Matthew Poole and continuators on Luke 1:78

78 Through the tender mercy of our god; whereby the day-spring from on high hath visited us.

In the Greek it is, through the bowels of Mercy. An ordinary expression, and very natural to signify great, and deep compassion, Gen. 43.30. 1 Kings 3.26. Our remission of Sin floweth from Gods bowels of Mercy, it dependeth not upon our satisfactions and penances, (as Papists dream,) but Gods free and tender love, yet God must be just, and declare his righteousness, while [illegible: 1 letter]e justifieth the ungodly therefore. The Day Spring from an high hath visited us [non-Latin text not transcribed]. Some think that the Greek Word answereth the Hebrew Word, Ier. 23.5. Zech. 3.8. translated the Branch, the seventy Interpreters translate it by [non-Latin text not transcribed] Ier. 33.15. Those Texts manifestly relate to Christ, who is called there the Branch. Others think it rather answereth the Hebrew Word [non-Latin text not transcribed] we translate it a great Light. Others think, it should be translated the East. So they say Christ is called Zech. 3.9.6.12. but we translate it the Branch in both those places. Be it the Branch, or the Light, or Day Spring, or the East, it is certain Christ is meant, who is called the Son of Righteousness, Mal. 4.2. That God might be just in the remission of our Sins, he sent Christ to visit us, and in our Nature to dye for us.

Marginal references: Or, the bowels of Mercy.; Or, the East. Or, Sun rising. Or, Branch.; Num. 24.17. Isa. 11.1. Zech. 6.12.