Them that sit in darkness, &c.— These phrases, with peculiar propriety, describe the ignorant and miserable state of the Gentile world, and perhaps the former part of the verse may refer to them. But as Christ's preaching to the Jews in Galilee; (for it was almost entirely to Jews that he preached) is said, Matthew 4:14-16 to be an accomplishment of Isaiah 9:1-2 to which Zacharias here probably refers, we are not to confine the sense to the Gentiles only; for indeed the sad character and circumstances of the Jews at this time, as described by Josephus, do well suit the representation here made.
Related Commentaries of Luke 1:79
Luke 1:79
79 To give light to them that sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace.