translation_id: net-engnet

label: NET study note

text: Horns of animals have always functioned as both offensive and defensive weapons for them. As a figure of speech the horn is therefore often used in the Bible as a symbol of human strength (see also in v. 10 ). The allusion in v. 1 to the horn being lifted high suggests a picture of an animal elevating its head in a display of strength or virility.


text: In this context God’s holiness refers primarily to his sovereignty and incomparability. He is unique and distinct from all other so-called gods.


text: The number seven is used here in an ideal sense. Elsewhere in the OT having seven children is evidence of fertility as a result of God’s blessing on the family. See, for example, Jer 15:9 , Ruth 4:15 .


text: The Hebrew word occurs only twice in the OT, here and again in v. 14 . Its exact meaning is not entirely clear, although from the context it appears to be a sacrificial tool used for retrieving things from boiling water.