Psalm 132:17 Messianic Hope

Psalm 132:17 Here I will make a horn grow for David and set up a lamp for my anointed one.

Psalm 132 is the longest of the songs of ascents. Its theme is firstly the establishment of the Temple, especially David's efforts to find a resting place for the ark, and then the extension of David's line. It begins O LORD, remember David and all the hardships he endured. His hardships arose in part because of his determination not to rest until he found (5) a place for the LORD, a dwelling for the Mighty One of Jacob. The Temple having been established, it says we heard it in Ephrathah, we came upon it in the fields of Jaar: Let us go to his dwelling-place; let us worship at his footstool - arise, O LORD, and come to your resting place, you and the ark of your might. The prayer is that the priests be clothed with righteousness and all the saints sing for joy (an idea that resurfaces in verse 16). Then comes (10) For the sake of David your servant, do not reject your anointed one (ie Messiah). The promise is recalled, that made by God on oath to David to place one of his descendants on his throne. God promised that if David's descendants kept his covenant and the statutes I teach them, then their sons shall sit on your throne for ever and ever. This is then linked with the fact that the LORD has chosen Zion, he has desired it for his dwelling. This is where he will be enthroned and blessing follow. The closing verses expand on what these blessings are. Verse 17 is interesting. It uses two strong images - a horn growing, a lamp set up; one speaking of strength, the other of knowledge or wisdom. Both are Temple features - the horns on the altars and the lamps in the holy place. They also have messianic connotations. See for example Luke 1:69 (He has raised up a horn of salvation for us in the house of his servant David) and 2:32 (a light for revelation to the Gentiles and for glory to your people Israel). The promise then is of a strong, light giving son of David who will establish God's work. This is who the Lord Jesus Christ is.