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Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Luke 2:25

Whose name was Simeon - Some have supposed that this Simeon was a son of the famous “Hillel,” a distinguished teacher in Jerusalem, and president of the Sanhedrin; but nothing is certainly known of him but what is here related. He was an aged man, of distinguished piety and reputation, and was anxiously expecting the coming of the Messiah. Such an “old age” is especially honorable. No spectacle is more sublime than an old man of piety and high character looking for the appearing of the Lord,... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Luke 2:26

And it was revealed unto him - In what way this was done we are not informed. Sometimes a revelation was made by a dream, at others by a voice, and at others by silent suggestion. All we know of this is that it was by the Holy Spirit.Not see death - Should not die. To “see” death and to “taste” of death, was a common way among the Hebrews of expressing death itself. Compare Psalms 89:48.The Lord’s Christ - Rather “the Lord’s Anointed.” The word “Christ” means “anointed,” and it would have been... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Luke 2:27

By the Spirit - By the direction of the Spirit.Into the temple - Into that part of the temple where the public worship was chiefly performed - into the court of the women. See the notes at Matthew 21:12.The custom of the law - That is, to make an offering for purification, and to present him to God. read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Luke 2:29

Now lettest - Now thou “dost” let or permit. This word is in the indicative mood, and signifies that God was permitting him to die in peace, by having relieved his anxieties, allayed his fears, fulfilled the promises, and having by the appearing of the Messiah, removed every reason why he should live any longer, and every wish to live.Depart - Die.According to thy word - Thy promise made by revelation. God never disappoints. To many it might have appeared improbable, when such a promise was... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Luke 2:30

Thy salvation - Him who is to procure salvation for his people; or, the Saviour. read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Luke 2:31

Before the face of all people - Whom thou hast provided for all people, or whom thou dost design to “reveal” to all people. read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Luke 2:32

A light to lighten the Gentiles - This is in accordance with the prophecies in the Old Testament, Isaiah 49:0; Isaiah 9:6-7; Psalms 98:3; Malachi 4:2. The Gentiles are represented as sitting in darkness that is, in ignorance and sin. Christ is a “light” to them, as by him they will be made acquainted with the character of the true God, his law, and the plan of redemption. As the darkness rolls away when the sun arises, so ignorance and error flee away when Jesus gives light to the mind. Nations... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Luke 2:34

Simeon blessed them - Joseph and Mary. On them he sought the blessing of God.Is set - Is appointed or constituted for that, or such will be the effect of his coming.The fall - The word “fall” here denotes “misery, suffering, disappointment,” or “ruin.” There is a plain reference to the passage where it is said that he should be “a stone of stumbling and a rock of offence,” Isaiah 8:14-15. Many expected a temporal prince, and in this they were disappointed. They loved darkness rather than light,... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Luke 2:35

Yea, a sword ... - The sufferings and death of thy Son shall deeply afflict thy soul. And if Mary had not been thus forewarned and sustained by strong faith, she could not have borne the trials which came upon her Son; but God prepared her for it, and the holy mother of the dying Saviour was sustained.That the thoughts ... - This is connected with the preceding verse: “He shall be a sign, a conspicuous object to be spoken against, that the thoughts of many hearts may be made manifest - that is,... read more

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