Luke 1:68

Luke 1:68 is the triumphant opening declaration of Zechariah's prophecy, often known as the 'Benedictus.' After nine months of silence due to his disbelief regarding the miraculous conception of his son, John the Baptist, Zechariah's speech is restored at John's circumcision. His first words are an outpouring of praise, acknowledging God's faithfulness to Israel.

Context

This verse is found within the first chapter of Luke's Gospel, which details the miraculous births of John the Baptist and Jesus Christ. Zechariah, a priest, and his barren wife Elisabeth were old when the angel Gabriel announced that they would have a son, John, who would prepare the way for the Messiah. Zechariah's doubt led to temporary muteness. Upon the birth and naming of John, his tongue was loosed, and filled with the Holy Ghost, he immediately prophesied. This praise erupts from Zechariah, the father of John the Baptist, immediately after his speech is restored following the birth of his son. It marks a pivotal moment, signaling the imminent fulfillment of centuries of prophecy concerning the Messiah. This verse is the opening declaration of what is often called the Benedictus, Zechariah's prophetic hymn of praise.

Key Themes

• Divine Blessing and Praise: Zechariah's immediate response is to bless God, acknowledging His inherent goodness and mighty acts. This sets a tone of gratitude and worship for God's intervention in human history.
• God's Visitation: The phrase "he hath visited" signifies God's active and purposeful intervention. It's not a passive observation but a deliberate, saving act of God drawing near to His people. This visitation culminates in the incarnation of Jesus Christ, the ultimate act of God dwelling among humanity.
• Redemption and Deliverance: The core message is that God "hath redeemed his people." This speaks to liberation from bondage, whether from sin, oppression, or the dominion of enemies. It echoes the historical deliverance of Israel from Egypt and points forward to the spiritual redemption offered through Christ.
• Covenant Faithfulness: Zechariah's prophecy underscores God's unwavering faithfulness to His ancient promises made to the patriarchs, particularly the covenant made with Abraham and David. God remembers His holy covenant and is now fulfilling His word through the coming Messiah.

Linguistic Insights

• "Visited" (Greek: episkeptomai - ἐπισκέπτομαι): This word implies more than just a casual visit. It suggests active, watchful care, often with the specific intent to help, deliver, or inquire after someone's welfare. In a theological sense, it denotes God's gracious and saving intervention on behalf of His people.
• "Redeemed" (Greek: lytrōsis - λύτρωσις, related to lytroō - λυτρόω): This term refers to liberation, typically achieved through the payment of a ransom or a price. It evokes the imagery of buying back slaves or captives. Zechariah's prophecy points to God's act of setting His people free from spiritual and physical bondage. The ultimate fulfillment of this redemption is found in Jesus Christ, through His sacrificial death.

Practical Application

Luke 1:68 reminds believers of God's active involvement in the world and in our personal lives. Just as He "visited and redeemed" Israel, He continues to draw near to His people, offering salvation and deliverance. This verse encourages us to:

• Offer Immediate Praise: Like Zechariah, our first response to God's goodness and fulfilled promises should be worship and thanksgiving.
• Trust God's Faithfulness: Reflect on how God has been faithful in the past, both in biblical history and in your own life. This builds confidence in His future promises.
• Recognize God's Active Presence: Understand that God is not distant but actively working in the world to bring about His purposes of salvation and restoration.
• Anticipate His Deliverance: Just as Israel awaited their redeemer, we can rest in the completed work of Christ and anticipate His final return and the full realization of His kingdom, where He will bring ultimate peace and no more tears.