vine power, yet in
accordance with the moral perfection of his revealed nature and in order
to bring blessings to countless generations who would trust and reverence
him.

In the third stanza, vs. 51-53, is an illustration of another feature of
Hebrew poetry; not only is there striking parallelism, but here past
tenses are used to describe future events; the results of the coming of
the Messiah are stated as though already achieved. In contrast with the
blessedness of those that fear the Lord, "the proud," the rebellious, and
unbelieving are pictured as "scattered" like the hosts of a defeated army;
the oppressed are exalted while tyrants are dethroned; the hungry are
filled and the rich are sent away "empty." These results are to be
regarded as spiritual as well as physical. Such reversals are certain to
occur where Christ is accepted and those who receive blessings from him
are the humble who are conscious of their need.

The last strophe, vs. 54, 55, emphasizes the faithfulness of God to his
ancient promises which Mary sees fulfilled in the birth of her Son. In
this saving help given to Israel, God is showing that he has not forgotten
the mercy "toward Abraham and his seed" promised to the "fathers" of old.
Only in Christ Jesus can be realized all the promises to Israel, all the
hopes of the ages.

D. The Birth of John, and the "Benedictus." Ch. 1:57-80

57 Now Elisabeth's time was fulfilled that she should be
delivered; and she brought forth a son. 58 And her neighbors and
her kinsfolk heard that the Lord had magnified his mercy towards
her; and they rejoiced with her. 59 And it came to pass on the
eighth day, that they came to circumcise the child; and they would
have called him Zacharias, after the name of his father. 60 And
his mother answered and said, Not so; but he shall be called John.
61 And they said unto her, There is none of thy kindred that is
called by this name. 62 And they made signs to his father, what he
would have him called. 63 And he asked for a writing tablet, and
wrote, saying, His name is John. And they marvelled all. 64 And
his mouth was opened immediately, and his tongue _loosed_, and he
spake, blessing God. 65 And fear came on all that dwelt round
about them: and all these sayings were noised abroad throughout
all the hill country of Judaea. 66 And all that heard them laid
them up in their heart, saying, What then s