MPV Commentary
Read the modernized Jamieson-Fausset-Brown commentary, aligned with each Bible book and chapter, in clear, updated English.
Currently viewing commentary for Luke 1
Read the modernized Jamieson-Fausset-Brown commentary, aligned with each Bible book and chapter, in clear, updated English.
Currently viewing commentary for Luke 1
39. The hill country of Judea is where Mary travels to visit Elisabeth. She goes with haste, eager to share the news and respond to Elisabeth's condition.
She arrives in a city of Judah, likely Hebron (see Joshua 20:7; 21:11).
40. When Mary greets Elisabeth, she has just returned from her time of seclusion (Luke 1:24).
41. The unborn child leaps within Elisabeth's womb at the presence of Mary, the mother of his Lord.
42-44. Here we see a beautiful example of humility and recognition of God's sovereignty. Despite being honored herself, Elisabeth loses sight of her own distinction in light of Mary's greater honor. She pronounces a blessing on Mary, acknowledging that it is a wonder beyond understanding that the mother of her Lord should come to her.
43. Elisabeth refers to Mary as "the mother of my Lord," not "my lady" (compare Luke 20:42; John 20:28).
45. This additional blessing on Mary highlights her implicit faith, in contrast to her husband's response.
46-55. A magnificent canticle follows, echoing the spirit and tone of Hannah's ancient song (1 Samuel 2). It is possible that the Virgin Mary had been drawn into a mysterious sympathy with this hymn beforehand, so when inspiration struck, she spontaneously sang out this chorus, enriching the church's hymnal with this spirit-stirring canticle.
In both songs, these holy women sing of God's preference for the lowly and His desire to exalt them. They recognize that He delights in "putting down the mighty from their seats and exalting those of low degree" (1 Samuel 2:7).
47. Mary refers to Jesus as her Savior, unaware of her own unique circumstances.
54. The phrase "holpen" means "to help" or "to assist," echoing Psalm 89:19, where God lays help on one who is mighty.
55. As He spoke to our fathers (compare Micah 7:20; Psalm 98:3), Jesus' kingdom will endure forever, as promised by the angel (Luke 1:33).
56. Mary stays with Elisabeth for about three months, an honored guest in her cousin's home. Yet, their meeting is now forgotten, while their descendants have made the world new. After this visit, Mary returns to her own house at Nazareth, where events recorded in Matthew 1:18-25 unfold.