Luke 1:54

54 He has kept the promise he made to our ancestors, and has come to the help of his servant Israel.

Luke 1:54 Meaning and Commentary

Luke 1:54

He hath holpen his servant Israel
Meaning, not the natural posterity of Jacob, or Israel in general, but the elect of God among them; for all were not Israel, who were of Israel; and not them only, but also the chosen ones among the Gentiles; who, with the former, make up the whole Israel of God, in a spiritual and mystical sense: these are the Israel, God has chosen, redeemed, and calls by his grace, and are here styled his "servant", as Israel is frequently called, ( Isaiah 41:8 ) ( 44:21 ) . The word signifies a "child", as well as a "servant": and may design, either the weak and helpless condition God's elect are in by nature, which calls for, and requires divine help and assistance; or the relation they stand in to him, being his adopted children, and which is the reason of his helping them: and which signifies to take them by the hand, and lift them up, and support and uphold them; and supposes them to have been fallen down, and unable to raise themselves up; but God having laid help for them on one that is mighty, sent him to take upon him their nature; and by obeying, suffering, and dying for them, to help them out of their state of sin and misery; and to uphold them with the right hand of his righteousness, and bring them safe to glory; and all this,

in remembrance of his mercy;
which he had in his heart towards them, and had promised in his covenant to them: the mercy of God, is the spring and source of redemption; mercy provided a Redeemer, and a ransom; and it is owing to it, that the Redeemer came; and he, in his love and pity, performed the work: and therefore salvation is to be ascribed, not to works of righteousness done by men, but to the abundant mercy of God our Saviour.

Luke 1:54 In-Context

52 He has brought down mighty kings from their thrones, and lifted up the lowly.

53 He has filled the hungry with good things, and sent the rich away with empty hands.

54 He has kept the promise he made to our ancestors, and has come to the help of his servant Israel.

55 He has remembered to show mercy to Abraham and to all his descendants forever!"

56 Mary stayed about three months with Elizabeth and then went back home.