The Magnificat

When Mary visited her relative Elizabeth, she took about seventy miles from Nazareth to a place near Jerusalem—possibly Ain Karim, five miles west of Jerusalem, where Zechariah and Elizabeth lived. Later, in 2:4, Mary would make a similar journey, but this time, she would be much more pregnant.

Mary’s song, found in Luke 1, sounds a lot like the song of Hannah from 1 Samuel 2:1–10. In Hannah’s case, her song came after the birth of her son Samuel, a child born against natural expectations since Hannah was thought to be unable to have children. From birth, Samuel was recognized as having a unique role in God’s plan for salvation.

Like Hannah, Mary rejoices in God’s choice of the overlooked and downtrodden instead of the world’s natural leaders. Although Mary’s song doesn’t directly quote Hannah’s words, it weaves echoes of Psalms and other poetic parts of the Old Testament. This reflects the common theme of celebrating God’s selection of the humble over the prominent in Mary and Hannah’s songs.*

Mary’s Song of Praise: The Magnificat

46 And Mary said,

“My soul magnifies the Lord,

47  and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,

48  for he has looked on the humble estate of his servant.

For behold, from now on all generations will call me blessed;

49  for he who is mighty has done great things for me,

and holy is his name.

50  And his mercy is for those who fear him

from generation to generation.

51  He has shown strength with his arm;

he has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts;

52  he has brought down the mighty from their thrones

and exalted those of humble estate;

53  he has filled the hungry with good things,

and the rich he has sent away empty.

54  He has helped his servant Israel,

in remembrance of his mercy,

55  as he spoke to our fathers,

to Abraham and to his offspring forever.”

56 And Mary remained with her about three months and returned to her home.

Luke 1:46–56 (ESV)

Examining the Magnificat reveals a powerful celebration of the God of Israel and a challenge to worldly values. It teaches us valuable lessons in a society that often unquestioningly supports the idea that power equals righteousness and where a celebrity culture promotes wealth and success as qualities to be admired and imitated.

Mary’s words challenge us to reflect on how our social, political, and spiritual lives may conflict with God’s values. Mary is shown to be an intended figure in God’s redemptive purpose and a model for faith, obedience, and vision. Mary deserves our admiration and congratulations.

‌~PW 🌮🛶

*see Brown, R. E. (1999). Birth of the messiah; a new updated edition – A commentary on the infancy N. Yale University Press.