Luke 1:67-80 – The Benedictus

The announcements of the birth of John and of the Lord Jesus, the miraculous conceptions of Elizabeth’s and Mary’s, and the latter’s Magnificat and now Zacharias prophetic exclamation, all like rays of light from the sun, signal the passing of the night. The sun of righteousness would soon be shining from the distance horizon. Yes, a new day has dawned! The birth of John made the faint glow of that light more perceptible. John was circumcised. Verse 66 shows the question everyone wanted to know was, “What then is this child going to be?”

Zacharias who was speechless for nine months because of unbelief, now responded in faith and obedience and named his son John, as instructed by the angel. Immediately, his tongue loosened, and he gave the final prophetic song. Verse 67 tells us that he was filled with the Holy Spirit and prophesied. In other words, his words were God’s words. Just as Mary’s outburst of praise, his song was also filled with Scriptures. In all his priestly life, Zacharias had been nourishing himself with the Holy Scriptures, so now out of the rich store of his inner resource came this prophecy. This tells us that, like him, we should nourish ourselves with the Word of God.   

Traditionally Zacharias’ song is known as the Benedictus. This title indicates that this is a song of benediction in praise of God for the coming of the Messiah. From the start to end, this song is a series of praise to God. Firstly in verses 69-72a, Zacharias praised God for keeping His promise to David and fulfilling the Davidic Covenant. Secondly, from verses 72b-75, he praised God for keeping His promise to Abraham and fulfilling the Abrahamic Covenant. Thirdly, verses 76-77, he praised God for keeping His promise to him, in giving him John the Baptist as the Messiah’s forerunner. And finally in verses 78 to 79, he praised God for the coming sunrise of the sun of righteousness.

This outburst of praise from Zacharias is full of rich theology, and when we reflect on them, it will definitely draw our soul upward with adoration and praise to our wonderful God. Through this song we can see God’s merciful hand and provision for His people. We can also see the responsibility expected from being the recipients of God’s blessed people. As we live each day, let’s keep in mind the words of verses 74-75, that … being rescued from the hand of our enemies, (we) might serve Him without fear, in holiness and righteousness before Him all our days.