Zechariah's song

John the Baptist is born

Soon after this Elizabeth had her baby, John. The time came for his circumcision. And for his parent to give him a name. Then Zechariah was able to speak again. His song (Luke 1:68-79) was also full of words from the prophets. Everybody knew about this (Luke 1:65). People asked each other questions about John. They asked, 'What kind of man would he be?' The Bible tells us that the Lord was with John from his birth (Luke 1:15, 66). In the same way, the Lord had been with Samuel.

God will free his people

The beginning of Zechariah‘s song reminds us of words from the time of the Exodus. God used his very great power then to free his people. Zechariah says that this will happen again. In his song he refers to the ’horn‘. (In the Bible a horn is a sign of power. Psalm 132 refers to a horn.)

God will free his people from their enemies. This was not just a desire to defeat the enemy. It was a cry from a holy man. He wanted to serve the Lord without fear. He wanted people to know this. God is good. Zechariah says some things also about John.

17 In Zion I will give strength to King David's family.

My chosen king will continue to rule well,

like a light that shines brightly.

18 I will cause his enemies to be ashamed.

But his own kingdom will be great!’

Psalm 132:17-18 EasyEnglish Bible (EASY)

76 Zechariah then spoke to John:

‘You, my child, will be called a prophet of the powerful God who is over all.

You will go in front of the Lord to prepare a way for him.

77 You will tell God's people how God can save them.

They have done wrong things but God will forgive them.

Luke 1:76-77 EasyEnglish Bible (EASY)

God will forgive his people

The Jews will serve God. Zechariah‘s song says this. They will, at last, do right. They will be holy. They will be free when God forgives them. He will forgive the wrong things that men do. Zechariah was not thinking only about freedom from Roman rule. For many years, he had been studying the prophets!