The Prophecy of Zacharias: Part II
Posted By Joe on December 11, 2009
In the first post, we were introduced to the father of John the Baptist: Zacharias. We were told by Luke that he and his wife, Elizabeth, were both "righteous in the sight of God, walking blamelessly in all the commandments and requirements of the Lord" (Luke 1:6).
Still, they were not perfect. Because Zacharias chose not question the angel Gabriel's message to him, he remained mute for the nine months that Elizabeth was pregnant with John the Baptist. But like so many of the things of God, there was glory hidden in this difficulty. The moment John was given his formal name, Zacharias' lips were opened and a great prophecy was given through the Holy Spirit.
Last time, we looked at the first two verses of Zacharias' prophecy. This time we will look at the next two.
Zacharias' Prophecy - Part II: "The Horn of Salvation"
"And [the Lord God of Israel] has raised up a horn of salvation for us in the house of David His servant--as He spoke by the mouth of His holy prophets from of old." --Luke 1:69-70.
The Greek word used for "horn" is "κέρας." Transliterated it is "keras." It means, of course, "a horn" but has a few applications. The most basic one is simply the horn of an animal. But also since animals such as bulls defend themselves with their horns, the horn for the Hebrews is a symbol of strength and courage, and used as such in a variety of phrases, one of which is when speaking of the Messiah. Given the prophecy being spoken, this is who Zacharias is talking about.
Moreover, it's not just any horn, but a "horn of salvation." This speaks of Jesus' role as our High Priest, making an offering for sin on behalf of the entire world!
This "horn of salvation" appears in the Old Testament as well. David said of God:
"My God, my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold and my refuge; my savior, You save me from violence." --2 Samuel 22:3.
David elaborates on the "horn of salvation" as a defensive weapon. And indeed, Jesus is a defensive weapon against sin!
Zacharias further identifies this horn as coming from the house of David, the royal bloodline, destined to sit upon the eternal throne of God. It's interesting because David used the same expression about 1,000 years before Zacharias would use it and link David to it.
Lastly, Zacharias reminds the reader that Jesus' first coming had been prophesied "by the mouth of His holy prophets from of old." Indeed, the whole Old Testament is about Jesus! It's the gospel concealed.
What's Next?
Next time we will look at the next two verses that speak of God's covenant He made with His people and how Jesus is the fulfillment of that covenant.
May He Increase!
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Thanks Joe! another good job. I cling to the Horn for defense!!!
I woke up this morning and realized that 2 Sam 22:3 was the "missing link in my sermon, thanks Bro!!!
What a blessing it is to be used by the Holy Spirit! Thank you, Lord and thank you, Will! Humbling.
[...] 4 in the series The Prophecy of ZachariasThe Prophecy of ZachariasThe Prophecy of Zacharias: Part IThe Prophecy of Zacharias: Part IIThe Prophecy of Zacharias: Part IIIThe Prophecy of Zacharias: Part IVAfter Zacharias had been mute [...]