Part 73

1:69. And hath raised up an horn of salvation to us, in the house of David his servant.

Horn of salvation. . .That is, A powerful salvation, as Dr. Witham translates it. For in the Scripture, by horn is generally understood strength and power.

1:70. As he spoke by the mouth of his holy prophets, who are from the beginning.

1:71. Salvation from our enemies and from the hand of all that hate us.

1:72. To perform mercy to our fathers and to remember his holy testament.

1:73. The oath, which he swore to Abraham our father, that he would grant to us.

1:74. That being delivered from the hand of our enemies, we may serve him without fear:

1:75. In holiness and justice before him, all our days.

1:76. And thou, child, shalt be called the prophet of the Highest: for thou shalt, go before the face of the Lord to prepare his ways:

1:77. To give knowledge of salvation to his people, unto the remission of their sins.

1:78. Through the bowels of the mercy of our God, in which the Orient from on high hath visited us:

The Orient. . .It is one of the titles of the Messias, the true light of the world, and the sun of justice.

1:79. To enlighten them that sit in darkness and in the shadow of death: to direct our feet into the way of peace.

1:80. And the child grew and was strengthened in spirit: and was in the deserts until the day of his manifestation to Israel.

Luke Chapter 2

The birth of Christ. His presentation in the temple. Simeon's prophecy. Christ at twelve years of age, is found amongst the doctors.

2:1. And it came to pass that in those days there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus that the whole world should be enrolled.

2:2. This enrolling was first made by Cyrinus, the governor of Syria.

2:3. And all went to be enrolled, every one into his own city.

2:4. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem: because he was of the house and family of David.

2:5. To be enrolled with Mary his espoused wife, who was with child.

2:6. And it came to pass that when they were there, her days were accomplished that she should be delivered.

2:7. And she brought forth her first born son and wrapped him up in swaddling clothes and laid him in a manger: because there was no room for them in the inn.

Her firstborn. . .The meaning is, not that she had afterward any other child; but it is a way of speech among the Hebrews, to call them also the firstborn, who are the only children. See annotation Matt. 1. 25.

2:8. And there were in the same country shepherds watching and keeping the night watches over their flock.

2:9. And behold an angel of the Lord stood by them and the brightness of God shone round about them: and they feared with a great fear.

2:10. And the angel said to them: Fear not; for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy that shall be to all the people:

2:11. For, this day is born to you a Saviour, who is Christ the Lord, in the city of David.