Luke 1:54

He hath holpen [supported, αντελαβετο ] his servant Israel - Israel is here represented as falling, and the Lord comes speedily in and props him up. The house of David was now ready to fall and rise no more; Jesus, being born of the very last branch of the regal line, revived the family, and restored the dominion.

In remembrance of his mercy - By mercy, the covenant which God made with Abraham, Genesis 15:18 , is intended; which covenant proceeded from God's eternal mercy, as in it salvation was promised to all the nations of the earth. See Genesis 17:19 , and Genesis 22:18 , and this promise was, in one form or other, given to all the fathers, Luke 1:55 .

This song properly consists of three parts.

1. In the first part Mary praises God for what he had done for herself, Luke 1:46-50 .

In the second, she praises him for what he had done, and would do, against the oppressors of his people, Luke 1:51-53 .

3. In the third, she praises him for what he had done, and would do, for his Church, Luke 1:53-56 .