Meaning of Luke 1:70

This verse, Luke 1:70, serves as a pivotal affirmation of the divine origin and prophetic lineage of the message being delivered by Zechariah. It explicitly states that God has spoken "through his holy prophets of long ago," underscoring the ancient and consistent nature of God's communication with humanity. This declaration situates the current revelation, spoken by Zechariah concerning the birth of John the Baptist and the coming of the Messiah, within a grand, unbroken historical and theological framework. It is not an isolated, novel pronouncement, but rather the latest installment in a long-standing divine plan, revealed progressively through a succession of chosen messengers. The emphasis on "holy prophets" highlights the purity and divine inspiration of these individuals, emphasizing that their words were not their own but God's.

Context and Background

Luke 1:67-79 presents the prophetic hymn of Zechariah, uttered after his son John the Baptist was born and his speech was restored. This hymn is often referred to as the Benedictus (from its opening Latin words, "Benedictus Dominus Deus Israel" - Blessed be the Lord God of Israel). Zechariah, a priest, is filled with the Holy Spirit and proclaims a prophecy that looks back to God's covenants and forward to the salvation brought by the Messiah, Jesus. Verse 70 specifically functions as a transition, connecting the immediate miraculous events to the broader sweep of redemptive history as foretold by the prophets. It validates the significance of John's birth and ministry as the fulfillment of these ancient promises.

Key Themes and Messages

• Divine Revelation: The primary theme is that God actively communicates His will and plans to humanity. This communication is not arbitrary but is a deliberate act of grace.
• Prophetic Continuity: The verse emphasizes that God's plan unfolds over time, and His spokesmen, the prophets, are integral to this unfolding. There is a consistent thread of divine purpose running through biblical history.
• Holiness of God's Messengers: The description of the prophets as "holy" signifies their set-apart nature, chosen and purified by God to be His instruments.
• Fulfillment of Promise: By linking present events to past prophecies, the verse strongly implies that these prophecies are now being fulfilled, pointing towards a significant turning point in God's redemptive work.

Spiritual Significance and Application

Spiritually, Luke 1:70 encourages believers to trust in the enduring faithfulness of God. It assures us that God's promises, spoken through His prophets, are reliable and will ultimately be brought to fruition. For believers today, this verse serves as a powerful reminder that our faith is rooted in a long history of God's interaction with His people. It calls us to pay attention to the "word of prophecy" (2 Peter 1:19) and to recognize how God continues to work in the world, often in ways that echo the patterns and themes found in Scripture. It fosters a sense of hope and anticipation for the completion of God's redemptive plan.

Relation to the Broader Biblical Narrative

This verse is a crucial link in the biblical narrative of salvation history. It connects the Old Testament prophetic tradition directly to the advent of Christ in the New Testament. The prophets of old, from Abraham to Isaiah, foretold the coming of a redeemer. Zechariah's declaration confirms that the events surrounding Jesus' birth are the anticipated culmination of these ancient pronouncements. It bridges the gap between the Law and the Prophets, and the grace and truth that came through Jesus Christ (John 1:17). This continuity assures readers that the New Testament is not a departure from God's covenantal dealings but their ultimate fulfillment.

Analogies

One analogy for Luke 1:70 is that of a grand symphony. The prophets of old represent the individual movements and themes introduced by various instruments. Zechariah's song, and by extension the coming of Christ, is the conductor bringing all these themes together into a harmonious and complete composition, revealing the full intention of the composer (God). Another analogy is that of a builder laying a foundation and then constructing the walls and roof. The prophets laid the foundational promises, and the coming of Christ is the structure that fulfills the architectural plan.

Relation to Other Verses

• Acts 3:21: Peter, in his sermon after healing the lame man, speaks of Jesus, "whom heaven must receive until the time for the restoration of all things, about which God spoke by the mouth of his holy prophets from of old." This directly echoes the idea of God speaking through holy prophets and points to the ultimate restoration that is realized in Christ.
• Hebrews 1:1-2: "Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke in times past to our fathers by the prophets, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son." This passage explicitly contrasts God's communication through prophets with His ultimate communication through Jesus, reinforcing the idea of progressive revelation culminating in Christ.
• 2 Peter 1:20-21: "knowing this first of all, that no prophecy of Scripture comes from someone's own interpretation, for no prophecy ever came by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit." This verse directly supports the concept of "holy prophets" being divinely inspired.
• Isaiah 59:20-21: "And a Redeemer will come to Zion, for Jacob's transgressions," declares the Lord. "And as for me, this is my covenant with them," says the Lord: "My Spirit that is upon you, and my words that I have put in your mouth, shall not depart out of your mouth, nor out of the mouth of your offspring, nor out of the mouth of your offspring's offspring," says the Lord, "from this time forth and forevermore." This prophetic promise highlights God's enduring word spoken through His people, a theme that Luke 1:70 affirms.