Zechariah’s Prophecy about John (Luke 1:67-79)
Introduction to Zechariah’s Prophecy (Luke 1:67–79)
Zechariah speaks a prophecy about his newborn son, John. This prophecy is known as the Benedictus, taking it's title from the Latin Vulgate translation "Benedictus Dominus Deus Israel," meaning, "Blessed be the Lord God of Israel." This is not just a prophecy; it is a hymn of praise and thanksgiving to God.
The prophecy summarizes what God will do through John as he prepares folks to meet Jesus Christ, the Messiah. Filled with the Holy Spirit, Zechariah speaks with a mix of his own insight and with divine inspiration. His Benedictus is a blend celebrating God's past faithfulness with anticipation for future fulfillment.
One might see this passage as a bridge from the promises found in the Hebrew Scriptures to their realization in the unfolding drama of Jesus in the gospels. Through the themes of redemption, covenant faithfulness, and divine mercy, this prophecy becomes a way for us to understand the gospel's transformative power.
In this blog post, I will provide commentary on this wonderful prophecy, highlighting historical, textual, and theological points that elevate our perspective on this text.
Verse-by-Verse Commentary on Zechariah’s Prophecy
Luke 1:67–69
“Then his father Zechariah was filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke this prophecy: ‘Blessed be the Lord God of Israel, for he has looked favorably on his people and redeemed them.’”
Zechariah’s first words after months of silence (Luke 1:19-20) are a Spirit-filled proclamation of praise. His opening blessing acknowledges God’s active involvement in the world. The term “redeemed” is rich with meaning, recalling God’s deliverance of Israel from Egypt and foreshadowing the spiritual redemption accomplished through Jesus.
This redemption isn’t limited to political freedom but encompasses the deeper work of salvation from sin. Zechariah speaks as one who has experienced personal renewal, embodying how God’s grace transforms doubt into faith. His blessing also connects the miraculous birth of John to the broader narrative of God’s redemptive work, anchoring the moment in the larger story of Israel’s salvation history.
He speaks with confidence, as if redemption has already occurred!
Luke 1:70–71
“As he spoke through the mouth of his holy prophets from of old, that we would be saved from our enemies and from the hand of all who hate us…”
Zechariah ties the present events to the promises made through the prophets. From Isaiah to Malachi, the prophetic tradition spoke of a time when God would deliver the people. While these promises often carried political overtones—expectations of liberation from foreign oppression—Zechariah hints at a deeper liberation. The enemies here represent not only human oppressors but also sin and death, the ultimate adversaries.
The phrase “holy prophets” emphasizes the continuity of God’s plan. Salvation is not a reactionary measure but a carefully orchestrated fulfillment of his covenant promises. Zechariah’s words invite readers to trust in God’s timing, even when fulfillment seems delayed.
One must understand that "salvation" and "redemption" are multifaceted in all of Scripture. Zechariah (taking cues from the prophets) speaks of deliverance from political enemies who hate them and in verses 76-77 speaks of a mercy that forgives. Therefore we see that God cares both for individuals and systemic redemption.
Luke 1:72–75
“Thus he has shown the mercy promised to our ancestors, and has remembered his holy covenant, the oath that he swore to our ancestor Abraham, to grant us that we, being rescued from the hands of our enemies, might serve him without fear, in holiness and righteousness before him all our days.”
Here, Zechariah highlights the Abrahamic covenant (Genesis 12:1–3; 22:16–18). God’s promise to Abraham was twofold: to bless his descendants and to make them a blessing to all nations. Zechariah sees this promise coming to fruition through the birth of John and the coming Messiah.
The rescue Zechariah envisions leads to worship “without fear.” This phrase speaks to the freedom found in reconciliation with God. True worship isn’t constrained by fear of judgment but flows from a life transformed by grace. Holiness and righteousness become the markers of a life lived in response to God’s mercy.
They will be able to live and worship without fear, for Zechariah's hope is that political foes will be humbled by the hand of the Almighty.
Luke 1:76–77
“And you, child, will be called the prophet of the Most High; for you will go before the Lord to prepare his ways, to give knowledge of salvation to his people by the forgiveness of their sins.”
Turning his attention to John, Zechariah outlines his son’s divine calling. As the “prophet of the Most High,” John’s role is unique. He is the bridge between the Old and New Covenants, fulfilling prophecies like Malachi 3:1 and Isaiah 40:3. His mission is clear: to prepare the way for the Messiah by calling people to repentance.
The emphasis on “knowledge of salvation” underscores the need for understanding God’s plan. Salvation involves forgiveness—a theme central to John’s message and Jesus’ ministry. Zechariah’s words remind us that repentance isn’t merely a turning away from sin but a turning toward the grace that God freely offers. Grace changes us from the inside out and radically re-shifts how we orient our communal lives.
Luke 1:78–79
“By the tender mercy of our God, the dawn from on high will break upon us, to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace.”
Zechariah concludes with a poetic vision of hope. The imagery of dawn breaking speaks to the arrival of Jesus, the Light of the World (John 8:12). This light dispels the darkness of sin and death, offering a path to peace. The phrase “tender mercy” captures the heart of God’s character—a love that moves the Lord to intervene in human history.
The “way of peace” is more than the absence of conflict. It reflects a restored relationship with God, where individuals and communities live in harmony with his will. Zechariah’s prophecy points to the transformative power of God’s mercy, which not only forgives but also heals and reconciles.
Conclusion: The Legacy of Zechariah’s Prophecy
Zechariah’s prophecy stands as a testament to God’s faithfulness, mercy, and redemptive power. Through Spirit-inspired words, he connects the miraculous birth of John to the broader narrative of salvation history. His hymn celebrates not just what God has done but what God will do through Jesus Christ.
For contemporary readers, the Benedictus is a reminder of the hope we have in Christ. It challenges us to trust in God’s promises, to live lives marked by holiness and righteousness, and to embrace the peace that comes from reconciliation with him.
As we reflect on Zechariah’s words, we are invited to join in his song of praise, celebrating the dawn of salvation that transforms our lives and our world.
