdom even though it is in their very midst. (see Luke 17: 20-21)
HE will yet demonstrate HIS power when HE returns at the last trump, to gather from the four corners of the earth all of those whom HE has purchased with HIS blood. They are HIS everlasting possession and HE shall lose none but shall raise them up at the last day. “And God hath both raised up the Lord, and will also raise up us by his own power.(1Co 6:14) “For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. Wherefore comfort one another with these words.” (1Thes 4:16-18)
HE will yet demonstrate HIS power in the destruction of the wicked. “And to you who are troubled rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels, In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ: Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power; When he shall come to be glorified in his saints, and to be admired in all them that believe (because our testimony among you was believed) in that day.” (2Thes 1:7-10)
All of these demonstrations of HIS power are “our salvation”. To this end HE designed the world, and shall HE not bring it to pass? “But our God is in the heavens: he hath done whatsoever he hath pleased.” (Psa 115:3) “Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom.” (Luke 12:32)
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