Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary Luke 1:73

"The oath which he spake unto Abraham our father," — Luke 1:73 (ASV)

Zechariah cites three aspects of God’s redeeming work: “salvation” (v.71), “mercy” (v.72), and the remembrance of God’s “covenant.” Mercy to the “fathers” seems to mean that God has not thwarted their hopes (cf. v.17). The “oath” (v.73) to Abraham in view here is recorded in Ge 22:16–18, where the Lord promised him both the subduing of his descendants’ enemies and universal blessing as a result of his obedience. Therefore, the salvation in view here involves both political deliverance and spiritual blessing (cf. the next verses).

The words “covenant” and “oath” form the central point of the song, emphasizing the importance of God’s covenant and his faithfulness to it. Not only does this serve as an important theme in Luke, but it also gives encouragement to us to trust the promises of God.