Luke 1:68
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Luke 1:68
68 Blessed be the Lord God of Israel; for he hath visited and redeemed his people,
Chapter Context
Luke 1 is a historical gospel chapter in the New Testament that explores themes of creation, salvation, fellowship. Written during the late first century CE (c. 80-85 CE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Written when Christians needed to understand their place in the Roman world.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-80: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it reveals key aspects of God's character through divine actions and declarations. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Luke and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Luke 1:68
68 Blessed be the Lord God of Israel; for he hath visited and redeemed his people,
Analysis
Zacharias's prophecy, called the Benedictus, begins 'Blessed be the Lord God of Israel; for he hath visited and redeemed his people' (εὐλογητὸς κύριος ὁ θεὸς τοῦ Ἰσραήλ, ὅτι ἐπεσκέψατο καὶ ἐποίησεν λύτρωσιν τῷ λαῷ αὐτοῦ). The verb 'episkeptomai' (ἐπισκέπτομαι, 'visited') indicates divine intervention—God personally coming to help. The term 'lytrōsis' (λύτρωσις, 'redemption') refers to releasing captives through payment of ransom, pointing to Christ's atoning work. Zacharias interprets recent events through Israel's covenant history, seeing John and Jesus as fulfillment of Abrahamic and Davidic promises. The aorist tenses treat future events as accomplished facts because God's purposes are certain.
Historical Context
After nine months of divinely-imposed silence (Luke 1:20), Zacharias spoke this prophecy at John's circumcision and naming. The Benedictus reflects Jewish liturgical forms and echoes psalms, prophets, and covenant promises. Zacharias connects current events to the 'oath which he sware to our father Abraham' (v.73), demonstrating continuity between Old and New Testaments. His prophecy anticipates political deliverance ('saved from our enemies,' v.71) while ultimately pointing to spiritual salvation ('to give knowledge of salvation unto his people by the remission of their sins,' v.77).
Reflection
- How does Zacharias's prophecy demonstrate the unity of Scripture and God's faithfulness across generations?
- What is the relationship between the political deliverance first-century Jews expected and the spiritual salvation Jesus actually brought?
Word Studies
- God: Θεός (Theos) G2316 - God
Cross-References
- References God: Luke 7:16
- References Lord: Exodus 4:31
- Blessing: 1 Kings 1:48, 1 Chronicles 29:20, Psalms 41:13, 106:48, Ephesians 1:3
- Redemption: Luke 2:38, Psalms 111:9, Ephesians 1:7