What is the meaning of Luke 1:64? Immediately - The word signals God’s swift response the very moment Zechariah obeyed by writing, “His name is John” (Luke 1:63). No lag time—obedience opened the door to blessing just as quickly as unbelief had brought silence (Luke 1:18–20). - Cross references highlight how God often acts “straightaway” once His conditions are met, such as the leper’s cleansing in Mark 1:42 or the jailer’s salvation in Acts 16:33. Zechariah’s mouth was opened - Nine months earlier the angel declared, “You will be silent...until the day these things take place” (Luke 1:20). That sentence ends here. The opening of Zechariah’s mouth proves the angel’s words true to the letter. - It also mirrors Ezekiel 33:22, where the prophet’s mouth was opened only after God fulfilled His warning—reminding us that the Lord both disciplines and restores. and his tongue was released - The picture is of a physical restraint loosened. God not only ends discipline; He enables renewed service. - Psalm 51:15 offers a parallel prayer, “O Lord, open my lips, and my mouth will declare Your praise,” showing that the ability to testify comes from God Himself. and he began to speak - Zechariah moves instantly into action. Restoration leads to proclamation, not passivity. - Luke 1:67 records that he is soon “filled with the Holy Spirit and prophesied,” emphasizing that Spirit-empowered speech follows God-given release. - Compare the once-mute man in Mark 7:35 who, upon healing, “began to speak plainly.” God’s healings are meant to be voiced. praising God - The first words out of Zechariah’s mouth are worship, showing a heart corrected during silence. - His praise fulfills Psalm 40:3, “He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God,” and foreshadows the shepherds “glorifying and praising God” in Luke 2:20. - This praise also serves as witness; Luke 1:65 notes that fear and awe fell on the neighbors, illustrating how personal worship becomes public testimony. summary Luke 1:64 marks the precise moment God’s promise rounds the corner from discipline to delight. Immediate obedience releases Zechariah’s speech; divine power loosens his tongue; Spirit-filled words pour out; worship erupts. The verse testifies that when God’s people align with His word, He swiftly restores, equips, and turns disciplined silence into contagious praise. |
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