Zechariah’s experience had shown him that God’s plan for the salvation of his people was still strongly in place. The Old Testament promises he had made were coming true before Zechariah’s eyes. These verses of Luke are the overflowing of praise that Zechariah had for his Lord—praise for God’s tender mercy in keeping his promise to send a Savior to the world. Zechariah saw how God’s plan fit together and couldn’t contain his joy. We too praise God for his steadfast mercy and gift of salvation.