The Magnificat Mary’s Song of Praise

Luke 1:47-55
New Living Translation














How my spirit rejoices in God my Savior!   For he took notice of his lowly servant girl,  and from now on all generations will call me blessed.  For the Mighty One is holy,  and he has done great things for me.  He shows mercy from generation to generation  to all who fear him.  His mighty arm has done tremendous things! He has scattered the proud and haughty ones. He has brought down princes from their thrones  and exalted the humble.   He has filled the hungry with good things  and sent the rich away with empty hands.   He has helped his servant Israel  and remembered to be merciful.   For he made this promise to our ancestors,  to Abraham and his children forever.” Mary stayed with Elizabeth about three months and then went back to her own home. 

Commentary:
Mary's hymn expresses praise to God for his treatment of her, but then extends her praise to how God has treated the righteous throughout the ages and how he will vindicate them fully in the future. Understanding what God is doing, Mary possesses a mood of joy. She speaks for herself and for her community, the people of God throughout time. God is worthy of praise for what he will do in taking care of his own. Understanding God's blessing moves the believer to joy and appreciation, since the Almighty cares personally for us and acts on our behalf.

Mary is exemplary of the humble, faithful disciple. That a woman provides such an example is significant, since first-century culture often relegated women to a secondary status. Such examples exist in the Old Testament as well (Miriam in Ex 15:21; Hannah in 1 Sam 2:1-10; Deborah in Judg 5). One of the beauties of Luke's infancy material is that different sorts of people all experience joy at the arrival of Jesus. This reveals Jesus' universal appeal.Praise for God's Word to Mary (1:46-49)
http://www.biblegateway.com/resources/commentaries/IVP-NT/Luke/Marys-Hymn-Praise-Magnificat
God is Love 1John 4:16

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