Zacharias understood the prophetic plan as the imminent fulfillment of God's covenants with Israel, centered on the coming of the Messiah from David's line and the nation's deliverance, as revealed to him by the Holy Spirit.
Zacharias, filled with the Holy Spirit, proclaimed that God had visited and redeemed His people, raising up a horn of salvation in the house of David. He saw his son John as the prophet who would prepare the way for the Lord, and he understood this as the fulfillment of the oath sworn to Abraham. His understanding was entirely Israel-centric, focused on the nation's deliverance from enemies and the establishment of a righteous kingdom under God's rule.
Luke 1:67-79 — This passage records Zacharias' prophetic words, which directly reveal his understanding of the prophetic plan.
In Luke 1, Zacharias, the father of John the Baptist, was filled with the Holy Spirit and prophesied. He blessed the Lord God of Israel for visiting and redeeming His people, and for raising up a horn of salvation in the house of David, as spoken by the prophets. He declared that his son John would be called the prophet of the Highest, going before the Lord to prepare His ways, giving knowledge of salvation to His people through the tender mercy of God. This salvation was tied to the covenant and oath God swore to Abraham, promising deliverance from enemies and enabling service in holiness and righteousness.
Les Feldick emphasizes that Zacharias, being filled with the Holy Spirit, spoke not as an ordinary Jew but with God-directed words expressing the mind of God. He teaches that Zacharias' prophecy was uniquely Jewish, centered on the Abrahamic covenant and the promised kingdom for Israel. Les highlights that Zacharias expected the immediate coming of the King and the establishment of a heavenly government, and that his son John was the forerunner to prepare the way. According to Les, this understanding was rooted in Old Testament promises, and it shows that the salvation offered to Israel at that time was not for Gentiles but specifically for the Jewish people.
Zacharias, filled with the Holy Spirit, declared that God had raised up a horn of salvation in the house of David. Les Feldick points out that this was uniquely Jewish ground, as no Gentile belonged to the house of David, and that Israel still needed the promised king and government. Zacharias saw that this was about to happen, and he foresaw the tranquility and peace promised in the covenant, with a heavenly government ruled by the God of heaven.
Les Feldick emphasizes that when Zacharias was filled with the Holy Ghost, everything he spoke was God-directed. This was not just the wishful thinking of a patriotic or religious Jew, but the very expressions of God Himself concerning the nation of Israel. This underscores that Zacharias' understanding was divinely inspired and accurate.
Zacharias prophesied that his son John would be called the prophet of the Highest and would go before the face of the Lord to prepare His ways. Les Feldick notes that this shows John's role as the forerunner to the coming King, preparing the hearts of the people. Zacharias understood that John would give knowledge of salvation to Israel, guiding them into the way of peace.
Les Feldick explains that Zacharias' prophecy was spoken in fulfillment of the Abrahamic covenant. Israel was a nation in the land, but still needed the promised government and king. The mercy promised was tied to the covenant and oath God made with Abraham. Les connects this to Jesus' earthly ministry being based on that covenant, showing the continuity of God's plan.
Context of Zacharias and John's Birth
Les sets the scene: Zacharias was a priest stricken dumb until he agreed to name his son John, and his restored speech was part of God's programming.
Zacharias Sees the Coming Government
Les explains that Zacharias foresaw the heavenly government promised in the covenant, with peace and righteousness, and that John would prepare the way for the Lord.
Zacharias Filled with the Holy Spirit
Les highlights that Zacharias was filled with the Holy Ghost, indicating that his words were inspired and not merely his own thoughts.
Spirit-Filled Speech is God-Directed
Les teaches that when the Bible says someone was filled with the Spirit, everything they speak is God-directed, and so Zacharias' prophecy expresses the mind of God.
Zacharias' Understanding is Jewish
Les points out that Zacharias' words about the horn of salvation in David's house are uniquely Jewish, and he is speaking in fulfillment of the Abrahamic covenant.
Salvation is for Israel
Les teaches that the salvation Zacharias speaks of is for 'his people' (Israel), and that John will guide them into peace, showing the Jewish focus.
Miracle of John's Naming
Les recounts the miracle of John's naming, which amazed the people and set the stage for Zacharias' prophetic utterance.
Connection to Abrahamic Covenant
Les connects Zacharias to the foundational Old Testament promises, indicating that understanding the Abrahamic covenant is key to understanding the New Testament events.
Luke 1:67: And his father Zacharias was filled with the Holy Ghost, and prophesied, saying,
This verse introduces Zacharias' prophetic speech, indicating divine inspiration.
Luke 1:68: Blessed be the Lord God of Israel; for he hath visited and redeemed his people,
Shows Zacharias' focus on Israel's redemption.
Luke 1:69: And hath raised up an horn of salvation for us in the house of his servant David;
Connects salvation to David's line, indicating the Messiah.
Luke 1:70: As he spake by the mouth of his holy prophets, which have been since the world began:
Grounds Zacharias' understanding in Old Testament prophecy.
Luke 1:71: That we should be saved from our enemies, and from the hand of all that hate us;
Shows deliverance from enemies, a key part of the prophetic plan.
Luke 1:72: To perform the mercy promised to our fathers, and to remember his holy covenant;
Ties to God's covenant promises to Israel's forefathers.
Luke 1:73: The oath which he sware to our father Abraham,
Specifically links to the Abrahamic covenant.
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,
Indicates deliverance enabling service to God.
Luke 1:75: In holiness and righteousness before him, all the days of our life.
Describes the righteous kingdom that Zacharias expected.
Luke 1:76: And thou, child, shalt be called the prophet of the Highest: for thou shalt go before the face of the Lord to prepare his ways;
Describes John's role as forerunner.
Luke 1:77: To give knowledge of salvation unto his people by the remission of their sins,
Shows salvation is for 'his people' (Israel).
Luke 1:78: Through the tender mercy of our God; whereby the dayspring from on high hath visited us,
Indicates God's mercy in visiting Israel.
Luke 1:79: To give light to them that sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace.
Describes the spiritual deliverance and peace Israel would receive.
Yes, the Bible states in Luke 1:67 that Zacharias was filled with the Holy Ghost and prophesied. Les Feldick emphasizes that this means his words were not just his own thoughts but expressed the mind of God.
Zacharias expected the imminent arrival of the Messiah from the house of David, who would redeem Israel and deliver them from their enemies, fulfilling God's covenant with Abraham. He also saw his son John as the forerunner preparing the way.
No, it was entirely focused on Israel. Les Feldick points out that the salvation was for 'his people' (Israel), and the imagery of David's house is uniquely Jewish.
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