Luke 2:29
Verse
Context
Sermons
Richard Baxter
St. Augustine
John Piper
C.H. SpurgeonSummary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace - Now thou dismissest, απολυεις, loosest him from life; having lived long enough to have the grand end of life accomplished. According to thy word - It was promised to him, that he should not die till he had seen the Lord's anointed, Luk 2:26; and now, having seen him, he expects to be immediately dismissed in peace into the eternal world; having a full assurance and enjoyment of the salvation of God. Though Simeon means his death, yet the thing itself is not mentioned; for death has not only lost its sting, but its name also, to those who have, even by faith, seen the Lord's anointed.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Lord--"Master," a word rarely used in the New Testament, and selected here with peculiar propriety, when the aged saint, feeling that his last object in wishing to live had now been attained, only awaited his Master's word of command to "depart." now lettest, &c.--more clearly, "now Thou art releasing Thy servant"; a patient yet reverential mode of expressing a desire to depart.
John Gill Bible Commentary
Lord, now lettest thou thy servant,.... He acknowledges him as his Lord, and to have a despotic power over him with respect to life and death; and himself as his servant, which he was, both by creation and grace: and though it expresses humiliation, and a sense of distance and unworthiness, yet to be a servant of the most high God, is a very high and honourable character: what he requests of the Lord is that he might depart in peace; signifying his hearty desire to die, and with what cheerfulness he should meet death, having obtained all that he could wish for and desire, in seeing and embracing the Saviour: he expresses his death, by a departure out of the world, as in Joh 13:1 Phi 1:21 agreeably to the way of speaking of it among the Jews. See Gill on Phi 1:21 and by a word, which signifies a loosing of bonds; death being a dissolving the bond of union, between soul and body, and a deliverance, as from prison and bondage; the body being, as it were, a prison to the soul in the present state of things: and he also intimates, that whereas, though he had the strongest assurances of the Messiah's coming, and of his coming before his death, by the revelation of the Holy Ghost, and so most firmly believed it, without fluctuation, and hesitation of mind; yet as hope deferred makes the heart sick, he was anxious and restless in his desire, till it was accomplished; but now being come, he could take his leave of the world, and his entrance into eternity, with the greatest calmness and tranquillity of mind, having nothing to disturb him, nor more to desire: he adds, according to thy word; for he seems to have understood by the revelation made to him, that as he should not die before he saw the Messiah, so, when he had seen him, that he should immediately, or in a very short time after, be removed by death; and which he greatly desired, and in which, he sinned not, because his request was according to the word of God: whereas often, desires of death are not only without the word of God, and due resignation to his will, and any regard to his glory, but to be rid of some trouble, or gratify some lust, as pride, revenge, &c.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
2:29-32 This third great hymn of the birth narrative is called the Nunc dimittis (“now dismiss”), from the first words of the Latin translation. The hymn praises God for allowing Simeon to see God’s salvation.
Luke 2:29
The Prophecy of Simeon
28Simeon took Him in his arms and blessed God, saying: 29“Sovereign Lord, as You have promised, You now dismiss Your servant in peace.30For my eyes have seen Your salvation,
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
Directions for Heavenly Contemplation
By Richard Baxter0GEN 24:63JOS 1:8PSA 1:2MAT 6:6LUK 2:29LUK 22:41ACT 12:7ROM 8:182CO 4:16REV 1:10Richard Baxter emphasizes the importance of meditation as a means for the soul to digest truth from the Bible, turning belief into action and transforming the mind into strong willpower, genuine emotions, and holy living. He urges Christians to actively engage in heavenly contemplation, making it both spontaneous and scheduled, to cultivate a deep fellowship and friendship with God. Baxter advises on the best time, frequency, and season for meditation, highlighting its significance in times of suffering, distress, and especially when facing death, as a way to prepare the soul for eternal rest in heaven.
Exposition on Psalm 67
By St. Augustine0PSA 66:1MAT 6:10MAT 6:12LUK 2:29JHN 15:11CO 3:6PHP 3:13St. Augustine preaches about the importance of confessing and praising God, emphasizing the blessings that come from both God blessing us and us blessing the Lord. He highlights the growth that occurs when God blesses us and when we bless the Lord, leading to mutual profit. St. Augustine also discusses the concept of God as the Husbandman who tills us for fruit, and the need for us to acknowledge God's work in our lives. He encourages believers to sing a new song in the way of Christ, confess to God with joy, and allow God to guide them on the straight path.
Simeon's Farewell to the World
By John Piper0ISA 42:6ISA 49:6LUK 1:15LUK 2:29ACT 2:3ROM 9:32ROM 11:11ROM 11:19EPH 5:181PE 2:6John Piper preaches on Luke 2:21-40, focusing on Simeon's Farewell to the World as the central theme of the passage. The aged characters like Simeon and Anna symbolize the passing of the era of the law and the prophets, welcoming Jesus as the fulfillment of their faith. Luke emphasizes the importance of continuity between the old and new eras, showing that Jesus came not to abolish but to fulfill the law and the prophets. The outpouring of the Holy Spirit in Acts is seen as a continuation of the Spirit's work in the old era, highlighting the unity between the two. Simeon's prophecy reveals that salvation will extend beyond Israel to all nations, emphasizing the inclusive nature of God's plan for redemption.
Unbroken Fellowship Essential
By C.H. Spurgeon0LUK 2:29ACT 4:241TI 6:12TI 2:21TIT 2:91PE 2:182PE 2:1JUD 1:4REV 6:10The preacher delves into the meaning of 'Despotes' in the Bible, emphasizing its representation of ownership and authority, both in the secular and spiritual realms. While the term may evoke negative connotations in English, its Biblical usage portrays God's absolute control and rulership over all things. Believers are called to submit to God as their Master, reflecting a heart of reverence and obedience in all aspects of life, even in challenging circumstances. The sermon highlights the importance of believers living out the Gospel through respectful submission to earthly authorities, ultimately honoring God as the true Master of their lives.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace - Now thou dismissest, απολυεις, loosest him from life; having lived long enough to have the grand end of life accomplished. According to thy word - It was promised to him, that he should not die till he had seen the Lord's anointed, Luk 2:26; and now, having seen him, he expects to be immediately dismissed in peace into the eternal world; having a full assurance and enjoyment of the salvation of God. Though Simeon means his death, yet the thing itself is not mentioned; for death has not only lost its sting, but its name also, to those who have, even by faith, seen the Lord's anointed.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Lord--"Master," a word rarely used in the New Testament, and selected here with peculiar propriety, when the aged saint, feeling that his last object in wishing to live had now been attained, only awaited his Master's word of command to "depart." now lettest, &c.--more clearly, "now Thou art releasing Thy servant"; a patient yet reverential mode of expressing a desire to depart.
John Gill Bible Commentary
Lord, now lettest thou thy servant,.... He acknowledges him as his Lord, and to have a despotic power over him with respect to life and death; and himself as his servant, which he was, both by creation and grace: and though it expresses humiliation, and a sense of distance and unworthiness, yet to be a servant of the most high God, is a very high and honourable character: what he requests of the Lord is that he might depart in peace; signifying his hearty desire to die, and with what cheerfulness he should meet death, having obtained all that he could wish for and desire, in seeing and embracing the Saviour: he expresses his death, by a departure out of the world, as in Joh 13:1 Phi 1:21 agreeably to the way of speaking of it among the Jews. See Gill on Phi 1:21 and by a word, which signifies a loosing of bonds; death being a dissolving the bond of union, between soul and body, and a deliverance, as from prison and bondage; the body being, as it were, a prison to the soul in the present state of things: and he also intimates, that whereas, though he had the strongest assurances of the Messiah's coming, and of his coming before his death, by the revelation of the Holy Ghost, and so most firmly believed it, without fluctuation, and hesitation of mind; yet as hope deferred makes the heart sick, he was anxious and restless in his desire, till it was accomplished; but now being come, he could take his leave of the world, and his entrance into eternity, with the greatest calmness and tranquillity of mind, having nothing to disturb him, nor more to desire: he adds, according to thy word; for he seems to have understood by the revelation made to him, that as he should not die before he saw the Messiah, so, when he had seen him, that he should immediately, or in a very short time after, be removed by death; and which he greatly desired, and in which, he sinned not, because his request was according to the word of God: whereas often, desires of death are not only without the word of God, and due resignation to his will, and any regard to his glory, but to be rid of some trouble, or gratify some lust, as pride, revenge, &c.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
2:29-32 This third great hymn of the birth narrative is called the Nunc dimittis (“now dismiss”), from the first words of the Latin translation. The hymn praises God for allowing Simeon to see God’s salvation.