Luke 1:78
Verse
Context
Zechariah’s Song
77to give to His people the knowledge of salvation through the forgiveness of their sins, 78because of the tender mercy of our God, by which the Dawn will visit us from on high, 79to shine on those who live in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the path of peace.”
Sermons





Summary
Commentary
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Through the tender mercy of our God--the sole spring, necessarily, of all salvation for sinners. dayspring from on high--either Christ Himself, as the "Sun of righteousness" (Mal 4:2), arising on a dark world [BEZA, GROTIUS, CALVIN, DE WETTE, OLSHAUSEN, &c.], or the light which He sheds. The sense, of course, is one.
John Gill Bible Commentary
Through the tender mercy of our God,.... or "bowels of mercy", to which the forgiveness of sin is owing; the source and spring of pardon, is the free grace and abundant mercy of God; it takes its rise from thence, though it is channelled in the blood and sacrifice of Christ; and which no way derogates from, but rather heightens the riches of God's grace and mercy: for it was mercy that moved God to enter into a covenant with his Son, in which forgiveness of sin is promised; and it was mercy to set forth his Son, in his eternal purposes and decrees; and to send him forth in the fulness of time, to shed his blood for the remission of sins; it was the mercy of God to us, that provided a lamb for a burnt offering, and then accepted of the sacrifice and satisfaction of his Son, in our room and stead, and forgave all our sins, for his sake; and whatever the pardon of our sins cost God and Christ, it is all free grace and mercy to us: it is owing not to the absolute mercy of God, or to the mercy of God as an absolute God, but to the mercy of "our" God; our God in Christ, our covenant God and Father, whose bowels yearned towards us, and whose pity is that of a tender parent: whereby the day spring from on high hath visited us: the word here used, and is translated "the day spring", is the same which the Septuagint use, in Jer 23:5 where the Messiah is spoken of, under the name of the "branch": and undoubtedly the Messiah Jesus, is intended here, who is the man, that branch, that has grown up out of his place; not from below, but from above; and who is the phosphorus, or bringer of light, that bright and morning star, that sun of righteousness, who has light in himself, and communicates light to others; even light natural, spiritual, and eternal; and with his rays and beams of light, life, and love, refreshes, exhilarates, and warms, the hearts of his people: and by the "visit" he has made in our "horizon", is meant his assumption of human nature; which, like a friendly visit, proceeded from pure love to the children of God; and was a drawing near unto them, for it was a taking on him their nature, in which he represented their persons; and was done through much difficulty and great condescension, since he was in the form of God, and thought it no robbery to be equal with him; and his stay on earth in this nature, was but for a little while; so that on all accounts, it may be truly called a "visit": and which, as the remission of sin is wholly owing to the tender mercy of our God, who put him upon it, called him to it, sent him forth made of a woman, and in the likeness of sinful flesh, to obtain eternal redemption, in which mercy and truth met together: the end and design of this visit, are signified in the next verse; for the following words belong to the day spring from on high, and not to John the Prophet of the Highest.
Luke 1:78
Zechariah’s Song
77to give to His people the knowledge of salvation through the forgiveness of their sins, 78because of the tender mercy of our God, by which the Dawn will visit us from on high, 79to shine on those who live in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the path of peace.”
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
Cranbrook Fellowship 2000 Russell Stendal - Elijah (Warnock Introduction)
By George Warnock2.5K48:15SeminarLUK 1:78In this sermon, the speaker shares his personal testimony of how God called his family to become missionaries in Colombia. He emphasizes that following God's call may require sacrifice and testing, but it is necessary for the ministry of the gospel to advance. The speaker then references the story of Elijah on Mount Carmel, where the fire of God fell and turned the hearts of the people back to Him. He highlights the importance of humbling ourselves before God and allowing His fire to consume everything that is not aligned with His order. The speaker concludes by encouraging the audience to seek the fire of God in their lives and be willing to let go of their own agendas in order to be a part of God's glorious plan.
Epistle 388
By George Fox0GEN 3:15PSA 25:9LUK 1:78JHN 1:9ROM 1:16COL 1:231TH 5:191TI 1:162TI 3:8TIT 2:11HEB 4:16George Fox preaches to captives in Algiers, urging them to know and do God's will in humility and fear, living lives that preach godliness and righteousness to all, including Turks, Moors, and Jews. He emphasizes the universal enlightenment by Christ's light and grace, calling all to come to the grace of God in their hearts for salvation and to worship Him in spirit and truth. Fox warns against resisting the truth and rebelling against the spirit, highlighting the need to endure in God's grace and truth for salvation.
Countless Treasures!
By J.C. Philpot0PSA 18:28PSA 119:105PSA 119:130PRO 20:27LUK 1:78JHN 8:12JHN 12:392CO 4:32CO 4:6EPH 1:18J.C. Philpot preaches about the countless treasures found in the Bible, highlighting how the Scriptures are often heard without interest or understanding by many, leading to dangerous errors and stumbling in religious matters. He contrasts the darkness of those without divine light with the enlightening work of the Spirit in believers, guiding them to see their fallen state, the holiness of God, and the way of salvation through Christ. Philpot emphasizes the necessity of divine teaching to truly comprehend and apply the truths of Scripture, showing that without a living faith, the word of God remains a dark enigma to the unregenerate heart.
Luke 1:67-80. the Prophecy of Zacharias.
By Favell Lee Mortimer0LUK 1:78Favell Lee Mortimer delves into the story of Zacharias, highlighting how God's great mercy not only restored his speech but enabled him to prophesy about the Savior. Zacharias' focus on spiritual blessings over earthly comfort is evident in his song. He refers to the Savior as 'A horn of salvation' to signify Christ's mission to destroy the devil and save His people. Additionally, Zacharias calls the Savior 'The dayspring,' symbolizing Christ's role in guiding humanity out of darkness into the way of peace.
Prayer - 1 Peter 1:3-5, Part 2
By A.W. Pink0God's MercyRegenerationNEH 9:27PSA 86:5PSA 86:13LUK 1:78ROM 8:32ROM 9:15EPH 1:3TIT 3:4HEB 6:191PE 1:3A.W. Pink emphasizes the abundant mercy of God as the foundation of our regeneration and lively hope in Christ, highlighting that this mercy is both general and special. He explains that God's mercy is not only a characteristic of His nature but is also demonstrated through the resurrection of Jesus Christ, which assures believers of their new birth and eternal life. Pink urges believers to recognize the transformative power of this mercy, which leads to a living hope that is active and purifying in their lives. He contrasts the genuine hope of the regenerate with the false hopes of the unregenerate, underscoring that true hope is rooted in the promises of God and the work of Christ. Ultimately, he calls for a heartfelt acknowledgment of God's mercy, which is essential for spiritual life and growth.
The Dayspring
By Robert Hawker0PSA 119:105LUK 1:78JHN 1:52PE 1:19REV 22:16Robert Hawker preaches about Jesus as the Dayspring from on high, bringing light to a world covered in darkness and ignorance. He highlights how Jesus fulfilled the shadows of ordinances and continues to bring light to individuals in their journey from nature to grace. Every manifestation of Jesus' love is seen as the Dayspring on their souls, leading them from grace to glory. Ultimately, Hawker emphasizes that Jesus will be the Dayspring and Morning Star in the everlasting day, shining eternally in the hearts of believers.
The Appearance of Christ in Human Nature - Part 1
By John Gill0Salvation and RedemptionThe Light of ChristGEN 3:152SA 23:4ISA 27:4MAL 4:2MAT 1:23LUK 1:78JHN 8:12ACT 8:8COL 1:23REV 22:16John Gill preaches about the appearance of Christ in human nature, comparing it to the light of the morning when the sun rises, emphasizing that His coming dispels darkness and brings joy and hope to humanity. He explains that Christ's arrival was foretold and serves as a beacon of salvation, illuminating the path for lost sinners and fulfilling prophecies that reveal His nature and mission. Gill highlights that this light is not only for the Jewish people but also for the Gentiles, signifying the universal reach of Christ's gospel. The sermon underscores the righteousness of Christ's rule and the peace that comes with His presence, marking the end of the stormy dispensation of the law. Ultimately, Gill points to the transformative power of Christ as the Sun of righteousness, bringing healing and light to all who believe.
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Through the tender mercy of our God--the sole spring, necessarily, of all salvation for sinners. dayspring from on high--either Christ Himself, as the "Sun of righteousness" (Mal 4:2), arising on a dark world [BEZA, GROTIUS, CALVIN, DE WETTE, OLSHAUSEN, &c.], or the light which He sheds. The sense, of course, is one.
John Gill Bible Commentary
Through the tender mercy of our God,.... or "bowels of mercy", to which the forgiveness of sin is owing; the source and spring of pardon, is the free grace and abundant mercy of God; it takes its rise from thence, though it is channelled in the blood and sacrifice of Christ; and which no way derogates from, but rather heightens the riches of God's grace and mercy: for it was mercy that moved God to enter into a covenant with his Son, in which forgiveness of sin is promised; and it was mercy to set forth his Son, in his eternal purposes and decrees; and to send him forth in the fulness of time, to shed his blood for the remission of sins; it was the mercy of God to us, that provided a lamb for a burnt offering, and then accepted of the sacrifice and satisfaction of his Son, in our room and stead, and forgave all our sins, for his sake; and whatever the pardon of our sins cost God and Christ, it is all free grace and mercy to us: it is owing not to the absolute mercy of God, or to the mercy of God as an absolute God, but to the mercy of "our" God; our God in Christ, our covenant God and Father, whose bowels yearned towards us, and whose pity is that of a tender parent: whereby the day spring from on high hath visited us: the word here used, and is translated "the day spring", is the same which the Septuagint use, in Jer 23:5 where the Messiah is spoken of, under the name of the "branch": and undoubtedly the Messiah Jesus, is intended here, who is the man, that branch, that has grown up out of his place; not from below, but from above; and who is the phosphorus, or bringer of light, that bright and morning star, that sun of righteousness, who has light in himself, and communicates light to others; even light natural, spiritual, and eternal; and with his rays and beams of light, life, and love, refreshes, exhilarates, and warms, the hearts of his people: and by the "visit" he has made in our "horizon", is meant his assumption of human nature; which, like a friendly visit, proceeded from pure love to the children of God; and was a drawing near unto them, for it was a taking on him their nature, in which he represented their persons; and was done through much difficulty and great condescension, since he was in the form of God, and thought it no robbery to be equal with him; and his stay on earth in this nature, was but for a little while; so that on all accounts, it may be truly called a "visit": and which, as the remission of sin is wholly owing to the tender mercy of our God, who put him upon it, called him to it, sent him forth made of a woman, and in the likeness of sinful flesh, to obtain eternal redemption, in which mercy and truth met together: the end and design of this visit, are signified in the next verse; for the following words belong to the day spring from on high, and not to John the Prophet of the Highest.