The Benedictus by Zechariah
Quick Summary
The Benedictus, also known as the Song of Zechariah, is found in Luke 1:68–79. It is a prophetic hymn sung by Zechariah after the birth of his son, John the Baptist. The Benedictus praises God for his faithfulness, deliverance, and the coming of the Messiah. Rooted in Old Testament imagery, it reveals the theological depth of Luke’s Gospel and connects John's birth to God's redemptive plan through Jesus Christ.
Introduction
Among the many songs and prayers found in the Gospel of Luke, the Benedictus holds a special place. Named from the Latin word for "Blessed" (the first word of the song in the Latin Vulgate), the Benedictus is a hymn of praise offered by Zechariah, the father of John the Baptist. After months of silence due to his disbelief at the angel's announcement (Luke 1:20), Zechariah's tongue is loosed once his son is born and named John, just as the angel had commanded (Luke 1:63–64).
This song is not only a personal celebration but a sweeping proclamation of God's unfolding salvation. It ties together covenant promises, prophetic expectations, and the dawning of a new era in redemptive history.
Luke 1:68–79: The Text of the Benedictus (NRSV)
"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, that we would be saved from our enemies and from the hand of all who hate us. 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.
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. 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."
Meaning and Theological Themes
1. God’s Covenant Faithfulness (Luke 1:68–74)
Zechariah begins by praising God for his faithfulness to Israel. The hymn is rich with Old Testament allusions, especially the covenant with Abraham (Genesis 22:16–18) and the promise of a Davidic king (2 Samuel 7:12–16). Zechariah sees the birth of his son not only as a personal joy but as a confirmation that God's long-awaited redemption is unfolding.
As Darrell Bock notes, "Zechariah links God’s actions in the present to his promises in the past" (Bock, Luke, Baker Exegetical Commentary, p. 182). The focus is not on John, but on what God is doing through Jesus, the "mighty savior" from David's house.
2. Salvation from Enemies and Fear (Luke 1:71–74)
In the Benedictus, salvation is not merely personal but national and communal. The people of Israel have long lived under foreign rule and threat. Zechariah anticipates a time when God will deliver them so that they may serve him without fear.
Commentator Joel Green emphasizes that this salvation is not military but spiritual: "Luke recasts traditional hopes into a salvation narrative that centers on forgiveness, light, and peace" (Green, The Gospel of Luke, NICNT, p. 109).
3. John the Baptist’s Role (Luke 1:76–77)
Zechariah turns to his newborn son and prophesies that John will be the prophet who prepares the way for the Lord. This recalls Isaiah 40:3 and Malachi 3:1, where a messenger is promised to precede God’s coming.
John’s mission is to give people the knowledge of salvation through the forgiveness of sins. This prepares the theological foundation for Jesus’ ministry. Forgiveness, rather than political liberation, is the true path to peace.
4. The Dawn of Mercy and Peace (Luke 1:78–79)
The final verses introduce a poetic image: "the dawn from on high will break upon us." This imagery echoes Isaiah 9:2 and Malachi 4:2, where light shines on those living in darkness.
Fred Craddock writes, "This is a hymn of hope from a man who had been struck dumb. Now his tongue is loosed and the first words are not complaint, but praise" (Craddock, Luke, Interpretation Commentary, p. 32).
Zechariah ends with an image of peace: God guiding our feet into the way of peace. This is the culmination of all God's covenantal work—peace with God, within the community, and for the world.
The Benedictus in Christian Tradition
Throughout history, the Benedictus has been a core part of Christian liturgy, especially in morning prayers such as Lauds in the Roman Catholic and Anglican traditions. Its themes of light, mercy, and peace resonate deeply at the start of a new day.
The early church also saw it as a Christ-centered text. Although spoken by Zechariah about John, the focus is on the "Lord" whom John prepares the way for—Jesus himself. The Benedictus anticipates the themes of Luke-Acts: the movement from Israel to the nations, the importance of prophetic fulfillment, and the mission to bring peace and salvation to all.
Application for Today
Zechariah's song is a reminder that God's promises may take time, but they are never forgotten. His hymn spans centuries of covenantal history and ties them together in the birth of a baby who will prepare the way.
For modern readers, the Benedictus offers several spiritual takeaways:
God sees and acts: Zechariah begins by saying God "looked favorably" on his people. Divine action is rooted in divine compassion.
Redemption is holistic: It includes forgiveness, freedom, purpose, and peace.
Our lives are part of something bigger: Even John’s remarkable role is part of God’s greater plan through Christ.
Praise can follow silence: Zechariah’s nine months of silence end not in bitterness, but blessing.
Commentary Citations
Darrell L. Bock, Luke: 1:1-9:50, Baker Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament (Baker Academic, 1994).
Joel B. Green, The Gospel of Luke, New International Commentary on the New Testament (Eerdmans, 1997).
Fred B. Craddock, Luke, Interpretation: A Bible Commentary for Teaching and Preaching (John Knox Press, 1990).
FAQ Section
Q: What does "Benedictus" mean?
A: "Benedictus" is Latin for "Blessed" and comes from the first word of the song in the Latin Vulgate translation.
Q: Where is the Benedictus in the Bible?
A: The Benedictus is found in Luke 1:68–79.
Q: Who is Zechariah in the Bible?
A: Zechariah was a priest and the father of John the Baptist. He was temporarily made mute for doubting the angel Gabriel's message about John's birth.
Q: How is the Benedictus used in Christian worship?
A: The Benedictus is part of the morning prayer (Lauds) in many Christian traditions, including Catholic, Anglican, and Lutheran liturgies.
Q: What is the main message of the Benedictus?
A: The Benedictus praises God for his mercy and faithfulness, announces the arrival of salvation through Jesus, and highlights John's role in preparing the way.
