The Benedictus (the title being derived from the first word of the song “Blessed” in Latin: Benedictus Dominus Deus Israel), found in Luke 1:68-80, is traditionally read during the Advent season celebrating events surrounding the coming of Jesus. The Benedictus is the song that Zechariah (the father of John the Baptist) sung at the occasion of John’s birth. This event in Zechariah’s life is one of unspeakable joy.
Zechariah and his wife, Elizabeth, were unable to have children (like many others in the story of salvation). Answering their prayer for children, God sends an angel to tell Zechariah that Elizabeth is pregnant and goes on to detail the future blessings of John’s ministry in preparing the way for the Messiah. Zechariah, who is fearful during the encounter in the temple, doubts the promise of God. As a result, the Zechariah’s mouth is shut and he is rendered speechless.
It wasn’t until John’s birth that Zechariah was able to speak again. It was upon his receiving the gift of faith (like Mary in the Magnificat) that he bursts forth in prophetic song. This is the Benedictus.
This song, then, can be understood not only as a celebration of the promise of God fulfilled in the miraculous birth of his son who will prepare the way for the Messiah, but also a celebration of the fulfillment of Zechariah’s faith in that very promise. It is out of excitement and enthusiasm for God’s coming salvation that Zechariah sings this famous chorus. Zechariah is filled with joy because of his growth in faith, not only because of God fulfilling his promise.
The poem itself is thick with references to God’s faithfulness to his covenantal people. It also centers around the theme of coming redemption. Verses 76 and 77 stand out:
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
in the forgiveness of sins…
Zechariah, filled with the Holy Spirit, prophesies that John will “give knowledge of salvation to his people in the forgiveness of sins.” There is a connection, then, between “knowledge of salvation” and the “forgiveness of sins”. This text (along with other sections in scripture) implies that a clear understanding of salvation only comes with the forgiveness of sins. In other words, the weight of sin on the soul of a person darkens the mind and thereby prevents a sober understanding of salvation. This is, what I believe, Paul is implying when he says, “salvation is foolishness to those who are perishing” (1 Corinthians 1:18).
This reality is fleshed out in Zechariah’s very experience. Zechariah is singing his own story. Looking upon the promise of God in darkness, all the eyes see is foolishness. It doesn’t make sense. But, when wrestling with the Lord through the admittance, confession, and deliverance from sin, the light of dawn begins to shine. This is always accompanied by the receiving of the gift of faith, and unspeakable joy.
