<P> The Benedictus (also Song of Zechariah or Canticle of Zachary), given in Gospel of Luke 1: 68 - 79, is one of the three canticles in the opening chapters of this Gospel, the other two being the "Magnificat" and the "Nunc dimittis". The Benedictus was the song of thanksgiving uttered by Zechariah on the occasion of the circumcision of his son, John the Baptist . </P> <P> The canticle received its name from its first words in Latin (Benedictus Dominus Deus Israel, "Blessed be the Lord God of Israel"). </P>

Who is the newborn son zachariah addresses in the last part of the benedictus