Verse of the Day
Thursday, December 18, 2025
Luke 1:68-70
Blessed be the Lord God of Israel, for he has looked favorably on his people and redeemed them. He has raised up a mighty savior for us in the house of his servant David, as he spoke through the mouth of his holy prophets from of old.
Introduction
Luke 1:68–70 forms the opening lines of the Benedictus, Zechariah’s Spirit-inspired prophecy proclaimed after the birth of his son, John the Baptist. These verses set the tone for the entire canticle by celebrating God’s intervention in history through the arrival of the Messiah. Within the Advent narrative, this passage holds profound theological significance: it heralds God’s long-awaited faithfulness, announces the dawn of redemption, and situates the coming of Jesus within the ancient promises of Israel’s story. As the season of Advent emphasizes expectation and fulfillment, Zechariah’s proclamation becomes a central testimony that God’s saving purposes are finally unfolding.
Commentary
“Blessed be the Lord God of Israel, for he has looked favorably on his people and redeemed them.”
Zechariah begins with a doxology—“Blessed be the Lord God of Israel”—echoing the language of the Psalms and Israel’s worship. The phrase “looked favorably” (literally “visited”) signifies God’s active, compassionate intervention in human affairs, a motif especially associated with deliverance. “Redeemed them” evokes the language of the Exodus and the role of the go’el, the kinsman-redeemer who rescues relatives from oppression or debt. Even before Jesus’ ministry begins, Zechariah speaks of redemption as an accomplished reality, emphasizing the certainty of God’s saving actions.
“He has raised up a mighty savior for us in the house of his servant David.”
The phrase “raised up a mighty savior” literally means “a horn of salvation,” an Old Testament image of strength, victory, and kingly power (cf. Psalm 18:2). By identifying this savior as coming “from the house of his servant David,” Zechariah ties the coming Messiah directly to God’s covenantal promise to David that his throne would be established forever (2 Samuel 7:12–16). The Messiah is not an abstract spiritual deliverer but the long-anticipated Davidic king who brings God’s faithful love into concrete historical fulfillment.
“As he spoke through the mouth of his holy prophets from of old.”
Zechariah recognizes that the coming redemption does not emerge suddenly but has been foretold throughout Israel’s prophetic tradition. Prophets such as Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Ezekiel promised a renewed covenant, a restored kingdom, and a righteous king who would shepherd God’s people. By emphasizing “holy prophets from of old,” Zechariah roots the present moment in a centuries-long divine narrative, showing that Jesus’ coming fulfills—not replaces—Israel’s story.
Understanding the Context
The Benedictus rises from a moment of profound personal and national significance. Zechariah, a priest, had been struck mute for doubting Gabriel’s announcement of John’s birth. His speech returns only after he confirms the child’s God-given name, signaling Zechariah’s renewed obedience. Filled with the Holy Spirit, he begins to prophesy.
Historically, Israel lived under Roman occupation, longing for deliverance and the fulfillment of God’s promises. The references to David and the prophets recall the Abrahamic covenant (Genesis 12; 15; 17) and the Davidic covenant (2 Samuel 7), both foundational pillars of Israel’s hope. The expectation of a Messiah—a Spirit-anointed king who would establish justice, peace, and redemption—was deeply ingrained in first-century Jewish thought.
Liturgically, the Benedictus has long been associated with morning prayer, symbolizing the dawn of salvation as Christ shines light into a darkened world. In Advent, this passage resonates with themes of anticipation, divine faithfulness, and the fulfillment of prophecy.
Application for Today
For modern Christians, Luke 1:68–70 offers several meaningful insights:
1. God’s faithfulness is unwavering.
Zechariah’s proclamation reminds believers that God’s promises, though sometimes slow in coming, are always reliable. Advent encourages Christians to wait with hope, trusting that God is at work even in seasons of silence.
2. Redemption is both a past gift and a present reality.
Zechariah speaks of redemption as though it has already occurred. This teaches believers to live in the assurance of Christ’s redeeming work, even as its full completion is still unfolding.
3. Jesus stands at the center of God’s covenant story.
Understanding Jesus as the fulfillment of the Davidic and prophetic promises deepens one’s appreciation of the continuity between the Old and New Testaments. Christian faith is rooted in the long arc of God’s dealings with humanity.
4. Advent hope shapes how believers face uncertainty.
The people of Israel waited in political turmoil, longing for deliverance. Christians today can draw strength from knowing that God steps into real human history—not abstract spiritual space—to bring salvation.
Reflection
Zechariah’s words invite us to stand in the long stream of God’s unfolding story, where promises made generations earlier find their fulfillment in Christ. As we listen to his proclamation, we are reminded that God’s work is often quieter and more gradual than we expect, yet unfailingly sure. These verses challenge us to see our own lives within the larger narrative of redemption, to recognize God’s faithfulness in the ordinary passage of time, and to welcome the Savior who comes not only to Israel but to the whole world with strength, mercy, and covenant love.
The Bible texts are from the New Revised Standard Version (NRSV) Bible, copyright © 1989, 1993 the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Verse of the Day is a daily inspirational and encouraging Bible verse, extracted from BibleGateway.com. Commentary by Kenny Sallee, ThM.
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