Psalms 132:17

There will I make the horn of David to bud: I have ordained a lamp for mine anointed.

There will I make {H6779} the horn {H7161} of David {H1732} to bud {H6779}: I have ordained {H6186} a lamp {H5216} for mine anointed {H4899}.

I will make a king sprout there from David's line and prepare a lamp for my anointed one.

There I will make a horn grow for David; I have prepared a lamp for My anointed one.

There will I make the horn of David to bud: I have ordained a lamp for mine anointed.

Commentary

Psalms 132:17, a pivotal verse within a Psalm of Ascent, speaks profoundly of God's enduring promises concerning the lineage of King David and the coming Messiah. It encapsulates divine faithfulness and the certainty of God's eternal plan.

Context

Psalm 132 is a pilgrimage psalm, likely sung by worshippers ascending to Jerusalem. It recounts King David's fervent desire to find a dwelling place for the Ark of the Covenant (verses 1-5) and God's subsequent, reciprocal covenant with David regarding his royal line (verses 11-12). The "there" in verse 17 refers to Zion, God's chosen dwelling place, where He promised to establish His presence and fulfill His word, making it the focal point of His covenant promises.

Key Themes

  • Messianic Prophecy: The "horn of David" and "lamp for mine anointed" are powerful prophetic symbols pointing directly to the Messiah, Jesus Christ.
  • Divine Covenant: It reaffirms God's unwavering and eternal covenant with David, promising an enduring dynasty that will culminate in the reign of the Messiah.
  • Royal Authority and Continuity: The imagery assures the continuation of David's royal lineage and the flourishing of his kingdom, culminating in Christ's eternal reign.
  • Strength and Guidance: The "horn" symbolizes power and authority, while the "lamp" signifies life, divine guidance, and the enduring presence of God's truth.

Linguistic Insights

  • The "horn" (Hebrew: qeren) is a potent biblical symbol of strength, power, and dignity, often associated with kings and powerful figures. For a horn to "bud" (Hebrew: tsamach) suggests growth, flourishing, and renewed vigor, indicating the restoration and ultimate triumph of David's royal house.
  • The "lamp" (Hebrew: ner) symbolizes life, continuity, and divine presence. A lamp for a king was often a metaphor for the continuation of his dynasty and his enduring legacy. "Mine anointed" (Hebrew: mashiach) is the direct root of the word "Messiah," signifying one set apart by God, who would bring light and truth.

Related Scriptures

This verse is a profound echo of the Davidic Covenant first articulated in 2 Samuel 7:12-16, where God promises David an eternal house and kingdom. The "horn of David" finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ, who is repeatedly identified as the "horn of salvation" (Luke 1:69), a direct descendant of David (Matthew 1:1; Luke 1:32). Similarly, Christ is the "Light of the World" (John 8:12), embodying the "lamp" ordained by God, providing eternal guidance and truth. Other prophecies like Isaiah 11:1 speak of a "Branch" (a budding shoot) from the root of Jesse (David's father), further cementing this messianic expectation.

Practical Application

Psalms 132:17 offers tremendous hope and assurance. It reminds us of God's unwavering faithfulness to His promises, even across generations. For believers today, it underscores the central role of Jesus Christ as the promised Messiah – the true "horn" of strength and the eternal "lamp" of guidance. It encourages us to trust in God's sovereign plan, knowing that His kingdom, established through Christ, is eternal and will ultimately triumph, bringing light and salvation to all who believe.

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Luke 1:69

    And hath raised up an horn of salvation for us in the house of his servant David;

  • Ezekiel 29:21

    In that day will I cause the horn of the house of Israel to bud forth, and I will give thee the opening of the mouth in the midst of them; and they shall know that I [am] the LORD.

  • 2 Chronicles 21:7

    Howbeit the LORD would not destroy the house of David, because of the covenant that he had made with David, and as he promised to give a light to him and to his sons for ever.

  • 1 Kings 11:36

    And unto his son will I give one tribe, that David my servant may have a light alway before me in Jerusalem, the city which I have chosen me to put my name there.

  • 1 Kings 15:4

    Nevertheless for David's sake did the LORD his God give him a lamp in Jerusalem, to set up his son after him, and to establish Jerusalem:

  • Luke 2:30

    For mine eyes have seen thy salvation,

  • Luke 2:32

    A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel.
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