Message of the Day: God Relieves Our Misery. In Him We are Safe!
“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)
This passage is part of the 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 a psalm, the Benedictus is more like a prophecy.
This prophecy brings out the themes of fulfillment, deliverance from oppression, forgiveness of sins, and peaceful service to God.
“Blessed be God” is a standard opening prayer for Jewish blessings. The prophets spoke of God visiting his people for redemption and judgment. It also means to look upon in order “to know the state of anyone,” then to visit for the purpose of “aiding those who need aid,” or alleviating misery. God “looked upon” the world – he saw it miserable – he came to relieve it, and brought salvation.
Because a horn could give an animal the victory in battle, it indicated strength. When the sacred writers, therefore, speak of great strength they often use the word “horn.” The “horn of salvation” parallels the meaning of “rock” and “strength” in Psalms.
God saw our miserable condition and came to save us. Jesus is our “horn of salvation,” because we can flee to him for safety when we are in danger, and we will be safe!
Sources:
Gundry, Robert H. A Survey of the New Testament. Third Edition. Manila, Philippines: OMF Literature Inc., 2002.
Keener, Craig S. he IVP Bible Background Commentary. New Testament. Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 1993.
MySword for Android. Riversoft Ministry, 2011-2019.
Olive Tree Bible Software, 1998-2020.
Zondervan NASB Study Bible. Grand Rapids, Michigan: Zondervan, 1999.
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