Luke 1:72Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

He has bestowed grace not only upon the living but also ‘to our fathers,’ as the grace of Christ was also offered to those who have passed. Specifically, to us who are still alive, He has given the promise of resurrection, and we will indeed be raised; yet this blessing extends not just to us, but also to those who have departed before us. All creation has been granted this favor. Moreover, in another sense, ‘he did favor to the fathers’ by fulfilling their hopes; what they longed for has been realized in Christ. When the forefathers witness their descendants enjoying these blessings, they rejoice, and by sharing in this joy, they receive the grace as if it were conferred upon them directly.

Christ embodies both mercy and justice; through Him, we have received mercy and have been declared righteous, cleansing ourselves from the grime of ungodliness through the faith placed in Him.

In showing compassion to our ancestors, He acted mercifully toward them, to whom the assurance of our deliverance was given. Through the covenant, He refers to this assurance, and its realization is found in forgiveness.

What is the essence of Zechariah's prophecy? It reveals two distinct aspects and directions of thought: first, God showed compassion to the ancestors; second, He honored His covenant with them. One significant promise is the deliverance of the Jewish people from oppression, while the other encompasses the granting of spiritual blessings. In examining the Gospel narratives regarding the events of Jesus Christ's earthly ministry, we also encounter the birth of John the Baptist and his early years.

When He showed compassion to our ancestors, or when He extended mercy to our forebears, to whom the assurance of our proclaimed salvation was given. For their sake, He will recall this promise so that He may rescue their souls from the grasp of hell. He refers to this as a covenant, and through the remembrance of it, He brings about its realization.

Zechariah later composed a significant hymn to celebrate the birth of John, in which he praises God for revealing the kingdom of the Messiah (Luke 1:68-75). He prophetically describes his son’s purpose as conveyed by the angel and inspired by his own insight (76-79). Historically, this is notable as it reflects the understanding of some of the finest priests of that era regarding the Messiah and His kingdom. According to the straightforward interpretation of this hymn, the Messiah represents the individual through whom God, fulfilling His ancient promises, intends to liberate His people from their oppressive foes.

Zechariah exalts the Lord for having actively come to the aid of His people, the Israelites. This divine visitation embodies His work of salvation, bringing deliverance to His people through the "horn of salvation," which has been raised in the lineage of David. The Lord God of Israel fulfilled these acts in accordance with the prophecies spoken by ancient seers, who announced that He would rescue His people from their oppressors, thereby manifesting His mercy not only upon those living in the era of the Savior and their descendants but also concerning their ancestors with whom He established His holy covenant. To them, He vowed to provide, in due time, freedom from their adversaries so that they might serve Him with reverence and justice throughout all their days.

He will show mercy to our forebears; the fulfillment of the Messiah's promises brings not only joy to those who lived during His earthly ministry but also fosters faith and hope in future generations. Additionally, it reflects God's compassion for the ancestors, as through blessings upon the children, He also blesses the fathers, granting them the joy of witnessing their hopes realized in their descendants. He will remember His holy covenant, which signifies a divine agreement between God and humanity in which God pledges to elevate mankind, contingent upon man’s obedience to His will. This understanding of covenant encompasses God's commitment to fulfill His promises.

In the realization of His compassion for our ancestors and in His remembrance of His sacred promise,