68 Blessed be [the] Lord the God of Israel, because he has visited and wrought redemption for his people, 69 and raised up a horn of deliverance for us in the house of David his servant; 70 as he spoke by [the] mouth of his holy prophets, who have been since the world began; 71 deliverance from our enemies and out of the hand of all who hate us; 72 to fulfil mercy with our fathers and remember his holy covenant, 73 [the] oath which he swore to Abraham our father, 74 to give us, that, saved out of the hand of our enemies, we should serve him without fear 75 in piety and righteousness before him all our days. 76 And thou, child, shalt be called [the] prophet of [the] Highest; for thou shalt go before the face of [the] Lord to make ready his ways; 77 to give knowledge of deliverance to his people by [the] remission of their sins 78 on account of [the] bowels of mercy of our God; wherein [the] dayspring from on high has visited us, 79 to shine upon them who were sitting in darkness and in [the] shadow of death, to guide our feet into [the] way of peace. 80 —And the child grew and was strengthened in spirit; and he was in the deserts until the day of his shewing to Israel.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Luke 1:68-80
Commentary on Luke 1:67-80
(Read Luke 1:67-80)
Zacharias uttered a prophecy concerning the kingdom and salvation of the Messiah. The gospel brings light with it; in it the day dawns. In John the Baptist it began to break, and increased apace to the perfect day. The gospel is discovering; it shows that about which we were utterly in the dark; it is to give light to those that sit in darkness, the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. It is reviving; it brings light to those that sit in the shadow of death, as condemned prisoners in the dungeon. It is directing; it is to guide our feet in the way of peace, into that way which will bring us to peace at last, Romans 3:17. John gave proofs of strong faith, vigorous and holy affections, and of being above the fear and love of the world. Thus he ripened for usefulness; but he lived a retired life, till he came forward openly as the forerunner of the Messiah. Let us follow peace with all men, as well as seek peace with God and our own consciences. And if it be the will of God that we live unknown to the world, still let us diligently seek to grow strong in the grace of Jesus Christ.