Luke 2 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: Luke 2:25-35 – Simeon’s Blessing and Warning

Luke 2:25-35 – Simeon’s Blessing and Warning

LK2:25 Now look, there was a person in Jerusalem named Simeon. And he was righteous and reverent[1] and was waiting for Israel’s consolation,[2] and holy Pneuma was upon him. LK2:26 For it had been revealed to him by holy inspiration[3] that he would not experience death until he had seen YHWH’s Christ.[4] [Psalm 2:2] LK2:27 So under inspiration[5] he arrived in the temple [courtyard][6] and when the parents of the little boy Jesus brought him – for it was according to custom regarding an infant – LK2:28 and thus Simeon welcomed [the Christ] into his arms.[7] Then he blessed The God and said: LK2:29 “Absolute Sovereign,[8] now You may dismiss[9] Your servant in peace according to Your message. LK2:30 Because my eyes have seen Your salvation [Isaiah 40:5] LK2:31 that You have prepared in the presence of all the people – LK2:32 an apocalyptic illumination[10] to the non-Jews and a glory to Your people Israel.” [Isaiah 46:13] LK2:33 Now [the infant’s] father and mother were amazed at the things Simeon had said. LK2:34 Then Simeon blessed them and said to [the infant’s] mother Mary: “Behold, this One is destined for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and for a sign to be opposed[11] – LK2:35 (and also, Mary, your own soul will be pierced by a sword!) – that the thoughts of many hearts may be exposed.”[12]

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[1] Righteous and reverent: Or, just and devout, upright and devout. It means the person was law-abiding and observed Jewish rituals.

[2] Waiting for Israel’s consolation: Or, TCN: lived in constant expectation; TAY: constantly expecting the Messiah to come. [Isaiah 40:1; 49:13; 66:11]

“Comfort, comfort my people, says your God.” (Isa 40:1 NIV)

“Shout for joy, O heavens; rejoice, O earth; burst into song, O mountains! For the LORD comforts his people and will have compassion on his afflicted ones.” (Isa 49:13 NIV)

“For you will nurse and be satisfied at her comforting breasts; you will drink deeply and delight in her overflowing abundance.”” (Isa 66:11 NIV)

[3] Holy inspiration: Or, divinely revealed. The Greek is KECHREMATISMENON [Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance #5537, having been instructed. (GRN)]

[4] YHWH’s Christ: Or, the Lord’s Christ, Lord’s Messiah, God’s Anointed. Likely drawn from Psalm 2:2. For details see notes in Nazarene Commentary 2000 on Revelation 11:15.

“The kings of the earth take their stand and the rulers gather together against the LORD and against his Anointed One.” (Ps 2:2 NIV)

“And the 7th Angel trumpeted. Great voices occurred in the Celestialum, saying: “The sovereignty of the world of humankind became our Sovereign Lord’s and His Messiah. [The Sovereign Lord] will reign throughout all future periods of time.”” (Re 11:15 MHM)

[5] Under inspiration: Or, by the spirit, inspired by, led by, moved by.

[6] Temple [courtyard]: The Greek is HIERON and always refers to the temple compound and not the Temple proper. Women were not permitted into the inner courts so this was possibly the Court of Women.

[7] Simeon welcomed [the Christ] into his arms: Is it possible this was the priest who circumcised Jesus?

[8] Absolute Sovereign: Or, Sovereign Lord. [Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance #1203] For details see notes in Nazarene Commentary 2000 on Acts 4:24.

“When the whole community heard, they raised their voices to The God with one mind, and said: “Sovereign Lord, the One who made the heaven, the earth, and the sea and everything in them–” (Ac 4:24 MHM)

[9] Dismiss: Or, depart, discharge, die in content.

[10] Apocalyptic illumination: Or, KJV: a light to lighten; ASV: a light for revelation; NEB: a light that will be a revelation. Drawn from Isaiah 42:6. The Greek is PHOS EIS APOCALYPSIN.

“”I, the LORD, have called you in righteousness; I will take hold of your hand. I will keep you and will make you to be a covenant for the people and a light for the Gentiles,” (Isa 42:6 NIV)

[11] A sign to be opposed: Or, NEB: a sign which men reject; BAS: a sign against which hard words will be said; GDS: a portent that will be much debated; KNX: a sign which men will refuse to acknowledge; NOR: a controversial figure.

[12] Exposed: Or, revealed, laid bare, brought into the light of day.

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Preceding

Luke 2 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: Luke 2:1-7 – A Firstborn’s Birth In Bethlehem

Luke 2 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: Luke 2:8-14 – Angels and Shepherds in the Night

Luke 2 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: Luke 2:15-20 – Shepherds Find the Infant Christ

Luke 2 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: Luke 2:21-24 – Presenting the Baby to God

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Additional reading

1. Today’s Thought “Given for a light to the Gentile” (June 24)
2. Extra memorising verses John 7:37 Coming to Christ to drink

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Related

1. Gospel of Luke Chapter 2:8-15, 25-35 Antique Commentary Quotes
2. Luke 2:25-35 – Simeon Prophesizes About Baby Jesus
3. a man who waited in Jerusalem
4. Anna the Prophetess
5. Christmas 2018 – Day 22
6. 11th Day of Christmas: Fri, 04 Jan – Luke 2:21, 25-35 ~ a light to the nations
7. His Only Christmas Present
8. The Song of Simeon
9. A light to bring revelation to the Gentiles, And the glory of Your people Israel
10. I have seen your salvation