salvation from our enemies
This phrase reflects the Jewish expectation of deliverance from political and military oppression, a theme prevalent throughout the Old Testament. Historically, Israel faced numerous adversaries, including Egypt, Assyria, Babylon, and Rome. The concept of salvation here is not only spiritual but also physical and national. In the context of Luke 1, Zechariah's prophecy connects to the hope for a Messiah who would liberate Israel. This echoes the deliverance narratives found in Exodus and the Judges, where God repeatedly saves His people from their enemies. Theologically, this salvation is ultimately fulfilled in Jesus Christ, who provides deliverance from sin and spiritual enemies, as seen in Ephesians 6:12, where Paul speaks of the spiritual forces of evil.

and from the hand of all who hate us
This phrase emphasizes the personal and communal aspect of deliverance. The "hand" symbolizes power and control, suggesting liberation from those who exert oppressive force. In the biblical narrative, hatred towards God's people often stems from their unique covenant relationship with Him, as seen in the animosity of surrounding nations. This enmity is also spiritual, as believers face opposition from those who reject God's truth. The Psalms frequently express a cry for deliverance from such hatred (e.g., Psalm 25:19). In the New Testament, Jesus teaches love for enemies (Matthew 5:44), transforming the understanding of how to respond to hatred. Ultimately, the promise of deliverance is fulfilled in Christ, who conquers all forms of enmity through His death and resurrection, as highlighted in Colossians 2:15, where He disarms the powers and authorities.

1. Zechariah
The father of John the Baptist, who prophesied these words after the birth of his son. He was a priest and was filled with the Holy Spirit when he spoke this prophecy.

2. Israel
The nation to whom the promise of salvation from enemies was particularly relevant. This reflects the historical context of Israel's struggles and hopes for deliverance.

3. Enemies
Refers to both physical and spiritual adversaries. In the historical context, this could include oppressive nations, while spiritually, it can refer to sin and evil forces.

4. The Hand of All Who Hate Us
Symbolizes the power and influence of those who oppose God's people. This phrase emphasizes the comprehensive nature of the promised deliverance.

5. The Prophecy of Zechariah
This event is part of Zechariah's prophecy, which is a broader declaration of God's faithfulness and the coming of the Messiah.Understanding Salvation
Salvation is not just a spiritual concept but also involves deliverance from real-world adversities. Reflect on how God has delivered you from past challenges.

God's Faithfulness
Just as God promised deliverance to Israel, He remains faithful to His promises today. Trust in His ability to save you from your "enemies," whether they are circumstances, people, or spiritual battles.

Spiritual Warfare
Recognize that our true enemies are often spiritual. Equip yourself with the armor of God as described in Ephesians 6 to stand firm against these forces.

Hope in Christ
Jesus is the ultimate fulfillment of God's promise of salvation. Place your hope in Him for deliverance from both temporal and eternal enemies.

Community Support
Encourage one another in the faith, reminding each other of God's promises and supporting each other in times of trial.(71) That we should be saved from our enemies.--Literally, salvation from our enemies, in apposition with "the horn of salvation" of Luke 1:69. The "enemies" present to the thoughts of Zacharias may have been the Roman conquerors of Judaea; the Idumaean House of Herod may have been among "those who hate."

Verse 71. - That we should be saved from our enemies, and from the hand of all that hate us. When Zacharias spoke these words, his mind, no doubt, was on Rome and its creatures, Herod and his party, whom Rome had set up. The deliverance of Israel, in every Hebrew heart, was the first and great work of the coming Deliverer; but the inspired words had a far broader reference than to Rome, and the enemies of Israelitic prosperity. The expression includes those spiritual evil agencies which war their ceaseless warfare against the soul of man. It was from these that the coming Deliverer would free his people. It was only after the fall of Jerusalem, and the total extinction of the national existence of the people, that, to use Dean Plumptre's language, "what was transitory in the hymn vanished, and the words gained the brighter permanent sense which they have had for centuries in the worship of the Church of Christ."

Parallel Commentaries ...


salvation
σωτηρίαν (sōtērian)
Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 4991: Feminine of a derivative of soter as noun; rescue or safety.

from
ἐξ (ex)
Preposition
Strong's 1537: From out, out from among, from, suggesting from the interior outwards. A primary preposition denoting origin, from, out.

our
ἡμῶν (hēmōn)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive 1st Person Plural
Strong's 1473: I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.

enemies
ἐχθρῶν (echthrōn)
Adjective - Genitive Masculine Plural
Strong's 2190: Hated, hostile; subst: an enemy. From a primary echtho; hateful; usually as a noun, an adversary.

and
καὶ (kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

from
ἐκ (ek)
Preposition
Strong's 1537: From out, out from among, from, suggesting from the interior outwards. A primary preposition denoting origin, from, out.

[the] hand
χειρὸς (cheiros)
Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular
Strong's 5495: A hand.

of all
πάντων (pantōn)
Adjective - Genitive Masculine Plural
Strong's 3956: All, the whole, every kind of. Including all the forms of declension; apparently a primary word; all, any, every, the whole.

who
τῶν (tōn)
Article - Genitive Masculine Plural
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

hate
μισούντων (misountōn)
Verb - Present Participle Active - Genitive Masculine Plural
Strong's 3404: To hate, detest, love less, esteem less. From a primary misos; to detest; by extension, to love less.

us,
ἡμᾶς (hēmas)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative 1st Person Plural
Strong's 1473: I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.


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NT Gospels: Luke 1:71 Salvation from our enemies and (Luke Lu Lk)