Luke 1:79Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

He rightly says sitting, for we were not walking in darkness, but sitting down as having no hope of deliverance.

But not only does the Lord at His rising give light to those who sit in darkness, but he says something further as it follows, to direct our feet in the way of peace. The way of peace is the way of righteousness, to which He has directed our feet, i. e. the affections of our souls.

To shine upon those dwelling in darkness and the shadow of death, the Baptist served, in a sense, as a precursor to Christ for the lawless inhabitants of Judea, fulfilling God's prophecy, ‘I will set up a lamp unto my Christ’ (Psalm 131:17). Additionally, the Law was reflected in the design of the lampstand within the first tabernacle, which He ordained to remain lit continuously (Ex. 27:20). However, the Jews, who had initially celebrated him, soon gathered to be baptized by him and admired his way of life, only to ultimately lead him into a mortal slumber, striving diligently to extinguish this perpetual source of light. For this reason, the Savior remarked that he was a lamp burning and shining; yet you were not willing to rejoice for long in his light (John 5:35).

For in thick darkness were the Gentile people sitting, who were sunk deep in idolatry, until the rising light dispersed the darkness, and spread abroad the brightness of truth.

Through this mercy, we will be illuminated by the dawn from on high to dispel our darkness (cf. Lk. 1:78-79). With these statements, he refers to the star that guided the Magi, who resided in the gloom and shadow of death. This applies either to the wise men, as they were unfamiliar with true worship of God before the star appeared, or to the Israelites who dwelled in darkness, for the Magi brought them enlightenment; hence, he declares: "to guide our feet into the way of peace." The phrase "sat in the shadow" can also pertain to the astrology of the Chaldeans or the obscurity of pagan idolatry.

Mark also, in how few words Elisabeth prophesies, in how many Zacharias, and yet each spoke filled with the Holy Spirit; but this discipline is preserved, that women may study rather to learn what are the Divine commands than to teach them.

To bring light to those dwelling in darkness and in the shadow of death. Zechariah proclaims that He visited us to provide illumination, that is, He cast the light of truth upon those entangled in the darkness of error. The shadow of death signifies sin, as it embodies death; just as death divides the soul, so does sin create a divide from the Holy Spirit. To guide our steps into the pathway of peace. To lead the direction of our lives toward reconciliation with God.

But the shadow of death is taken to mean the forgetfulness of the mind. For as death causes that which it kills to be no longer in life, so whatever oblivion touches ceases to be in the memory. Hence the Jewish people who were forgetful of God are said to sit in the shadow of death. The shadow of death is taken also for the death of the flesh, because as that is the true death, by which the soul is separated from God, so that is the shadow of death by which the flesh is separated from the soul. Hence in the words of the martyrs it is said, the shadow of death has come over us. (Ps. 44:19.) By the shadow of death also is represented the following of the devil, who is called Death (Rev. 6:8.) in the Revelations, because as a shadow is formed according to the quality of the body, so the actions of the wicked are expressed according to the manner of their following him.

Christ is rightly called the Day-spring, because He hath disclosed to us the rising of the true light, as it follows; To give light to them that sit in darkness and in the shadow of death.

"Illuminate those who dwell in darkness and the shadow of death." This phrase, rooted in prophetic tradition, resonates deeply; Zechariah articulated this sentiment regarding his peers, who believed they resided not in darkness but rather in the shade of paradise. When engaging with the blind man whose sight Jesus restored, they proclaimed, "We also see and are blind" (John 9:40). Their steps, as they walked on various paths, failed to lead them to the way of peace—something David pointed out. Historical accounts by Josephus reveal a deeply troubling moral condition among the Jewish people during this epoch. Moreover, as we explore the Gospel narratives surrounding the life of Jesus, we uncover significant moments, including the Nativity of John the Baptist and his early years.

To bring light to those dwelling in darkness and the shadow of death... He came to shine the light of understanding upon those ensnared in the darkness of deception and the shadow of sin. The term shadow or night symbolizes the absence of the illuminating light found in the commandments of the Lord, while the night of death signifies spiritual death, which is separation from God, the true source of life. His purpose is to guide our steps along the path of peace. He visited us with the intention of enlightening us, in order to uplift those who are entrenched in disbelief and sin, conditions that lead to estrangement, exclusion, and hostility toward God. He aims to redirect the course of our lives toward the divine way of peace, which encompasses godliness and virtue.

Zechariah subsequently crafted a distinctive hymn to celebrate the birth of John, wherein he praises God for revealing the kingdom of the Messiah. In this song, he prophetically outlines the mission of his son as conveyed to him by the angel and further illuminated by his own inspiration. This event holds significant historical importance as it provides insight into the perceptions held by the finest priests of that era regarding the Messiah and His kingdom. The Messiah, as expressed literally in this hymn, is the instrument through whom God intends to deliver His people from their oppressors, fulfilling ancient promises.

Due to God's profound compassion, we have received a visit from the rising light from above. This symbolic title of the Messiah, "Rising from On High," is derived from the dawn of the sun, as further elaborated in the ongoing discussion about the Messiah’s illuminating role (Malachi 4:2). The aim of this divine visitation is to bring light to those who dwell in the darkness and shadow of death, representing the darkness of deception and sin. It serves to guide our steps towards the path of peace (Isaiah 9:2), the way that leads to tranquility, freeing us from the tribulations of this earthly existence and fulfilling the spiritual needs of our souls.

Shine light upon those who dwell in darkness and in the shadow of death. This phrase draws from Isaiah 9:2 and Isaiah 60:2. The darkness and shadow of death signify the lack of knowledge of God, separation from Him, and the ensuing troubles that arise from this state. The shadow of death represents the realm where the souls of the departed reside. To illuminate those who reside in darkness means to provide them with knowledge of God and joy, thus freeing them from death. To lead them toward the path of peace signifies guiding them to true happiness and righteousness. The initial metaphor is further developed.

To bring clarity: Refer to the commentary on Matthew 4:14-16. The phrase "those who sit in darkness" encompasses not only the people of Galilee, as described in Matthew's account, but humanity as a whole for the same reason. The metaphor of "to guide the feet" carries on this theme. Individuals are portrayed as travelers halted in the midst of a dark night, having lost their way, their steps faltering due to the surrounding darkness, eagerly awaiting the dawn and the sunlight to lead them back to the proper path and to their destination with assurance. Thus, prior to Christ, all humanity lingered in the shadows of ignorance and falsehood; the Jewish people possessed a flickering light—the law and the prophets—similar to distant stars in a pitch-black night.

To bestow upon us who dwell in darkness and the shadow of death illumination to direct our steps toward the path of peace.