68 “Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel,
for he has visited and worked redemption for his people; 69 and has raised up a horn of salvation for us in the house of his servant David 70 (as he spoke by the mouth of his holy prophets who have been from of old), 71 salvation from our enemies, and from the hand of all who hate us; 72 to show mercy towards our fathers,
to remember his holy covenant, 73 the oath which he spoke to Abraham, our father, 74 to grant to us that we, being delivered out of the hand of our enemies,
should serve him without fear, 75 In holiness and righteousness before him all the days of our life. 76 And you, child, will be called a prophet of the Most High,
for you will go before the face of the Lord to make ready his ways, 77 to give knowledge of salvation to his people by the remission of their sins, 78 because of the tender mercy of our God,
whereby the dawn from on high will visit us, 79 to shine on those who sit in darkness and the shadow of death;
to guide our feet into the way of peace.” 80 The child was growing, and becoming strong in spirit, and was in the desert until the day of his public appearance 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.