Albert Barnes Commentary Luke 1:79

"To shine upon them that sit in darkness and the shadow of death; To guide our feet into the way of peace." — Luke 1:79 (ASV)

To give light, and so forth.

For the phrase to guide our feet, and so forth, see also Barnes on Matthew 4:16. The figure in these verses is taken from travelers who, being overtaken by night, do not know what to do and who wait patiently for the morning light, so that they may know which way to go.

So man wandered. So he became benighted. So he sat in the shadow of death. So he did not know which way to go until the Sun of Righteousness arose, and then the light shone brightly on his way, and the road was open to the promised land of rest—to heaven.

This song of Zacharias is exceedingly beautiful. It expresses with elegance the great points of the plan of redemption and the mercy of God in providing that plan. That mercy is great. It is worthy of praise—of our highest, loftiest songs of thanksgiving; for we were in the shadow of death—sinful, wretched, wandering—and the light arose, the gospel came, and men may rejoice in hope of eternal life.