Through which “prophets of old” (Luke 1:70) did God
speak about His “horn
of salvation” (Luke 1:69)?
Prophets pretty much throughout the Old Testament, including even some
who may not have understood the full extent of what God made them say (see
Psalm 22 commentary and
Isaiah 53 commentary).
What “oath” did God swear to “Abraham” (Luke 1:73)?
See Genesis 15 commentary.
What is remarkable about what Zacharias doesn't
mention while praising God above?
Being able to speak for the first time in nine month and just after his
son John is born, Zacharias' words of praise mention neither the
miracle of his mouth and tongue being “unlocked” (Luke 1:64) nor the
birth of his son.
Why not?
“Filled with the Holy Spirit” (Luke 1:67),
Zacharias was speaking as a priest of Israel that he was (see
Division of Abijah)
What is meant by “serve Him” (Luke 1:74)?
λατρευειν (latreuein), the original Greek
word translated “serve,” can also or more
specifically mean “worship” or “conduct religious service.” Under the
yoke of their occupying Roman “enemies” (Luke
1:74), the Jews couldn't worship God in the temple
“without fear” (Luke 1:74).
But didn't the Romans destroy Jerusalem and its
temple a few decades after this prophecy?
Zacharias may have thought he was prophesying about Israel being freed
from the political yoke of Rome, but the prophecy was about the Messiah
freeing His people from the yoke of sin, so that they can worship God
“in holiness and righteousness” (Luke 1:75).
Who is the “child,” and who is the “Lord” (Luke
1:76)?
The “Lord” is Jesus, who was still in Mary's
womb at this time (see
Son of God), and the “child” is
Zacharias' newborn son John (see
John the Baptist) who “will go before”
Jesus to “prepare His ways” (Luke 1:77).
How will John prepare Jesus' ways?
By telling people to repent of their sins and believe in Jesus, the
Lamb of God who will grant them “salvation by
the forgiveness of their sins” (Luke 1:77).
What is “mercy” (Luke 1:78)?
Not executing the punishment due.
What is the punishment due for sin?
Death and hell.
How did God grant mercy?
He died on the cross to pay the death penalty due sinners and grant them
heaven instead of hell (see
John 3:16).
Who is the “Sunrise” (Luke 1:78)?
Jesus.
Why is He described as “Sunrise from on high” who
“has come to us” (Luke 1:78)?
The imagery is of a dark night sky getting lighter just before dawn.
Jesus had come and was already in Mary's womb. When He is born, the sun
will rise over the horizon and “shine on those who sit in darkness and the shadow of death,
to guide our feet into the way of peace” (Luke 1:79). Also see
“Light” in
John 1:5.