Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary Luke 1:69

"And hath raised up a horn of salvation for us In the house of his servant David" — Luke 1:69 (ASV)

“Horn” is a common OT metaphor for power because of the great strength of the horned animals of the Near East. The word “salvation” (GK 5401) describes the kind of strength Zechariah had in mind. The power of salvation resides in the Savior. Again, the messianic theme occurs—this time in an allusion to Ps 132:17, where, in fulfilling the Davidic covenant, God “will make a horn grow for David.” Later in Luke’s writing, the verb “raised up” will assume great importance in relation to the resurrection of Christ (24:6, 34; Acts 3:7, 15; 4:10).

The messianic motif is further emphasized by a reference to the “house of... David.” The mention of the “holy prophets of long ago” confirms the OT origin of and support for the messianic role of Jesus.