Luke 1:70 – “As he said through his holy prophets of long ago.”
Extended Explanation
This verse comes from Zechariah’s song of praise, known as the Benedictus (Luke 1:68-79). Here, Zechariah acknowledges that God’s current work of salvation isn’t something new or unexpected—it’s the fulfillment of promises that God made long ago through His prophets. The birth of John the Baptist and the coming of the Messiah were not random events; they were part of God’s long-standing plan, spoken of by prophets like Isaiah, Jeremiah, and others who pointed forward to the coming of a Savior.
This verse highlights that God’s plan of salvation is deeply rooted in history. The prophets consistently spoke of a time when God would deliver His people, not just from political oppression but from sin and separation from Him. Zechariah’s words reflect a confident faith that God is faithful to fulfill His promises, no matter how long it takes.
Historical Context
The Jewish people had a long tradition of listening to God’s messages through prophets. From Moses to Isaiah to Malachi, God revealed His plans and purposes to His people through these chosen messengers. The Old Testament is filled with prophecies about a coming Messiah who would rescue God’s people and establish a kingdom of peace and righteousness (Isaiah 9:6-7, Micah 5:2).
During the time of Zechariah, Israel was under Roman rule, and many Jews were eagerly awaiting the fulfillment of these prophecies. They expected the Messiah to be a political leader who would free them from foreign oppression, but God’s plan of salvation was much greater. The prophets had pointed to a Savior who would address the root issue of humanity’s separation from God. Zechariah, filled with the Holy Spirit, recognized that these prophecies were coming true through the birth of John the Baptist and the imminent arrival of Jesus.
Theological Implications
This verse emphasizes the faithfulness and reliability of God’s Word. What God spoke through the prophets was not forgotten or abandoned—it was being fulfilled in God’s perfect timing. This reminds us that God’s promises are trustworthy. Even when they seem delayed or difficult to understand, we can be confident that He will bring them to pass.
Theologically, this verse also highlights the unity of Scripture. The Old Testament and New Testament are not separate stories—they are parts of the same grand narrative of redemption. The prophets laid the foundation for understanding the coming of the Messiah, and Zechariah’s words affirm that Jesus is the fulfillment of those ancient promises.
Additionally, this verse underscores God’s sovereign plan. The prophets spoke about events that would happen long after their time, showing that God’s plan of salvation was established before the foundation of the world. Salvation was never an afterthought or a backup plan—it was part of God’s design from the beginning.
Literary Analysis
Luke’s Gospel frequently connects events in the life of Jesus to Old Testament prophecies, and this verse is a key example. By referencing the “holy prophets of long ago,” Luke underscores the continuity between the Old Testament and the events unfolding in the New Testament. Zechariah’s song bridges the gap between the past promises of God and their present fulfillment.
The phrase “as he said” is significant because it emphasizes that what is happening is not new or unexpected—it is exactly what God said would happen. This builds trust in God’s Word and highlights the importance of looking back at the Scriptures to understand God’s ongoing work.
Biblical Cross-References
- Isaiah 9:6-7 – A prophecy of the coming Messiah: “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders.”
- Micah 5:2 – “But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel.”
- Jeremiah 23:5-6 – A prophecy about a righteous branch from David’s line who will reign as king.
- Psalm 105:8-10 – “He remembers his covenant forever, the promise he made, for a thousand generations.”
- 2 Peter 1:21 – “For prophecy never had its origin in the human will, but prophets, though human, spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.”
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For Christians today, this verse is a powerful reminder that God’s promises are reliable. Just as He fulfilled the promises made through the prophets, He will fulfill the promises He has made to us. When we read Scripture, we can trust that what God says is true, even when we don’t see immediate results.
This verse also calls us to study and cherish the whole Bible, recognizing that the Old and New Testaments work together to tell the story of God’s salvation. The prophecies of the Old Testament give context and depth to the work of Jesus, and understanding them can deepen our faith and appreciation for God’s plan.
Additionally, this verse encourages us to live with hope. Just as the people of Israel waited for the fulfillment of God’s promises, we are waiting for the return of Christ and the final fulfillment of God’s plan. This verse reminds us that God is faithful, and His timing is perfect.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
God’s love is shown in the way He communicates with His people. Throughout history, He didn’t leave humanity in the dark about His plans—He sent prophets to speak His truth and point people to the coming Savior. This demonstrates God’s desire to have a relationship with His people and to guide them toward salvation.
God’s love is also evident in His patience and faithfulness. Even when His people strayed from Him, God didn’t abandon His promises. Instead, He continued to work behind the scenes, preparing the way for Jesus. This shows that God’s love is steadfast and enduring.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
This verse directly connects to Jesus as the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy. The “holy prophets of long ago” spoke of a Messiah who would be born of a virgin (Isaiah 7:14), come from the line of David (Jeremiah 23:5-6), and be born in Bethlehem (Micah 5:2). Jesus fulfills all these prophecies and more, proving that He is the promised Savior.
Zechariah’s mention of the prophets also points to the role of John the Baptist in preparing the way for Jesus. John himself was the fulfillment of a prophecy from Malachi (Malachi 3:1), showing that every part of God’s plan was unfolding exactly as foretold. Jesus is the culmination of that plan, bringing salvation to all who believe.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- How does knowing that God has fulfilled past promises give you confidence in His promises for the future?
- What prophecies about Jesus in the Old Testament have strengthened your faith in Him as the Messiah?
- How can you cultivate a deeper understanding of the connection between the Old and New Testaments in your daily Bible study?
- Are there any areas in your life where you need to trust God’s timing, even if His promises seem delayed?
- How can you share the message of God’s faithfulness with others who are struggling to trust Him?
Luke 1:70 reminds us that God’s Word is reliable and His promises are true. Just as He fulfilled His promises through the birth of John the Baptist and the coming of Jesus, He will fulfill His promises to us. As we wait for the return of Christ and the full restoration of creation, we can live with confidence, hope, and gratitude, knowing that God’s plan is unfolding exactly as He said it would.