Luke 2:34

Luke 2:34. Blessed them. The ordinary benediction of a pious old man.

Unto Mary his mother. This indicates that Simeon knew (by revelation we infer) something of her peculiar relation to the child. He now alludes to the sufferings of the Messiah, already foretold by the Old Testament prophets. This further revelation may have been needed to prevent undue elation on the part of Mary.

Is set, lit., ‘lies.' The reference is to lying in an appointed place, probably with an allusion to the ‘stone of stumbling' (Isaiah 8:14; Romans 9:33; comp. 1 Peter 2:8).

For the falling and the rising of many. This is most naturally referred to two classes: some fall through unbelief, stumbling at this rock of offence; others are raised up through faith and holiness. ‘The fall and rising again' (as in E. V.) points to but one class: those first humbled by a sense of sin and then raised again by this Saviour; but ‘again' is not necessarily implied.

And for a sign that is spoken against. This refers to the future, but the present is used of what is characteristic. This prophecy was fulfilled during His earthly life; the culmination was the cross, which as the sign of salvation has not yet lost its offence (Galatians 5:11).