1.67-80 The Benedictus

Luke 1:67-80

 Introduction:  This passage is very much like the prophets in the OT.  It is poetic and full of symbolism.  However, it isn’t hard to understand because we are used to this kind of symbolism in the NT.  It begins by praising God, which is how we should begin everything.

I. God be praised or blessed    vs. 68

    A. εὐλογητός:  pertaining to being worthy of praise or commendation; one to be praised or blessed

    B. Has visited and redeemed      vs. 68

         1. Present tense

         2. Came to deliver

    C. Raised a horn    vs. 69

         1. Horn – OT metaphor for strength or power

         2. Salvation – probably refers to deliverance for Israel

         3. In the house of David – a reference to Jesus, not John

    D. Salvation from our enemies   vs. 71-74

         1. Luke’s unfolding story suggests a rather more complex and even ambiguous fulfillment than these simple words might suggest.[1]

         2. Zachariah may have been thinking about the social conditions of Israel, but God meant it to be far more.

         3. No verbs, loosely organized

    E. In holiness and righteousness     vs. 75

         1. This requires a change of heart

         2. Ezekiel 36:26

         3. This is obviously bigger than Israel and more comprehensive than social conditions

II. The child, John the Baptist

    A. Prophet of the Most High    vs. 76

1. One who speaks for

         2. Most High used 58 times in Bible; Luke uses it three times in chapter 1 and four other times (2 – Luke; 2 – Acts)

    B. Go before the Lord to prepare the way

    1. Lord is probably his way of saying Yahweh

2. Isaiah 40:3-5

    C. Knowledge of salvation     vs. 77

         1. “Knowledge of salvation” is in Hebrew idiom the experience of salvation.[2]

         2. John made people aware of their sins and the need for salvation/ forgiveness

    D. All of this is because of God’s mercy     vs. 78-79

         1. Literally, the σπλάγχνα are the upper viscera—the heart, the lungs, and the liver—which were thought of as controlling the emotions, σπλάγχνα ἑλέους, “tender mercies,” is not found elsewhere in the NT[3]

         2. God’s light from heaven    John 8:12

         3. Lights the dark places, where death is

         4. Gives us peace      

Conclusion:  This passage certainly predicts the work and resulting consequences of John’s work.  We are reaping that salvation and peace that John planted.  Jesus said of John, “Among those born of women there has not risen anyone greater than John the Baptist” (Matthew 11:11).   

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[1]Nolland, J. (2002). Vol. 35A: Word Biblical Commentary : Luke 1:1-9:20. Dallas: Word, Incorporated.

[2]Nolland, J. (2002). Vol. 35A: Word Biblical Commentary : Luke 1:1-9:20. Dallas: Word, Incorporated.

[3]Nolland, J. (2002). Vol. 35A: Word Biblical Commentary : Luke 1:1-9:20. Dallas: Word, Incorporated.