Luke 1:46-55

46-55. The Magnificat, or triumphal hymn of the Blessed Virgin.

This hymn has been called the Magnificat, from the first word of the Latin version; the Hymn of Zacharias (68-79) is called the Benedictus; and that of Simeon the Nunc Dimittis. Like one of the prophets of old, Mary, in the moment of inspired exaltation, pours forth her joy in rhythmical utterances. As in such cases of excitement memory is doubly powerful, it was easy to record with verbal accuracy the entire hymn.

It is divisible into three parts.

I. Luk 1:46-49. Rapturous recognition of God’s strange grace upon her own utterly humble person and character.

II. Luk 1:50-53. A recognition that it is ever thus that God exalts the humble and brings low the proud.

III. Luk 1:54-55. The blessed result is, that humble Israel is now to be exalted according to God’s ancient promise to Abraham.