Luke 1:67-79
Summary for Luke 1:67-79: 1:67-79 a This second hymn of the birth narrative is called the Benedictus (“Blessed” or “Praise”), from the first word of the Latin translation. The hymn expects God’s Messiah to deliver the Israelites from their enemies. Salvation entails physical deliverance and forgiveness of sins (1:77 b).1:68 c he has visited and redeemed his people: This recalls the exodus from Egypt, when God rescued his people from Pharaoh (Exod 3:7-10 d, 17-20 e).
1:69 f He has sent us a mighty Savior (literally has raised up a horn of salvation for us): A “horn of salvation” was the horn of a powerful animal such as a ram or an ox. To “raise up a horn” implies strength and power (see also Pss 89:24 g; 132:17 h).
• from the royal line of his servant David: See study note on Luke 1:32-33.
1:71 i saved from our enemies: The people of Israel hoped for rescue from their physical enemies, the Romans; Jesus brought salvation from sin, Satan, and death.
Summary for Luke 1:76-77: 1:76-77 j And you, my little son: Zechariah turned from speaking about the coming Messiah to address his newborn son, John, who would prepare the Messiah’s way.
• called the prophet of the Most High: John was the last and greatest in the line of Old Testament prophets (see 7:28 k).
• prepare the way for the Lord: See Isa 40:3 l.
1:78 m the morning light from heaven is about to break upon us: The Messiah is identified in the Old Testament as a light shining in darkness (Isa 9:2 n; 42:6-7 o; 49:6 p; Mal 4:2 q).
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