Charles Ellicott Commentary Luke 1:78

"Because of the tender mercy of our God, Whereby the dayspring from on high shall visit us," — Luke 1:78 (ASV)

Through the tender mercy.—Literally, on account of the bowels of mercy of our God. In this manner the Jews spoke of what we would call “the heart” of God. The word was a favorite one with St. Paul, as in the Greek of 2 Corinthians 7:15; Philippians 1:8; Philippians 2:1; and Colossians 3:12. The pity that moved the heart of God is thought of, not as the instrument through which, but that on account of which, the work of the Baptist was to be accomplished.

The dayspring from on high.—The English word expresses the force of the Greek very beautifully. The dawn is seen in the East rising upward, breaking through the darkness. We must remember, however, that the word had acquired another specially Messianic association, through its use in the LXX version as the equivalent for “Branch,” “that which springs upward,” in Jeremiah 23:5 and Zechariah 3:8. Here the thought of the sunrise is prominent, and it connects itself with such predictions as The glory of the Lord has risen upon you (Isaiah 60:1) and The sun of righteousness shall rise (Malachi 4:2). What had become a Messianic name is taken in its primary sense and turned into a parable.

Has visited us.—Better, has looked upon us.