Mary knew her Bible

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Friday, December 13, 2013   Jeff Lampl 

 Mary spoke Aramaic, which was a language with a strong poetic tradition. Her society valued the oral transmission of tradition, ideas, stories and news. Being able to talk well was a valued skill in the ancient world.   She would have known the Jewish Scriptures, especially the stories and prayers in them.  She would have also been aware of the strong women in these stories such as story of Hanna and her son Samuel.  And she would probably have known these stories by heart.  

Luke records Mary’s having sung a song glorifying God (the “Magnificat”, “my soul magnifies”,  often sung in traditional services) in chapter 1 verses 46- 55.  Your study bible will probably list them for you. They speak of the lowly being exalted, and the humble being honored.   It’s a song that subverts all pride of the power structures of the world, and elevates God’s reach into the lowest rungs of society.  

Just as one who works in a factory and operates a machine knows exactly how to push the buttons and what to do next, May knew her her bible, her history, her God, and how live within in the great story that her God was weaving.  When it came time for her to live out her calling in unique way she was perhaps as prepared as any teenager could have been.  

Take a moment to read Mary’s song and notice how well she understood exactly how well she was able to place the task ahead of her into the story told in the Hebrew scriptures in which she was immersed from childhood.  

“My soul glorifies the Lord
               and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,
 for he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant.
From now on all generations will call me blessed,
                      for the Mighty One has done great things for me—
                holy is his name.
His mercy extends to those who fear him,
                from generation to generation.
He has performed mighty deeds with his arm;
                has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts.
He has brought down rulers from their thrones
                but has lifted up the humble.
He has filled the hungry with good things
                but has sent the rich away empty.
He has helped his servant Israel,
                remembering to be merciful
to Abraham and his descendants forever,
                just as he promised our ancestors.”  Luke 1:46-55 (NIV2011) 

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