Bible Commentary

Luke 1:39-56

Matthew Henry on Luke 1:39-56

Matthew Henry Concise Commentary · Matthew Henry · CC0 1.0 Universal

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.

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commentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Luke 1:1-80EXPOSITION THE origin of the Gospels—the four histories which relate in detail the circumstances of the foundation of Christianity—will ever be an interesting study. Here we shall never know the exact truth of the compi…Joseph S. Exell and contributorscommentaryThe Interview of Mary and Elisabeth; The Song of MaryTHE INTERVIEW OF MARY AND ELISABETH; THE SONG OF MARY. We have here an interview between the two happy mothers, Elisabeth and Mary: the angel, by intimating to Mary the favour bestowed on her cousin Elisabeth (Luke 1:36…Matthew HenrycommentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Luke 1:39-56The two expectant mothers. I. THE RETIREMENT. Elisabeth (Luke 1:24) had hidden herself when she knew that the promise of the angel would be fulfilled. Why she did so we are not told, but the language of Luke 1:26 sugges…Joseph S. Exell and contributorscommentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Luke 1:39Mary arose in those days, and went into the hill country with haste. Between the annunciation and this journey of Mary to visit her cousin Elisabeth, we must interpose the events narrated in St. Matthew's Gospel, viz. t…Joseph S. Exell and contributorscommentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Luke 1:39-56Inspirations amid the hills of Judaea. We already have seen the angel suggesting to Mary the propriety of visiting Elisabeth. We may reasonably believe that she had no mother at this time to whom she could communicate h…Joseph S. Exell and contributorscommentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Luke 1:41Elisabeth was filled with the Holy Ghost. The Holy Spirit—that Spirit of prophecy, so often mentioned in the Old Testament—seizes her, and she salutes her young kinswoman, Mary, as the mother of the coming Messiah.Joseph S. Exell and contributorscommentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Luke 1:42And she spake out with a loud voice, and said, Blessed art thou among women (see 5:24). The words which clothed the thoughts in these ecstatic expressions of intense joy and thankfulness on the part of the two favored w…Joseph S. Exell and contributorscommentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Luke 1:43And whence is this to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? But the Holy Ghost (Luke 1:41) raised Elisabeth's thoughts yet higher. Not only did she bless the mother of the coming Messiah, but the Spirit open…Joseph S. Exell and contributors