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Selected Verse: Luke 1:52 - King James

Verse	Translation	Text
Lu 1:52	King James	He hath put down the mighty from their seats, and exalted them of low degree.

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Notes on the Bible, by Albert Barnes, [1834]
Hath put down the mighty - The "mighty" here denotes princes, kings, or conquerors. See Isa 14:12-14. Their seats - Their "thrones," or the places where they sat in pomp and power. Exalted them - Raised them up, or placed them in the seats of those who had been removed. Low degree - Low or humble birth and condition in life. This probably has reference to the case of her ancestor David. Mary was celebrating the mercies of God to herself, to her family, and of course to her ancestors. It was natural to allude to that great event in their history when Saul was overcome in battle, and when David was taken from the sheepfold and placed on the throne. The origin of illustrious families is often obscure. People are often raised by industry, talent, and the favor of God, from very humble stations - from the farm or mechanic's shop - to places of great trust in the church and state. They who are thus elevated, if imbued with right feelings, will not despise their former employments nor their former companions, nor will they esteem their parents or friends the less because they still remain in the same rank in life. No conduct is more odious and unchristian than to be ashamed of our birth or the humble circumstances of our friends.

Notes on the Bible, by Albert Barnes, [1834]

Hath put down the mighty - The "mighty" here denotes princes, kings, or conquerors. See Isa 14:12-14.

Their seats - Their "thrones," or the places where they sat in pomp and power.

Exalted them - Raised them up, or placed them in the seats of those who had been removed.

Low degree - Low or humble birth and condition in life. This probably has reference to the case of her ancestor David. Mary was celebrating the mercies of God to herself, to her family, and of course to her ancestors. It was natural to allude to that great event in their history when Saul was overcome in battle, and when David was taken from the sheepfold and placed on the throne. The origin of illustrious families is often obscure. People are often raised by industry, talent, and the favor of God, from very humble stations - from the farm or mechanic's shop - to places of great trust in the church and state. They who are thus elevated, if imbued with right feelings, will not despise their former employments nor their former companions, nor will they esteem their parents or friends the less because they still remain in the same rank in life. No conduct is more odious and unchristian than to be ashamed of our birth or the humble circumstances of our friends.

Explanatory Notes on the Whole Bible, by John Wesley [1754-65]
He hath put down the mighty - Both angels and men.

Explanatory Notes on the Whole Bible, by John Wesley [1754-65]

He hath put down the mighty - Both angels and men.

Adam Clarke Commentary on the Whole Bible - Published 1810-1826
He hath put down the mighty from their seats - Or, He hath taken down potentates from their thrones. This probably alludes to the removal of Saul from the throne of Israel, and the establishment of the kingdom in the person and family of David. And as Mary spoke prophetically, this saying may also allude to the destruction of the kingdom of Satan and his allies, and the final prevalence of the kingdom of Christ.

Adam Clarke Commentary on the Whole Bible - Published 1810-1826

He hath put down the mighty from their seats - Or, He hath taken down potentates from their thrones. This probably alludes to the removal of Saul from the throne of Israel, and the establishment of the kingdom in the person and family of David. And as Mary spoke prophetically, this saying may also allude to the destruction of the kingdom of Satan and his allies, and the final prevalence of the kingdom of Christ.

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