Zacharias was described, with his wife, Elisabeth, as “righteous before God, walking in all the commandments and ordinance of the Lord blameless” (Luke 1:6). After being struck dumb for expressing doubt at Gabriel’s declaration that they would have a child in their old age, Zacharias regained his voice when he wrote down that the child should be named John (who would become the Baptist), according to the words of the angel.

Upon receiving his voice again, Zacharias began to prophesy saying “Blessed be the Lord God of Israel; for he hath visited and redeemed his people, And hath raised up an horn of salvation for us in the house of his servant David”. The ‘horn of salvation’ of whom he prophesied was in fact his first cousin once removed, Jesus Christ, who would very soon be born into the world and for whom his own son, John, was to prepare the way. But what does this peculiar title refer to?

The altars of ancient temples had a horn placed in each corner where blood was smeared during the burnt offering. If a fugitive held onto these horns, they were given refuge and protection from the law. As a Priest who served in the second Temple of Jerusalem, Zacharias would have been familiar with these practices.

Elder Jeffrey R. Holland said of the ‘horn of salvation’; “This name of Jesus Christ reminds us that we can find refuge and repentance by holding tightly to the Savior and His teachings.”

Each of us is a fugitive; a sinner who cannot answer the ends of the law without divine intervention. If we hold on to the horn of salvation, the blood of the Lamb of God can protect and save us.

“The Lord is my rock, and my fortress,and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation” (Psalm 18:2)

Sources:

Jeffrey R. Holland, Witness for His Names, Deseret Book

https://www.ldsliving.com/FHE-The-Names-of-Christ/s/74358

Luke Chapter 1