Luke 2:29 Commentary - Dr Peter Masters

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Luke 2:29

Comments

In just these three verses there are no fewer than five Old Testament allusions or quotations (verse 29 – Genesis 15;15; verse 30 – Isaiah 52:10; verse 31 – Psalm 98:2; verse 32a – Isaiah 42:6; verse 32b – Isaiah 60:1). That is an insight into Simeon. He was devout; he was a great reader and student of the word, and while this is inspired prophecy, God uses his servants, and the words they speak reflect to a great degree their own spiritual standing. Here it is with Simeon. He is a student of the word. When he speaks it is almost a selection of texts stitched together, crafted together in a great statement. He thinks in terms of Old Testament Scriptures.‘Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word.’ Simeon is content to face death now that he has seen this great sight. Ryle comments that we see here how completely a child of God can be delivered from the fear of death. The Lord has not promised him anything more in this life, and for him it is enough. He does not speak of earthly possessions or security. None of that can go with him when he leaves this world, but what he has been given by the Lord is an everlasting source of joy. He is an ordinary priest. Who is he that he should be allowed to see the incarnate Son of God? Yet he has been given this great privilege. If God has begun the work of redemption, then everything else will follow. Simeon himself of course has a great interest in that work, for on it depends his own salvation. This child must grow up and fulfil every prophecy spoken about him. He must preach the good news of the Gospel; he must face and conquer Satan, and he must make atonement for sin. But as sure as God is almighty in power and infinite in his being, so surely will Christ complete the work assigned to him, and therefore Simeon can rest in death, knowing that like Job he will rise again at the last day. Peace in death was also promised to Abraham when he would leave this life as an aged man (Genesis 15:15). Regardless of the darkness and horror of the vision of the bondage in Egypt of his descendants, he would have peace. He could look past all this to the final outcome which God would bring out of these afflictions.

Application

What joy the believer has, knowing that God has enabled him to make the best choice. He has not chosen things that are passing away, things that will be stripped from him leaving him empty and sad. He will not be hurried on by death and forced to leave behind all that he values most. He will take with him all that he needs, for he will take the Lord Jesus Christ with him, because he is united to Christ in a bond that cannot be broken. Simon exhibits a great calmness in the face of the kings of terrors. We may have this calmness not just at the end of life when we reach the last exit, but at other times when God makes very real to us the victory which we have in Christ. It is as if the believer already has one foot beyond death and is impatient to have two feet securely planted in heaven.

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Luke 2:29 Commentary and Bible Study