Psalms 132:17

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 132:17 stands as a profound divine declaration of God's unwavering faithfulness to His covenant with King David, promising the enduring strength, continuity, and flourishing of his royal lineage. Within this Psalm of Ascent, the verse encapsulates God's solemn assurance regarding the perpetual presence of a king from David's line, symbolized by a powerful, budding "horn" and an everlasting "lamp," ultimately pointing towards the coming Messiah and the eternal establishment of His kingdom from Zion.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 132 is a "Psalm of Ascent," part of a collection (Psalms 120-134) traditionally sung by pilgrims journeying to Jerusalem for the annual festivals. This particular psalm serves as a liturgical prayer, weaving together David's fervent vow to find a permanent dwelling place for the Ark of the Covenant, God's earthly presence ([Psalms 132:1-5](/psalms/132-1-5 "Psalm 132:1-5 - David's Vow for the Ark")), with God's reciprocal and far-reaching covenant promises to David. The psalm shifts from human devotion to divine response, culminating in God's solemn oath to establish David's offspring on the throne forever ([Psalms 132:11-12](/psalms/132-11-12 "Psalm 132:11-12 - God's Oath to David")). Verse 17 directly follows this divine assurance, emphasizing the certainty of God's commitment to the Davidic dynasty. The "there" in verse 17 explicitly refers to Zion, God's chosen dwelling place and the seat of David's kingdom, thereby inextricably linking God's presence with the enduring Davidic reign.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Davidic Covenant, formally established in [2 Samuel 7](/2_samuel/7 "2 Samuel 7 - The Davidic Covenant"), was a cornerstone of Israelite theology, promising David an eternal house, kingdom, and throne. In the ancient Near East, the "horn" was a pervasive symbol of strength, power, and authority, often associated with powerful rulers, deities, or nations. For instance, a victorious king might be described as having "raised his horn." Similarly, a "lamp" or "light" was a potent symbol of life, continuity, and the enduring presence of a dynasty or a person's legacy. For a king, the "lamp" specifically represented the perpetuation of his royal line, ensuring that his name and authority would not be extinguished. This rich imagery would have deeply resonated with an Israelite audience, affirming God's steadfast commitment to the Davidic dynasty even through periods of national decline, exile, or apparent failure, pointing to a future restoration and ultimate fulfillment.

* **Key Themes:** Psalms 132:17 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the Psalms and the broader biblical narrative. It fundamentally reinforces the theme of **Divine Faithfulness** to God's covenant promises, particularly the [Davidic Covenant](/2_samuel/7 "2 Samuel 7 - The Davidic Covenant"), assuring an enduring dynasty. This verse is a pivotal element of **Messianic Prophecy**, as the "horn of David" and "lamp for mine anointed" are potent, divinely inspired symbols pointing directly to the coming Messiah, the ultimate and eternal heir of David's throne. The verse also speaks profoundly to **Royal Authority and Continuity**, affirming that despite challenges and human failings, God would sovereignly ensure the flourishing and perpetuation of David's royal line, culminating in the eternal reign of the Messiah. Finally, it embodies the themes of **Strength, Guidance, and Divine Presence**, with the "horn" signifying God-given power and the "lamp" representing divine light, truth, and the perpetual presence of God's chosen king among His people.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **horn (Hebrew, _qeren'_):** This word (H7161) literally refers to an animal's horn, but figuratively and most importantly here, it signifies power, strength, and dignity. In biblical contexts, it frequently denotes a king's authority, a nation's might, or a source of salvation. For the "horn of David" to "bud" implies not merely the continuation of power, but its vigorous flourishing, renewal, and dynamic growth, suggesting a divinely orchestrated restoration and ultimate triumph of David's royal house beyond any temporary setbacks or periods of weakness.
* **bud (Hebrew, _tsâmach'_):** This primitive root (H6779) means to sprout, grow, or bring forth. Its application here indicates vitality, renewal, and the emergence of new life or strength. When used in conjunction with the "horn of David," it paints a vivid picture of a dynasty that will not just survive but will thrive and expand, signifying a powerful and flourishing reign. This word is also notably used in other significant messianic prophecies to describe the "Branch" or "Shoot" that will come forth from the line of David ([Isaiah 4:2](/isaiah/4-2 "Isaiah 4:2 - The Branch of the Lord"); [Jeremiah 23:5](/jeremiah/23-5 "Jeremiah 23:5 - The Righteous Branch")).
* **anointed (Hebrew, _mâshîyach'_):** This term (H4899) derives from the verb "to anoint" and refers to a consecrated person, typically a king or priest, who has been set apart by God for a special office through ritual anointing. It is the direct linguistic root of the English words "Messiah" (from Hebrew) and "Christ" (from Greek). Here, "mine anointed" refers to the divinely chosen king from David's line, the one upon whom God's favor and Spirit rest, who will embody the enduring "lamp" of God's presence and truth for His people.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"There will I make the horn of David to bud:"** This opening clause declares God's active, sovereign role in ensuring the strength, vitality, and flourishing of David's royal line. The adverb "There" specifically refers to Zion, the chosen dwelling place of God and the established seat of David's kingdom. The "horn of David" symbolizes the inherent power, authority, and lineage of the Davidic dynasty. For this horn to "bud" (from the Hebrew _tsâmach_) signifies not merely survival, but vigorous growth, renewal, and a powerful, thriving resurgence, indicating that David's royal house will not only endure but will also experience a divinely orchestrated flourishing.
* **"I have ordained a lamp for mine anointed."** This second clause reinforces God's divine decree and meticulous provision for David's chosen descendant. The verb "ordained" (from H6186, _ʻârak'_) implies a deliberate, ordered, and prepared establishment, signifying God's intentional and certain plan. The "lamp" (from H5216, _nîyr'_) serves as a profound symbol of life, continuity, guidance, and the enduring presence of the dynasty. It signifies that the reign of God's "anointed" (the Messiah, the ultimate Davidic king) will be a perpetual source of light, truth, and existence, a beacon that will never be extinguished, ensuring the continuous presence of God's chosen ruler.

#### Literary Devices
Psalms 132:17 employs powerful **Symbolism** to convey its profound theological message regarding the Davidic Covenant. The "horn of David" is a potent symbol of strength, power, and royal authority, drawing on ancient Near Eastern imagery where animal horns universally represented might and dominion. Its action, "to bud," introduces the vivid **Metaphor** of organic growth and flourishing, suggesting renewal, vitality, and an unstoppable increase in power, rather than mere survival or a static existence. This imagery contrasts sharply with the idea of a dynasty fading or being cut off. The "lamp" serves as another significant **Symbol**, representing life, continuity, guidance, and the enduring presence of God's truth and the king's legacy. For God to "ordain" this lamp emphasizes divine intentionality, sovereign decree, and the absolute certainty of His promise. The entire verse functions as a **Prophecy**, looking forward to the ultimate and perfect fulfillment of the Davidic Covenant in the person of the Messiah.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse is a profound theological statement on God's unwavering commitment to His covenant with David, underscoring the divine initiative and sovereign power in establishing and sustaining the Davidic dynasty. It highlights the concept of a divinely chosen king who would embody God's rule on earth and serve as a perpetual light and source of strength for His people. The imagery of the "horn" speaks to God's provision of irresistible strength and authority, while the "lamp" signifies His enduring presence, guidance, and the continuity of His redemptive plan through the Davidic line. Ultimately, this verse serves as a crucial Old Testament foundation for understanding the future coming of the Messiah, who would perfectly fulfill these promises, not merely by continuing a lineage, but by establishing an eternal, spiritual kingdom.

* [2 Samuel 7:12-16](/2_samuel/7-12-16 "2 Samuel 7:12-16 - God's Covenant with David")
* [Isaiah 11:1](/isaiah/11-1 "Isaiah 11:1 - The Branch from Jesse")
* [Luke 1:69](/luke/1-69 "Luke 1:69 - The Horn of Salvation")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 132:17 offers profound assurance and enduring hope for believers today. It powerfully reminds us that God is utterly faithful to His promises, even across generations, through periods of national decline, and in the face of apparent setbacks. The imagery of the "horn of David" budding and the "lamp" being ordained for His anointed speaks to God's sovereign power to bring about His purposes, ensuring that His kingdom will ultimately triumph. For us, this means we can place our complete trust in God's overarching plan for history and our individual lives, knowing that He is actively working to establish His eternal reign through Christ. It calls us to place our hope not in fleeting earthly powers or human institutions, but in the enduring strength and unfading light of God's anointed King. This verse encourages steadfast perseverance in faith, reminding us that the light of God's truth and the power of His salvation will never be extinguished, providing a sure foundation for our hope and calling us to live as reflections of His light in the world.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the imagery of a "budding horn" and an "ordained lamp" strengthen your trust in God's ability to fulfill His promises, even when circumstances in your life or the world seem bleak?**
* **In what practical ways can we, as believers, reflect the "lamp" of God's truth and guidance in our own lives, families, and communities, shining His light into darkness?**
* **How does understanding God's unwavering faithfulness to the Davidic Covenant in this verse deepen your appreciation for the person and redemptive work of Jesus Christ as the ultimate fulfillment of these ancient promises?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of the "horn of David" in this verse?**

Answer: The "horn of David" is a powerful and deeply symbolic phrase representing strength, power, and royal authority. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, horns were associated with the might of animals (e.g., a bull's strength) and, by extension, the power and dominion of kings and nations. Here, it specifically refers to the Davidic dynasty and its enduring strength and authority. For this horn to "bud" (Hebrew _tsâmach_, H6779) signifies vigorous growth, flourishing, and renewal, indicating that God would ensure the continuation and resurgence of David's royal line, even when it might appear diminished or cut off. This imagery points to a future, powerful king from David's lineage, ultimately fulfilled in the Messiah, Jesus Christ, who is celebrated as the "horn of salvation" raised up in the house of His servant David in [Luke 1:69](/luke/1-69 "Luke 1:69 - The Horn of Salvation").

**What does the "lamp for mine anointed" symbolize?**

Answer: The "lamp" (Hebrew _nîyr_, H5216) is a profound symbol of life, continuity, and divine presence. In the context of a royal line, a "lamp" represented the enduring legacy and perpetual presence of a king's dynasty, ensuring that his name and authority would not be extinguished. It signified that the royal house would continue to shine forth, providing light and guidance. God "ordaining" (Hebrew _ʻârak_, H6186) this lamp for "mine anointed" (Hebrew _mâshîyach_, H4899) signifies His divine provision, deliberate establishment, and unwavering commitment to His chosen king from David's line. This "anointed one"—the Messiah—would be a perpetual source of light, truth, and guidance for God's people. This imagery finds its ultimate and glorious fulfillment in Jesus Christ, who declared Himself to be the [Light of the World](/john/8-12 "John 8:12 - Jesus, the Light of the World"), providing eternal guidance, truth, and life to all humanity.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 132:17 finds its ultimate and most glorious fulfillment in the person and redemptive work of Jesus Christ. The "horn of David" that God promises to make "bud" is perfectly embodied in Christ, who is indeed the "horn of salvation" raised up in the house of His servant David ([Luke 1:69](/luke/1-69 "Luke 1:69 - The Horn of Salvation")). He is the true and eternal King from David's lineage, the "Branch" or "Shoot" prophesied to spring from the root of Jesse ([Isaiah 11:1](/isaiah/11-1 "Isaiah 11:1 - The Branch from Jesse")), signifying His powerful, flourishing, and unstoppable reign. Furthermore, the "lamp" that God has "ordained for mine anointed" is fully realized in Jesus, the Messiah. He is the very "Light of the World" ([John 8:12](/john/8-12 "John 8:12 - Jesus, the Light of the World")), the one who brings divine truth, spiritual life, and eternal guidance into a world shrouded in darkness. His anointing by the Holy Spirit at His baptism ([Matthew 3:16-17](/matthew/3-16-17 "Matthew 3:16-17 - Jesus' Baptism and the Spirit")) confirms His identity as the Christ, God's chosen and consecrated one. Through His sacrificial death and glorious resurrection, Jesus established an eternal kingdom, fulfilling God's promise to David that his throne would endure forever ([Luke 1:32-33](/luke/1-32-33 "Luke 1:32-33 - Jesus' Eternal Kingdom")), ensuring that the "lamp" of God's presence, truth, and salvation shines eternally through Him, never to be extinguished.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI 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.