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Zechariah’s Prophecy

67 Then his father Zechariah was filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke this prophecy:
⁶⁸ ‘Blessed be the Lord God of Israel,
   for he has looked favourably on his people and redeemed them.
⁶⁹ He has raised up a mighty saviour^* for us
   in the house of his servant David,
⁷⁰ as he spoke through the mouth of his holy prophets from of old,
⁷¹   that we would be saved from our enemies and from the hand of all who hate us.
⁷² Thus he has shown the mercy promised to our ancestors,
   and has remembered his holy covenant,
⁷³ the oath that he swore to our ancestor Abraham,
   to grant us ⁷⁴that we, being rescued from the hands of our enemies,
might serve him without fear, ⁷⁵in holiness and righteousness
   before him all our days.
⁷⁶ And you, child, will be called the prophet of the Most High;
   for you will go before the Lord to prepare his ways,
⁷⁷ to give knowledge of salvation to his people
   by the forgiveness of their sins.
⁷⁸ By the tender mercy of our God,
   the dawn from on high will break upon^* us,
⁷⁹ to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death,
   to guide our feet into the way of peace.’

Psalm 4

Confident Plea for Deliverance from Enemies

To the leader: with stringed instruments. A Psalm of David.
¹ Answer me when I call, O God of my right!
   You gave me room when I was in distress.
   Be gracious to me, and hear my prayer.

² How long, you people, shall my honour suffer shame?
   How long will you love vain words, and seek after lies?
          Selah
³ But know that the Lord has set apart the faithful for himself;
   the Lord hears when I call to him.

⁴ When you are disturbed,^* do not sin;
   ponder it on your beds, and be silent.
          Selah
⁵ Offer right sacrifices,
   and put your trust in the Lord.

⁶ There are many who say, ‘O that we might see some good!
   Let the light of your face shine on us, O Lord!’
⁷ You have put gladness in my heart
   more than when their grain and wine abound.

⁸ I will both lie down and sleep in peace;
   for you alone, O Lord, make me lie down in safety.