Advent Season · Second Sunday of Advent · Year C

Luke 1:68-79

The Song of Zechariah (Benedictus)

December 5, 2027

Angel Appearing to Zacharias, Domenico Ghirlandaio — **Angel Appearing to Zacharias**, Domenico Ghirlandaio, 1486–1490Tornabuoni Chapel, Santa Maria Novella, Florence · public domain

Revised Common Lectionary

GospelLuke 3:1-6

EpistlePhil. 1:3-11

Old TestamentBar. 5:1-9 orMal. 3:1-4

PsalterLuke 1:68-79

Overview & Insights

“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.” (Luke 1:78-79)

Freed from his silence, Zechariah prophesies over his newborn son John, blessing God for raising up a horn of salvation in the house of David. His song looks forward to a coming dawn that will guide God's people into the way of peace.

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Commentary

Commentary on Luke 1:68-79 Working Preacher

The Lutheran home commentary on Zechariah's song as Advent 2's canticle of hope.

Luke 1 - Zechariah's Prophecy Enduring Word · David Guzik

A verse-by-verse evangelical study of the Benedictus and its promise of a coming dawn.

Background & Word Study

Luke 1:68 Interlinear BibleHub

The Greek of Zechariah's song word by word with parsing and lexical helps.

Book of Luke Overview BibleProject

An animated overview of Luke's structure and its opening songs of praise.

The Church Fathers

Luke 1 (Catena) Catena

Patristic comments verse by verse on Zechariah's prophecy over his son John.

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