Comment: After hearing from the angel Gabriel that Elisabeth was pregnant with John, Mary went to visit Elisabeth her relative. On arrival, Elisabeth greeted here with a song of praise and below is Mary’s own song of praise in responce to Elisabeth.
46 And Mary said,
“My soul magnifies the Lord,
Word Study: “magnifies” translated from a greek word “megalyno” means to declare as great, to recognize the greatness of someone’s name, to praise, highly honor.
Related Verse(s): Mary’s praise resembles some old testament scriptures like Hanna’s prayer in 1 Sam 2:1-10, Psa 34:2-3, Psa 69:30 and others. All these verses show that this is common way of giving praise and thanks to God.
Message: Mary recognizes the greatness of God, His praise worthiness and how highly honored He is.
47 and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,
Related Verse(s): Same as Psa 35:9, Isa 61:10, Hab 3:18 all of which refer to rejoicing in God’s salvation.
Message: Mary rejoices in the fact that salvation has arrived and God has send a savior for His people. His name Jesus Christ. Mary recognizes that it is God who actually does the saving and He is doing it through Jesus Christ.
Comment: Mary here in verses 48-49, gives us two reasons why she magnifies the Lord and her spirit rejoices in God her savior.
48 for he has looked on the humble estate of his servant.
For behold, from now on
all generations will call me blessed;
49 for he who is mighty
has done great things for me,
and holy is his name.
Word Study: “Estate” translated from a greek word “tapeinosis” means a condition of humility i.e a low status to a point of humility. Very poor.
“Blessed” translated from a greek word “makarizo” means to be an object of God’s grace. Means to be uniquely and graciously favored by God. Outside scripture, it is used to mean fortunate.
“mighty” translated from a greek word “dynatos” means to be powerful or capable.
Message: Mary recognizes her own state of humility and poorness, and regards herself as a servant of God. Mary recognizes that, despite her poor condition, God looked upon her and as a result, she will from now on be called blessed or uniquely and graciously favored by God.This gracious act by God, will give her status among nations forever, as the Mother of our Lord. Some have obviously went too far with the blessedness of Mary to a point of hailing her and praying to God through her, and also making her and intercessor just like Jesus. This is absolutely not biblical.
Mary recognizes that God did all this because He is all powerful and capable to do great things and He has done great things for her.By things Mary could be referring to the miracles that God did for herself and Elizabeth her relative. Mary also acknowledged God’s Holy name. She acknowledges that God has done great things for her.
50 And his mercy
is for those who fear him
from generation to generation.
Word Study: The word “Mercy” means not to get what you deserve.
The word “fear” means reverence than being afraid. It means having deep respect for God
Message: Resembling the old testament scriptures especially Psa 103:17, Mary reiterates that God has mercy on those who fear Him throughout the generations. All these generations that Mary refers to, are generations of Israel who deserves God’s wrath but God, had mercy on them. Mary understands that by God sending a savior, God has showed mercy on His people. Mary recognizes that we all are children of wrath and fully deserve God’s wrath but, by sending a savior, instead of punishing us, God had mercy on us and this is shown in Him sending us a savior who will save the world.
Comment: In verse 51-55, Mary gives us three examples of God’ mercy.
51 He has shown strength with his arm;
he has scattered the proud
in the thoughts of their hearts;
52 he has brought down
the mighty from their thrones
and exalted those of humble estate;
53 he has filled the hungry
with good things,
and the rich he has sent away empty.
54 He has helped his servant Israel,
in remembrance of his mercy,
55 as he spoke to our fathers,
to Abraham and to his offspring forever.”
Message: God had mercy on the humble and not the proud. On the hungry and not the rich. He also remembered His mercy that He promised Abraham and Israel.
56 And Mary remained with her about three months and returned to her home.
Message:This most probably means that Mary stayed until John was born.