Psalms 132:17
There will I make the horn of David to bud: I have ordained a lamp for mine anointed.
Original Language Analysis
שָׁ֤ם
H8033
אַצְמִ֣יחַ
There will I make
H6779
אַצְמִ֣יחַ
There will I make
Strong's:
H6779
Word #:
2 of 7
to sprout (transitive or intransitive, literal or figurative)
קֶ֣רֶן
the horn
H7161
קֶ֣רֶן
the horn
Strong's:
H7161
Word #:
3 of 7
a horn (as projecting); by implication, a flask, cornet; by resemblance. an elephant's tooth (i.e., ivory), a corner (of the altar), a peak (of a moun
עָרַ֥כְתִּי
I have ordained
H6186
עָרַ֥כְתִּי
I have ordained
Strong's:
H6186
Word #:
5 of 7
to set in a row, i.e., arrange, put in order (in a very wide variety of applications)
Cross References
Luke 1:69And hath raised up an horn of salvation for us in the house of his servant David;Ezekiel 29:21In 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.1 Kings 11:36And 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.2 Chronicles 21:7Howbeit 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 15:4Nevertheless 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:
Historical Context
Despite dynastic interruptions (exile, no king for centuries), God preserved David's line culminating in Christ. The imagery of sprouting/budding appears in Messianic prophecies (Isaiah 11:1; Jeremiah 23:5; Zechariah 6:12). The lamp represents covenant continuity - God promised David's lamp wouldn't be extinguished (1 Kings 11:36; 15:4; 2 Kings 8:19).
Questions for Reflection
- How do 'horn budding' and 'lamp ordained' work together to picture Davidic dynasty?
- What does it mean that God 'makes' the horn bud and 'ordains' the lamp - who is the agent?
- How does this verse point to Christ as the Branch and the Light?
- What encouragement does God's preservation of David's line provide about His covenant faithfulness?
- In what ways does Christ's eternal reign fulfill this promise?
Analysis & Commentary
Davidic dynasty is guaranteed: 'There will I make the horn of David to bud: I have ordained a lamp for mine anointed.' The phrase 'there' connects to Zion (vv. 13-14) - in the place God chose. The metaphor 'make the horn of David to bud' combines two images: horn (qeren) represents power/strength (1 Samuel 2:10; Psalm 89:17, 24; 92:10), while 'bud/sprout' (tsamach) suggests growth, branching, flourishing (Isaiah 4:2; Jeremiah 23:5; 33:15; Zechariah 3:8; 6:12). Together they picture David's dynasty growing in power and extending influence. The parallel 'I have ordained a lamp for mine anointed' uses lamp (ner) symbolizing continuing dynasty, life, testimony (1 Kings 11:36; 15:4; 2 Kings 8:19; Psalm 18:28). 'Ordained' (arak) means to arrange, set in order, prepare. The lamp won't go out - David's line continues. This is Messianic prophecy fulfilled in Christ, the Branch, the Light.