What does Luke 1:55 mean?
When Mary heard she was going to bear the Messiah (Luke 1:31–33), she knew it would fulfill one of Israel's most cherished prophecies. God had made promises to patriarchs like Abraham (Genesis 17:9), Isaac (Genesis 28:13), and Jacob (Genesis 35:10–12). Later prophets had predicted the arrival of a Promised One who would finally set all things right and rescue Israel (Isaiah 9:6–7; 2 Samuel 7:12–16). Each generation since Abraham had seen progressively more of the Lord's promises come true. God's declaration that Jesus Christ will be born validates His promise not to forget the people of Israel (Luke 1:54; Psalm 132:11).This ends Mary's song of praise, which is often called "The Magnificat." She speaks these words (Luke 1:46–54) as she celebrates with her relative, Elizabeth (Luke 1:39–42). Elizabeth is six months pregnant (Luke 1:37) with a child who will become known as John the Baptist (Luke 3:2–3). Mary, it seems, will stay with Elizabeth until she gives birth before returning to her home (Luke 1:56). There, she will await her marriage to Joseph (Luke 1:26–27). Scripture does not say if Joseph, at this time, was aware of Mary's condition, though he will learn about it soon (Matthew 1:18–21).
Luke 1:39–56 contains Mary's visit with her relative, Elizabeth, and her resulting praise of God. Both women are miraculously pregnant. Despite her old age, Elizabeth is several months pregnant with a boy who will one day be known as John the Baptist (Luke 1:13). Mary, a virgin, has recently learned that God has conceived in her the Messiah, to be named Jesus (Luke 1:31). The unborn John reacts when he hears Mary's voice. Mary responds to this with extensive praise of God, calling Him her "Savior." After staying for a while—possibly until the birth of John—Mary returns home.
The angel Gabriel predicts two miraculous births. The first is a son born to Zechariah and Elizabeth: an older, childless priest and his wife. Because Zechariah initially doubts this message, he is temporarily made unable to speak. Their child will be known as John the Baptist, a powerful herald of the Messiah. The Promised One whom John will proclaim is the second birth predicted by Gabriel. He tells an engaged virgin, Mary, that God will miraculously conceive His Son in her. The two women meet and rejoice over their blessings. John's arrival sets the stage for Luke's familiar account of the birth of Jesus Christ.
