The Canticle of Zechariah: Benedictus and the Power of Deliverance

In the Gospel of Luke, chapter one, verse 68-79, we find a beautiful canticle known as the Benedictus, also referred to as the Song of Zechariah or the Canticle of Zachary. This song is a song of thanksgiving uttered by Zechariah on the occasion of the circumcision of his son, John the Baptist. The name 'Benedictus' comes from its first words in Latin, meaning 'Blessed be the Lord God of Israel'.

The Benedictus is one of three canticles in the first two chapters of the Gospel of Luke, along with the Magnificat and the Nunc dimittis. It falls naturally into two parts, with the first part being a song of thanksgiving for the realization of the Messianic hopes of the Jewish nation. However, it is given a characteristically Christian tone, emphasizing the spiritual rather than worldly power of deliverance.

Zechariah's canticle is significant because he points to the deliverance of Israel as the fulfillment of God's oath to Abraham. He describes this deliverance not for the sake of worldly power, but so that 'we may serve him without fear, in holiness and justice all our days'. The Jews had been yearning for the time when the House of David would be their deliverer, and Zechariah's song is a declaration of that hope being realized.

The horn is often a symbol of power, and in this context, it signifies the 'horn of salvation', or a mighty deliverance. This idea of power is not just about worldly might, but rather about spiritual strength and guidance. The power to defend the nation against its enemies was restored to Israel through Jesus Christ, and Zechariah's song looks forward to that time.

In conclusion, the Benedictus, also known as the Song of Zechariah or Canticle of Zachary, is an important part of the Gospel of Luke and a testament to the power of deliverance in the spiritual sense. It reminds us that our deliverance comes not from worldly power, but from serving God without fear, in holiness and justice all our days.

Benedictus et affectus