Mary recognized that God had been faithful to give help to Israel and done all those things she just recounted because of His covenant promises. Perhaps she thought of Psalm 98:3 which says “He has remembered His lovingkindness and His faithfulness to the house of Israel; All the ends of the earth have seen the salvation of our God” (see also Ps. 105:8-10). Despite all Israel’s sinfulness, nothing would break these covenant promises made by God with His people. 

Mary, did you know

That your baby boy will one day walk on water?

Mary, did you know

That your baby boy will save our sons and daughters?

Did you know

That your baby boy has come to make you new?

This child that you’ve delivered

Will soon deliver you.

This well-known Christmas song first debuted in 1991, written from a reflection of what the songwriter would ask Mary if he ever had a conversation with her. Did she know Who she was holding in her arms and what He would accomplish as they sat amidst the animals that night?

Mary’s prayer provides us with the answer.

God’s Sovereignty

Mary continues her prayer in v. 51-55 by recounting the deeds God has done throughout Israel’s history using a series of contrasts. I listed a few events or passages Mary might have been thinking of when she said these words, but this list is by no means exhaustive.

“He Has Done a Mighty Deed with His Arm” (V. 51a).

The first thing that came to mind here is the story of the Exodus. The Old Testament frequently references God’s mighty hand and outstretched arm in connection to Israel’s deliverance from Egypt with the various plagues and Red Sea Crossing that God accomplished (Ex 6:6; Dt. 4:34; Ps. 136:10-22). It also applies to the great victories of God in protecting and providing for Israel in the wilderness wanderings, the Conquest, David’s victories, and the many armies Israel has defeated over its history in supernatural ways. And yes, this certainly applies to the baby in her womb.

“He Has Scattered Those Who Were Proud in the Thoughts of Their Heart” (V. 51b).

Perhaps Mary is thinking of the story of the Tower of Babel in Genesis 11:1-9. The people wanted to build a city and a name for themselves and prevent themselves from being scattered across the lands in direct opposition to the God’s command to fill the earth. But God changed their languages and scattered them anyway. This also applies to Israel as a nation being sent into exile, having been caught in idolatry and refusing to repent and turn back to the Lord despite the warnings of the prophets.

“He Has Brought Down Rulers from Their Thrones” (V. 52a).

The book of Daniel is full of examples of this from the empires represented in the statute in Daniel 2, King Nebuchadnezzar in Daniel 4 being humbled to live in the fields, or Belshazzar in Daniel 5 whose kingdom and life was taken from him the very night he saw the writing on the wall in the midst of his feasting. We can again think of various kings throughout Israel’s history, both foreign and national, that God removed from their authority. It also reminded me of Psalm 2, with the kings of the earth making plans against God and Messiah and meanwhile, He sits up in the heavens and laughs at them because they will never succeed.

“And Has Exalted Those Who Were Humble” (V. 52b)

Job 5:11 says, “He sets on high those who are lowly, and those who mourn are lifted to salvation.”

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