“Blessed is the Lord God of Israel, for he has visited and redeemed his people, and has raised up a horn of salvation for us in the house of his servant David.” (Luke 1:68-69, NKJV)

Image courtesy of http://www.olivetree.com

Luke 1:68-79 is a hymn called Benedictus (“Blessed be”) because the opening word in the Latin Vulgate translation is Benedictus. Whereas the Magnificat (Luke 1:46-55) is similar to psalm, the Benedictus is more like a prophecy.

When John the Baptist was born, his father Zechariah broke forth in a hymn of praise to God. His first words of praise were not for his son, but for the Savior whom his son would announce. This savior was from the family of David and shall be the redeemer of his people. In accordance with the Abrahamic covenant, the Messiah would deliver God’s people from bondage so that they might serve him in reverence, holiness, and righteousness.

References:

MySword for Android. Riversoft Ministry, 2011-2019.

Olive Tree Bible Software. http://www.olivetree.com

Zondervan NASB Study Bible. Grand Rapids, Michigan: Zondervan, 1999.

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