Luke 1:78

“Through the tender mercy of our God, etc.] or “bowels of mercy”, to which the forgiveness of sin is owing; the source and spring of pardon, is the free grace and abundant mercy of God; it takes its rise from thence, though it is channelled in the blood and sacrifice of Christ; and which no way derogates from, but rather heightens the riches of God's grace and mercy: for it was mercy that moved God to enter into a covenant with his Son, in which forgiveness of sin is promised; and it was mercy to set forth his Son, in his eternal purposes and decrees; and to send him forth in the fulness of time, to shed his blood for the remission of sins; it was the mercy of God to us, that provided a lamb…”

“Through the tender mercy of our God--the sole spring, necessarily, of all salvation for sinners. dayspring from on high--either Christ Himself, as the "Sun of righteousness" (Mal 4:2), arising on a dark world [BEZA, GROTIUS, CALVIN, DE WETTE, OLSHAUSEN, &c.], or the light which He sheds. The sense, of course, is one.”

“Whereby the dayspring ... - The word “dayspring” means the morning light, the aurora, the rising of the sun. It is called the dayspring “from on high” because the light of the gospel shines forth from heaven. God is its Author, and through His mercy it shines upon people. There is here, doubtless, a reference to Isaiah 60:1-2; indeed, almost the very words of that place are quoted. Compare also Revelation 22:16. return to 'Top of Page'”

“The day spring - Or the rising sun; that is, Christ. Next: Luke Chapter 2”

“1:78 the morning light from heaven is about to break upon us: The Messiah is identified in the Old Testament as a light shining in darkness (Isa 9:2; 42:6-7; 49:6; Mal 4:2).”

“tender: or, bowels of the, Psa 25:6; Isa 63:7, Isa 63:15; Joh 3:16; Eph 2:4, Eph 2:5; Phi 1:8, Phi 2:1; Col 3:12; Jo1 3:17, Jo1 4:9, Jo1 4:10 dayspring: or, sun-rising, or branch, Num 24:17; Isa 11:1; Zac 3:8, Zac 6:12; Mal 4:2; Rev 22:16 Luke 1:79”