Luke 1:46-58
46 And Mary said : " My soul [1] exalts the Lord , 47 And my spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior . 48 "For He has had regard for the humble state of His [2]bondslave ; For behold , from this time on all generations will count me blessed . 49 "For the Mighty One has done great things for me; And holy is His name . 50 " AND HIS MERCY IS [3]UPON GENERATION AFTER GENERATION TOWARD THOSE WHO FEAR HIM. 51 " He has done [4]mighty deeds with His arm ; He has scattered those who were proud in the [5]thoughts of their heart . 52 "He has brought down rulers from their thrones , And has exalted those who were humble . 53 " HE HAS FILLED THE HUNGRY WITH GOOD THINGS ; And sent away the rich empty-handed . 54 "He has given help to Israel His servant , [6]In remembrance of His mercy , 55 As He spoke to our fathers , To Abraham and his [7]descendants forever ." 56 And Mary stayed with her about three months , and then returned to her home .
The Birth of John the Baptist
57 Now the time [8]had come for Elizabeth to give birth , and she gave birth to a son . 58 Her neighbors and her relatives heard that the Lord had [9] displayed His great mercy toward her; and they were rejoicing with her.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Luke 1:46-58
Commentary on Luke 1:39-56
(Read Luke 1:39-56)
It is very good for those who have the work of grace begun in their souls, to communicate one to another. On Mary's arrival, Elisabeth was conscious of the approach of her who was to be the mother of the great Redeemer. At the same time she was filled with the Holy Ghost, and under his influence declared that Mary and her expected child were most blessed and happy, as peculiarly honoured of and dear to the Most High God. Mary, animated by Elisabeth's address, and being also under the influence of the Holy Ghost, broke out into joy, admiration, and gratitude. She knew herself to be a sinner who needed a Saviour, and that she could no otherwise rejoice in God than as interested in his salvation through the promised Messiah. Those who see their need of Christ, and are desirous of righteousness and life in him, he fills with good things, with the best things; and they are abundantly satisfied with the blessings he gives. He will satisfy the desires of the poor in spirit who long for spiritual blessings, while the self-sufficient shall be sent empty away.
Commentary on Luke 1:57-66
(Read Luke 1:57-66)
In these verses we have an account of the birth of John the Baptist, and the great joy among all the relations of the family. He shall be called Johanan, or "Gracious," because he shall bring in the gospel of Christ, wherein God's grace shines most bright. Zacharias recovered his speech. Unbelief closed his mouth, and believing opened it again: he believers, therefore he speaks. When God opens our lips, our mouths must show forth his praise; and better be without speech, than not use it in praising God. It is said, The hand of the Lord was working with John. God has ways of working on children in their infancy, which we cannot account for. We should observe the dealings of God, and wait the event.