67 Then Zachariah was filled with the Holy Spirit and prophesied, 68 Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel; he came and set his people free. 69 He set the power of salvation in the center of our lives, and in the very house of David his servant, 70 Just as he promised long ago through the preaching of his holy prophets: 71 Deliverance from our enemies and every hateful hand; 72 Mercy to our fathers, as he remembers to do what he said he'd do, 73 What he swore to our father Abraham - 74 a clean rescue from the enemy camp, So we can worship him without a care in the world, 75 made holy before him as long as we live. 76 And you, my child, "Prophet of the Highest," will go ahead of the Master to prepare his ways, 77 Present the offer of salvation to his people, the forgiveness of their sins. 78 Through the heartfelt mercies of our God, God's Sunrise will break in upon us, 79 Shining on those in the darkness, those sitting in the shadow of death, Then showing us the way, one foot at a time, down the path of peace. 80 The child grew up, healthy and spirited. He lived out in the desert until the day he made his prophetic debut in Israel.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Luke 1:67-80
Commentary on Luke 1:67-80
(Read Luke 1:67-80)
Zacharias uttered a prophecy concerning the kingdom and salvation of the Messiah. The gospel brings light with it; in it the day dawns. In John the Baptist it began to break, and increased apace to the perfect day. The gospel is discovering; it shows that about which we were utterly in the dark; it is to give light to those that sit in darkness, the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. It is reviving; it brings light to those that sit in the shadow of death, as condemned prisoners in the dungeon. It is directing; it is to guide our feet in the way of peace, into that way which will bring us to peace at last, Romans 3:17. John gave proofs of strong faith, vigorous and holy affections, and of being above the fear and love of the world. Thus he ripened for usefulness; but he lived a retired life, till he came forward openly as the forerunner of the Messiah. Let us follow peace with all men, as well as seek peace with God and our own consciences. And if it be the will of God that we live unknown to the world, still let us diligently seek to grow strong in the grace of Jesus Christ.