Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Luke 1:74
That he would grant unto us, that we being delivered out of the hand of our enemies might serve him without fear,
Might serve him – Might obey, honor, and worship him. This was regarded as a favor. This was what was promised, and for this Zechariah praised God.
Without fear – Fear of death, of spiritual enemies, or of external foes. In the sure hope of Gods eternal favor beyond the grave.
Fuente: Albert Barnes’ Notes on the Bible
Luk 1:74
Being delivered out of the hand of our enemies
Delivered from the hand of the enemy
While labouring among the wild tribes of the Druses, a messenger from one of their chiefs, whose influence it was important to secure, sent a message entreating Mr.
Gobat to visit him. The latter, however, was unable to do so in consequence of indisposition, h second messenger repeated the invitation, but still, contrary to Mr. Gobats expectations, he was prevented from complying with the chiefs wishes, h third messenger prevailed on him to set out, by the assurance that if he went at once he might spend the night with the chief, and be ready to return in the morning, so as to join a ship about to sail for Malta, in which Mr. Gobat was anxious to embark. On their journey the guides lost them selves in the mountain paths. Having at last, with some difficulty, regained their route, they suddenly saw by the light of the moon that a hyena had laid itself down across the path exactly in their way. They threw stones to frighten it, when the animal sprang up and ran along the path which the party were to travel. A superstition is prevalent among the Druses, that the way a hyena goes is an unlucky one. The natives refused, accordingly, to go farther, and Mr. Gobat had to retrace his steps, greatly perplexed at the obstacles which had hindered a journey apparently of so much consequence to his mission. When in Malta he received a letter from a friend in Lebanon, stating that he had been visited by the chief, who, with much agitation, had spoken to him as follows:– Your friend is truly a servant of God, and God has preserved him; for I wished to draw him to my village in order to murder him. Therefore I sent message after message to him; but God has delivered him from the hand of his enemies. (Memoirs of the late Bishop Gobat.)
Gods interposition
In a Western cabin, far away from all other residences, there sat a Christian mother rocking her babe to sleep. The husband and the father had been called suddenly off on business, and there had been no defence provided for that house that night in the wilderness. As the mother sat there in the cabin rocking her babe to sleep, miles away from any other tenement, glancing to the floor she saw a ruffians foot projecting from under the table. Having rocked her child to sleep she put him in the cradle, and then knelt down and said: Oh I Lord, keep this child; keep me. Oh! Thou who never slumbereth, watch over our cabin tonight. Let no harm come to us. If there be those abroad who wish us ill, bring them to a better mind. The Lord have mercy upon all wanderers, all who do deeds of violence and death. Bring them to Thyself–bring them to pardon and to heaven. As she arose from the prayer the ruffian came out from under the table and said: There will be no harm to you to-night. Pray for me, I am the wanderer that you spoke of. Pray for me. Years passed on, and that Christian woman sat in a great meeting called in the interest of reform. There was a great orator that day to be present, and as he preached righteousness, temperance, and judgment to come, his eye fell upon the countenance of that woman. His cheek was blanched and he almost failed in his speech. At the close of the meeting they joined hands, and a few words of conversation passed, and some one said: Why, where did you form the acquaintance of that orator? Never mind, she said, I have known him many years. Who was it watching the mother that night? Who was it watching the babe? Who was tit that brought the ruffian to God in repentance for his sin? Who is it that watches all our cradles, and all our tables, and all our homes, and all our way? Blessed be His glorious name for ever. He is a shelter to which we may all run. He is a fortress in which we may all be safe. (Dr. Talmage.)
Might serve Him without fear
Serving the Lord in holiness
I. The conveyance made in this covenant–That He would grant unto us, &c.
II. The benefits secured to us in this conveyance. Let us then attend–
I. TO THE CONVEYANCE MADE IS THIS COVENANT. In this two things may be observed.
1. The parties in whose favour this conveyance is made. Us, the seed of Abraham. So in this gospel, the Covenant is held out to you all, as heavens blank bond for grace and glory, that whosoever will, may fill his own name in it, by applying the same to himself in the way of believing.
2. The manner of the conveyance. It is by way of grant or gift, for so the word is. But observe the gift is to us, and so it is to be understood in respect of us, to be a free gift. In respect of the Lord Jesus, it is not so. All the benefits of the covenant, to be bestowed on His spiritual seed, are made over to Him on a valuable consideration. God gives us to serve our Redeemer, because Christ served Him perfectly in our room and stead.
II. To THE BENEFITS SECURED TO US IN THIS CONVEYANCE, even the sum of the benefits of the covenant of grace.
1. The principal benefit, which stands here under the notion of the end, namely, serving the Lord. That He would grant unto us, that we being delivered out of the hands of our enemies, might serve Him. O that men would learn this lesson, that any service we do to God, if right service, it is a benefit of the covenant, bestowed On us, for Christs sake. Then would they learn that God is not debtor unto them for it, but they are debtors to free grace on that very account. And the more they do for God, and the better that they do it, they are always the deeper in debt to free grace, Eph 2:8-10). This benefit of the covenant, that we might serve Him, imports three things:
1. The privilege of Gods service. God is a master of infinite glory and power, so that to be admitted into His service is the greatest privilege. How do men value themselves, in that they are of an earthly kings household, servants to one who wears a crown? But what a small thing is that, in comparison of this, to be the fellows of angels, in being taken into the service of Jehovah, the Lord of heaven and earth. It is a great part of heavens happiness. For there His servants shall serve Him.
2. Strength and ability for His service. And I will strengthen them in the Lord, and they shall walk up and down in His name, saith the Lord. He that abideth in Me, and I in him, saith Jesus, the same bringeth forth much fruit; for without Me ye can do nothing. For His grace is sufficient for us, and His strength is made perfect in weakness.
3. Acceptance of the service. For without faith it is impossible to please God. Concerning this covenant service, two things are further to be remarked.
1. The kind of service to God, in which sinners are instated by the covenant of grace; for there is a great difference of services. Now–
(1) This is not bond service, the service of slaves, who work their work for fear of their masters whip. Wherefore we have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear, but we have received the spirit of adoption, whereby we cry Abba, Father.
(2) It is not hired service, so much work for so much wages. But–
(3) It is an honorary service. So the word used by the Holy Ghost, in the text, signifies to minister, which is an honorary kind of service, such as kings and priests had when put into their office. Thus Christ hath made His people kings and priests unto God. They are a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God, by Jesus Christ. Let us now attend–
2. To the qualities of the service. They are these:
(1) It is universal, which the service of these remaining under the first covenant never is. Then shall I not be ashamed, when [ have respect unto all Thy commandments. We are to serve Him in holiness and righteousness. These answer to the whole holy law as a rule of life. That grace is held forth in the covenant, which you are to embrace for sanctification, as well as justification. And it is a full covenant for that purpose, as for all other purposes of salvation.
(2) It is a perpetual and lasting service. The first covenant required a lasting service, but secured not man from breaking the service. But the second covenant secures the perpetuity of the service, that, however fickle the believer is, yet he shall serve the Lord all the days of his life. It imports that he shall serve the Lord for ever and ever, in heaven, after death. We are now to consider, secondly, the subordinate benefit, namely, deliverance from our enemies, which stands here as a mean in order to the end, namely, Gods service. That we, being delivered out of the hands of our enemies, might serve Him. It is evident from the structure of the words, both in our version, and in the original especially, that the service is the end of the deliverance, and the deliverance the means of the service. As God said of Israel in Egypt, so doth He say of all His people; Let My son go, that he may serve Me. They cannot serve the Lord till once they be delivered.
This may also direct you in your management of this solemn occasion of grace and salvation.
1. If ever you would be capable to serve the Lord, seek that you may be delivered from your spiritual enemies, taken out of their hands who keep you in bondage.
2. If ever you would obtain that deliverance from your spiritual enemies, seek it in the covenant, in a way of believing. And if the Son make you free, you shall be free indeed. Lastly, Seek that deliverance, that you may serve the Lord. Many seek deliverance by Christ, that they may live at ease in the embraces of their lusts, free from the fear of hell. (T. Boston.)
Serving the Lord in holiness
I. THE COVENANT DELIVERANCE BESTOWED. We, being delivered out of the hands of our enemies. I shall reduce these to four.
1. They are delivered from the law. Not from the law as a rule of life in the hand of a Mediator, standing in the covenant of grace; but from the law as a covenant, under which all men are in their natural state (Rom 6:14-15). They are delivered from the curse of it. From the commanding power of it. For how can it have a commanding power over them who are not under it? But they are as completely freed from it, as death can make a wife free from her husband.
2. From sin. Though they are not free from the indwelling of it in this life, and molestation by it, yet they are freed from its guilt of eternal wrath, by which it binds over the sinner to the revenging wrath of God. There is therefore now no condemnation to them that are in Christ Jesus. They are freed also from the dominion of sin. Sin shall not have dominion over you, for you are not under the law, but under grace.
3. From death. Our Lords words are, Verily, verily, I say unto you, if a man keep My saying, he shall never see death. Lastly, from Satan, though not from molestation by him in this life; yet from under his power and dominion. Let us now–
II. Take notice of the covenant service, WHICH IS THE DESIGN OF THIS DELIVERANCE; and not only the design of the deliverance, but also of the deliverer: which, therefore, shall certainly take effect in the delivered. I take it up in three things, according to the text. They shall serve the Lord–
1. As sons serving their Father. Love to their Father will set them to work.
2. They shall serve Him universally. Then shall I not be ashamed, when I have respect to all Thy commandments. They will serve the Lord internally and externally.
3. They will serve Him constantly. I have inclined my heart to perform Thy statutes alway, even unto the end. Let us–
III. SHOW THE NECESSARY CONNECTION BETWIXT THE COVENANT DELIVERANCE AND COVENANT SERVICE.
1. None can serve the Lord in this right manner, till once in the first place, they are delivered: no more than a dead corpse can rise and serve you Eph 2:1-10).
2. The soul being once thus delivered, will certainly serve the Lord in holiness and righteousness before Him.
Use 1. The sanctification of sinners is the chief subordinate end of the covenant of grace, or of the gospel, standing next to the glory of God.
Use 2. They in whom the spirit of legalism, hypocrisy, and apostasy reigns, have no part nor lot in this matter. Lastly, as ever you would evidence yourselves Gods covenant people, partakers of this deliverance, serve no more the devil and your own lusts. (T. Boston.)
The practical nature of Christianity
I. The first blessing resulting from the Incarnation of Christ is DELIVERANCE FROM OUR ENEMY. Mans worst enemy is the devil and sin. In one sense it may be said we are not freed from these, for temptation besets the path of the Christian all through life; and the best and holiest men must with shame confess that they day by day offend. Yet is it true that since the coming of Christ the power of the devil on earth is much diminished, our Lord having seen him like lightning fall from heaven, and having by His descent into hell triumphed over the dismal powers of despair and hell. Strong as temptation is, we know that no one is tempted beyond what he is able to resist, and if he have recourse to the passion of Christ he will obtain not only a victory but a crown.
II. The next result of Christ having come in the flesh is, THAT WE MAY SERVE HIM WITHOUT FEAR. To every son of Adam sufficient grace is given to save him, though, alas I we see too many neglect so gracious a gift. But if the work of Christ be thus enabling, what an obligation it lays on all to occupy with that precious talent. God has done all this to enable you to render to Him that service, which is not only perfect freedom, but the true end and happiness of the creature, the very purpose for which all things were called into being. And this service is without fear. The relation with God into which we are brought through His Divine Son is a filial one. We have received the adoption of sons, and therefore the more we act as dutiful children, the more we shall love our kind parent; and when love is perfect, then, we are told, it casts out fear. The fear thus cast out is distrust of Gods goodness and mercy, or the dread of ever being separated from His holy care. But we are not for a moment to believe that any supposed advance in the spiritual life entitles us to take liberties with the honour of Him, at whose sight the whole earth trembles.
III. THIS SERVICE IS IN HOLINESS AND RIGHTEOUSNESS. Holiness has been defined to be purity and strength, the clean heart and the strong will dedicated as an offering to God; and righteousness is the same as justice, and may be taken either for that one great quality, whereby we render both to God and to man what is due, or else for that habitual charity, which contains the whole cycle of the Christian duties.
IV. THIS SERVICE IS PROGRESSIVE AND CONTINUOUS–All the days of our life.
1. No man is really safe till his trial is over. A blight may come over the soul; temptation, hitherto successfully resisted, may at length be succumbed to; conscience drugged, the soul may finally be lost.
(1) This thought should make us all humble.
(2) Watchful.
(3) Prayerful.
(4) Thankful for the merciful warning, Be not high-minded, but fear.
2. We must be ever advancing. It takes a long and a weary time to destroy the traces of old gin, and form ourselves upon the model of the new man. Even at the end we shall be far short of the ensample proposed to us, but there is comfort in the thought that even if we are not now what we ought to be, there is no necessity for staying as we are. God is ever calling us, and aiding us in our faintest efforts to obey that call. He mercifully deals with us both by prosperity and by adversity, if we only will submit to His loving discipline. (Bishop A. F. Forbes.)
Delivered from fear
How safe Noah, his family, and all the creatures in the ark were when God shut them in, and took them under His protection! A man dreamed that he was enclosed in a steel house, and though enemies came with guns, bayonets, and swords to kill him, he was perfectly safe. How much more secure are those who have God for their Refuge, Shield, and Protector. During a terrible storm at sea, a Christian officer was perfectly calm and fearless. His wife expressed surprise at this, when he drew his sword, and placing the point close to her breast, said, I could kill you. But, she replied, I am not afraid, because I know you love me, and you wont hurt me. So I fear not, responded he, because God loves me, and He wont hurt me. Knox was said never to have feared the face of any man. Chrysostom said once, Go, tell her, (Queen Eudoxia) that I fear nothing but sin. (H. R. Burton.)
Serving God and the fear of man
Where in my deep distress I determined to call on God I wanted to be sure that no one should hear me. I went to the woods, where, at the foot of a large tree, I had pled alone a thousand times without the least fear of intrusion. But now I could not feel alone. Some one was on the other side of the tree. I walked round it, but still felt that some listener, eluding me, was on the other side. In this way I actually walked several times around the tree. Stopping, I said: What are men or devils that I should quail before them when seeking Jehovah? Then I prayed, and if the assembled universe had been there I should have prayed. (Dr. Finney.)
Tormenting fear of God
And as I was brought up under the influence of fear of my parents, so I was also brought up under the influence of fear of God. I do not believe that there is any creature in India that goes before monstrous-mouthed idols with more quaking than I felt when I thought of Jehovah. I used to read those hymns of Watts, where he threw blood on the blazing throne, and quenched indignation, and brought forth love and mercy; and if I have not been through purgatory under the experience bred by the view presented in those hymns, nobody has I That which I hungered for and needed from the beginning was not terror. I was terrified enough. I had too much fear. And I remember perfectly–all eternity will not burn it out–when a change came over my feelings. I was walking near [Jane Seminary (where I studied theology without a hope), and was working over a lesson that I was to hear recited; and the idea dawned on me, not that there had been a covenant formed between God and His Son, but that Christ revealed the nature of God, whose very soul was curative, and who brought Himself and His living holiness to me, because I needed so much, and not because I was so deserving; and that instant the clouds rose, and the whole heaven was radiant, and I exclaimed, I have found God! and it was the first time I had found Him. Good His name was; and I went like one crazed up and down through the fields, half crying, half laughing, singing and praying and shouting like a good Methodist. (H. W. Beecher.)
Fuente: Biblical Illustrator Edited by Joseph S. Exell
Verse 74. – 75. Being delivered, c.] The salvation brought by Jesus Christ, consists in the following things: –
1. We are to be delivered out of the hand of our enemies, and from all that hate us so that sin shall neither have dominion over us, nor existence in us.
2. We are to worship God, , to render him that service and adoration which the letter and spirit of his religion require.
3. Ye are to live in holiness, a strict inward conformity to the mind of Christ-and righteousness, a full outward conformity to the precepts of the Gospel.
4. This is to be done before God, under the continual influence and support of his grace, and with a constant evidence of his presence and approbation.
5. This state is a state of true happiness – it is without fear. Sin is all cast out, holiness is brought in; God’s power upholds, and his approbation cheers and comforts, the believing heart. Thus misery is precluded, and happiness established.
6. This blessedness is to continue as long as we exist – all the days of our life, in all ages, in all situations, and in all circumstances. What a pity to have lived so long without God in the world, when so much happiness and glory are to be enjoyed in union with him!
, in the last clause, is omitted by many MSS., versions, and fathers. Griesbach has left it out of the text: however, it is but of small importance whether we read all our days, or, all the days of our life.
Fuente: Adam Clarke’s Commentary and Critical Notes on the Bible
Thus Zacharias, by an infallible Spirit, expounds the covenants and oaths of God to Abraham and David, not as they appear to us at first view, as if they were promises of a mere temporal kingdom, and a victory for the Jews over their enemies, together with a splendid state for them, which was all the scribes and Pharisees, and the generality of the Jews, expected from the Messiah; but as confirming Gods resolution to send the Jews a Saviour, who should save them from their sins, the guilt and dominion of them, and from the power of hell, and purchase a spiritual liberty for them to serve the Lord all their days, without fear, in holiness and righteousness, which indeed was the true end of the Messiahs coming. Thus for now the song of this holy man respected Christ, whom he showeth to be sent from the free grace and mercy of God, yet in performance of Gods truth and faithfulness, according to his oath promises; and to be therefore sent to deliver his people from their enemies, and to purchase for them a spiritual liberty, not to sin, but to serve the Lord without fear; in holiness and righteousness. The latter part of his prophecy respecteth John the Baptist, the new born son of this priest and heavenly prophet.
Fuente: English Annotations on the Holy Bible by Matthew Poole
74, 75. That he would grant us,&c.How comprehensive is the view here given! (1) The purposeof all redemption”that we should serve Him”thatis, “the Lord God of Israel” (Lu1:68). The word signifies religious servicedistinctively”the priesthood of the New Testament”[BENGEL]. (2) The natureof this service”in holiness and righteousness before Him”(Lu 1:75) or, as in Hispresence (compare Ps 56:13).(3) Its freedom“being delivered out of the hand of ourenemies.” (4) Its fearlessness“might serve Himwithout fear.” (5) Its duration“all the days ofour life.”
Fuente: Jamieson, Fausset and Brown’s Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible
That he would grant unto us,…. What is said in this and the following verse, is the substance of the promised mercy, covenant, and oath:
that we being delivered out of the hands of our enemies, as before, in Lu 1:71
might serve him without fear. One principal end of deliverance from spiritual enemies by Christ, is the service of God; and nothing lays a greater obligation on men to serve the Lord, and glorify him, than redemption by Christ; nor is there any thing that makes men more zealous of good works: spiritual and evangelical service, in distinction from the legal service, and worship of God, is here meant; since it is said to be “without fear”, which the threatenings and curses of the law filled men with; but being delivered from it, they become free from that spirit of bondage unto fear, it genders to; as being delivered also from sin and Satan, they are without fear of hell and damnation; and from the world, they are without fear of men; and from death, they are without fear of that, through which many under the legal dispensation, were all their lifetime subject to bondage. It is a saying of the Jews y, that:
“greater is he that serves from love, than he that serves from fear.”
But such sort of service is not of a man’s self, or performed by his own power and strength, but is a “grant” from God, and owing to the influence of his Spirit and grace.
y T. Bab. Sota, fol. 31. 1. Vid. Maimon. Hilch. Teshuva, c. 10, sect. 1, 2.
Fuente: John Gill’s Exposition of the Entire Bible
Delivered (). First aorist passive participle of an old verb, . The accusative case appears, where the dative could have been used to agree with , because of the infinitive (verse 74)
to serve (from latros , for hire). But Plato uses the word of service for God so that the bad sense does not always exist.
Fuente: Robertson’s Word Pictures in the New Testament
Serve [] . Originally to serve for hire, from latron, hire. Plato uses it of the service of God.
Fuente: Vincent’s Word Studies in the New Testament
1) “That he would grant unto us,” (dounai hemin) “To grant (that he would deliver) to us,” the privilege of serving Him as free, voluntary servants, Luk 9:23.
2) “That we being delivered out of the hand of our enemies,” (ek cheiros echthron hrusthentas) “That we having been delivered out of the hands of our enemies,” having been liberated or set free from the world, the flesh, and the devil’s final doom, Heb 2:15; Luk 4:18; Joh 8:32; Joh 8:36; Because we have spiritual emancipation, are “free indeed,” we are to serve out of love’s gratitude, Gal 5:13.
3) “Might serve him,” (latreuein auto) “Are to serve him,” in a devout, religious way, as the Thessalonian brethren did, 1Th 1:9; Rom 7:6; Rev 22:3.
4) “Without fear,” (aphobos) “Without, apart from, or void of fear,” In contrast with the former “spirit of bondage and fear,” Rom 6:22; Rom 8:15.
Fuente: Garner-Howes Baptist Commentary
74. That being delivered out of the hand of our enemies His purpose was, that, being redeemed, they might dedicate and consecrate themselves entirely to the Author of their salvation. As the efficient cause of human salvation was the undeserved goodness of God, so its final cause is, that, by a godly and holy life, men may glorify his name. This deserves careful attention, that we may remember our calling, and so learn to apply the grace of God to its proper use. We must meditate on such declarations as these:
“
God hath not called us unto uncleanness, but unto holiness,” (1Th 4:7.)
We are “redeemed with a great price,” (1Co 6:20,) “the precious blood of Christ,” (1Pe 1:18,) not that we may serve “the lusts of the flesh,” (2Pe 2:18,) or indulge in unbridled licentiousness, but that Christ may reign in us. We are admitted by adoption into the family of God, that we, on our part, may yield obedience as children to a father. For “the kindness and love ( φιλανθρωπία) of God our Savior toward man,” ( Titus 3:4,) “hath appeared unto all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly,” ( Titus 2:11,12.) And so Paul, when he wishes powerfully to exhort believers to consecrate themselves to God, “in newness of life,” (Rom 6:4,) and, “putting off, concerning the former conversation, the old man,” (Eph 4:22,) to render to him a “reasonable service,” “beseeches them by the mercies of God,” (Rom 12:1.) Scripture is full of declarations of this nature, which show that we “frustrate the grace” (Gal 2:21) of Christ, if we do not follow out this design.
That we may serve him without fear This deserves our attention: for it implies that we cannot worship God in a proper manner without composure of mind. Those who are ill at ease, who have an inward struggle, whether God is favorable or hostile to them, whether he accepts or rejects their services,—in a word, who fluctuate in uncertainty between hope and fear, will sometimes labor anxiously in the worship of God, but never will sincerely or honestly obey him. Alarm and dread make them turn from him with horror; and so, if it were possible, they would desire that there were, “no God,” (Psa 14:1.) But we know, that no sacrifice is acceptable to God, which is not offered willingly, and with a cheerful heart. Before men can truly worship God, they must obtain peace of conscience, as David speaks, “There is forgiveness with thee, that thou mayest be feared,” (Psa 130:4 🙂 for those to whom God has given peace are graciously invited and led to approach him willingly and with a cheerful desire to worship him. Hence too Paul deduces that maxim, that “whatsoever is undertaken without faith is sin,” (Rom 14:23.) But since God reconciles men to himself in Christ, since by his protection he keeps them safe from all fear, since he has committed their salvation to his own hand and guardianship, we are justly declared by Zacharias to be delivered by his grace from fear. And so the prophets describe it as peculiar to his reign, that,
“
they shall sit every man under his vine, and under his fig-tree, and none shall make them afraid,” (Mic 4:4.)
Fuente: Calvin’s Complete Commentary
(74) That he would grant unto us . . .The form of the Greek indicates even more definitely than the English that this was the end to which the covenant and the oath had all along been pointing.
Might serve him without fear.The service is that of worship as well as obedience. This was the end for which deliverance from enemies was but a means. Here, again, the form of the hope points to its early date. What prospect was there, when St. Luke wrote his Gospel, of any deliverance of the Jews from their earthly enemies? By that time, what was transitory in the hymn had vanished, and the words had gained the higher permanent sense which they have had for centuries in the worship of the Church of Christ.
Fuente: Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers (Old and New Testaments)
Luk 1:74. Without fear, , without a slavish fear, or that spirit of bondage, mentioned Rom 8:15. For the whole of this promise, both as it was originally made to Abraham, and as it is here applied to the coming of the Messiah, respected a spiritual deliverance; though the Jews generally understood it of a deliverance from their enemies on earth, as possibly Zacharias also did.
Fuente: Commentary on the Holy Bible by Thomas Coke
74 That he would grant unto us, that we being delivered out of the hand of our enemies might serve him without fear,
Ver. 74. Might serve him ] Servati sumus ut serviamus. Christ hath therefore broke the devil’s yoke from off our necks, that we may take upon us this sweet yoke, and not carry ourselves as sons of Belial. Serve we must still, but after another manner, as the Israelites did, when brought out of the Egyptian bondage; yet thou shalt keep this service, saith Moses, Exo 12:25 .
In holiness and righteousness ] These two make up one perfect pair of compasses, which can take the true latitude of a Christian heart.
Fuente: John Trapp’s Complete Commentary (Old and New Testaments)
74, 75. ] The attempts to remove the Jewish worship by Antiochus Epiphanes and by the Romans, had been most calamitous to the people.
This . . . sufficiently refutes the idea of some, that the whole subject of this song is the temporal theocratic greatness of the Messiah.
Fuente: Henry Alford’s Greek Testament
out of= from. Greek. ek. App-104.
hand. The 1611 edition of the Authorized Version reads “hands”. serve: or worship.
Fuente: Companion Bible Notes, Appendices and Graphics
74, 75.] The attempts to remove the Jewish worship by Antiochus Epiphanes and by the Romans, had been most calamitous to the people.
This . . . sufficiently refutes the idea of some, that the whole subject of this song is the temporal theocratic greatness of the Messiah.
Fuente: The Greek Testament
Luk 1:74. , without fear) The Fear of our Enemies, not fear of the Lord Himself, and that a filial fear, is set aside: Heb 2:15, [To deliver them who, through fear of death, were all their lifetime subject to bondage.]-, that we might serve) This constitutes the Priesthood of the New Testament.
Fuente: Gnomon of the New Testament
that we: Luk 1:71, Isa 35:9, Isa 35:10, Isa 45:17, Isa 54:13, Isa 54:14, Isa 65:21-25, Eze 34:25-28, Eze 39:28, Eze 39:29, Zep 3:15-17, Zec 9:8-10, Rom 6:22, Rom 8:15, 2Ti 1:7, Heb 2:15, Heb 9:14, Rev 2:10
Reciprocal: Lev 25:10 – proclaim Lev 25:55 – my servants Deu 5:15 – the Lord Deu 11:1 – his statutes Jos 22:5 – serve 1Sa 12:10 – deliver 2Sa 7:1 – the Lord 2Ki 17:39 – he shall deliver Ezr 8:35 – offered burnt Psa 59:1 – Deliver Psa 106:3 – doeth Psa 107:2 – from Psa 119:32 – enlarge Psa 119:134 – General Isa 43:21 – General Isa 44:22 – return Eze 11:20 – they may Dan 6:27 – delivereth Mic 5:6 – in the entrances thereof Zec 8:19 – therefore Rom 6:18 – made 1Co 7:22 – is the 2Co 5:15 – live unto Eph 1:4 – that Phi 1:14 – without 1Pe 1:15 – so 1Pe 2:24 – live 1Jo 4:18 – is no
Fuente: The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge
DELIVERANCE AND SERVICE
That He would grant unto us, that we being delivered out of the hand of our enemies might serve Him without fear, in holiness and righteousness before him, all the days of our life.
Luk 1:74-75
This promise is meant for us, and is to last all our life. God has sworn to give this blessing to those who have been delivered out of the hand of their enemies. Who are our enemies? I would sum them up under the five titles of sin, the flesh, the world, the devil, and death.
I. Sin.Sin is an enemy. Sin is illustrated by Egypt in its old power over Israel, and holds us in bondage as a taskmaster holds his slaves, so that we cannot have our own way. The Lord Jesus gives us deliverance from the hand of this enemy, exactly as God gave Israel deliverance from the hand of the Egyptians.
II. The flesh.The flesh is distinct from sin, because it is a part of our very nature. Sin is a taskmaster ruling over us; the flesh is an evil principle working in every man by nature. It is the flesh which makes us ready to yield to the claims of sin, the taskmaster, even when we are children of God. Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.
III. The world.The world presents its temptations in two separate forms, either alluring or attacking. In each case we are delivered from the hand of the world by virtue of the death of Christ. The power of Christs work will only operate for our benefit as we, moment by moment, exercise faith. This is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.
IV. The devil.There are demons at work the world over, but the Lord Jesus was revealed that He might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil; and if we trust in His strength we shall find that the devil cannot prevail.
V. Death.There are men who all their lifetime are in bondage for fear of death. Christ Jesus died to set us free from this enemy also, and there is now for us no sting in death. Thanks be to God, Who giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.
What is the outcome of this deliverance? Servicethat we might serve Him without fear, in holiness and righteousness before Him, all the days of our life.
Rev. Prebendary Webb-Peploe.
Illustration
A Scotchman was said to be very godly and earnest. The question was asked by a stranger in the place if this man were as good as he was describedas much out and out for God. The answer was, Well, I think he is straight enough toward God, but he is a wee bit twistical toward men. A great many Christians appear to be all right on Sunday toward God, but from Monday to Saturday are very apt to play twistical tricks toward men.
Fuente: Church Pulpit Commentary
4
This is the same in meaning as verse 71.
Fuente: Combined Bible Commentary
Luk 1:74. To grant unto us. This gives the purpose both of the oath and the approaching fulfilment of it.
That we. This introduces what God purposed to grant.
Being delivered from the hand of our enemies, such as Antiochus Epiphanes and the Romans, who had interfered with the Jews in their worship.
Should serve him. Since Zacharias was a priest, this probably refers to public religious worship, as the sign of truly serving God.
Without fear, the emphatic phrase of the sentence. It means: without fear of enemies; the fear of God, which is the Old Testament token of piety, is implied in the next verse.
Fuente: A Popular Commentary on the New Testament
God’s deliverance through Messiah did not mean that Israel could become passive but active in another form of His service. They could do so without fear of enemy persecution negatively and in holiness toward God and righteousness toward man positively forever.