Luke 1:79

79 and to shine from heaven on all those who live in the dark shadow of death, ¹ to guide our steps into the path of peace."

Luke 1:79 Meaning and Commentary

Luke 1:79

To give light to them that sit in darkness
God's elect among the Jews, who were not only in a state of unregeneracy, which is a state of darkness, ignorance, and unbelief; but in the darkness of the legal dispensation, and at this time under more than ordinary darkness and ignorance; having lost the knowledge of the righteousness of God, and of the spirituality of his law, the true sense of the Scriptures, and right notions of the Messiah; being led by blind guides, the Scribes and Pharisees;

and,
were as it were also,

in the shadow of death;
in a state seemingly irrecoverable, when Christ, the great light arose, and shone upon them; and communicated spiritual light, life, and heat unto them; see ( Isaiah 9:2 ) compared with ( Matthew 4:13-16 ) though Christ is also a light, to lighten his chosen ones among the Gentiles, ( Luke 2:32 ) but the Jews seem chiefly to be intended here:

to guide our feet into the way of peace;
which we knew not: not that he came to teach us how to make our peace with God, but to make peace for us, by the blood of his cross; and so by his Spirit and word, lead us into the true way of enjoying spiritual peace here, and eternal peace hereafter.

Luke 1:79 In-Context

77 to tell his people that they will be saved by having their sins forgiven.

78 Our God is merciful and tender. He will cause the bright dawn of salvation to rise on us

79 and to shine from heaven on all those who live in the dark shadow of death, to guide our steps into the path of peace."

80 The child grew and developed in body and spirit. He lived in the desert until the day when he appeared publicly to the people of Israel.

Cross References

• 1. 1.79Isaiah 9.2.