Mary's Literal Words on Israel's Restoration from Luke Chapter Two

Chapter 16: As He Spake to Our Fathers (Luke 1:55a)

The phrase "as he spake to our fathers" (Luke 1:55) evokes a deep sense of continuity between God's promises and the lineage of Israel, extending back to the patriarchs: Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. This chapter reflects on how God has communicated His will, intentions, and covenants to these foundational figures, shaping the identity and destiny of the nation of Israel.

God's relationship with Abraham, the father of faith, is marked by profound dialogues and divine promises. In Genesis 12:1-3, we read the initial calling: "Now the LORD had said unto Abram, Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and from thy father's house, unto a land that I will shew thee: And I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee, and make thy name great; and thou shalt be a blessing: And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed." Here, God initiates a relationship with Abraham, promising blessings that would impact not just his descendants (The Little Flock) but the entire world. This moment is pivotal, illustrating God's intent to engage with humanity through covenant, making Abraham a central figure in redemptive history.

The Lord spoke again to Abraham in Genesis 15:5-6, saying, "And he brought him forth abroad, and said, Look now toward heaven, and tell the stars, if thou be able to number them: and he said unto him, So shall thy seed be. And he believed in the LORD; and he counted it to him for righteousness." This passage highlights God's promise of innumerable descendants, a theme that resonates deeply in the story of Israel. God's faithfulness to Abraham is further demonstrated when He confirms His covenant in Genesis 17:4-5, stating, "As for me, behold, my covenant is with thee, and thou shalt be a father of many nations. Neither shall thy name any more be called Abram, but thy name shall be Abraham; for a father of many nations have I made thee." This renaming signifies Abraham's pivotal role in God's plan, underlining the weight of his legacy.

Isaac, Abraham's son, too received direct guidance from the Lord. In Genesis 26:2-5, God speaks to Isaac in a time of famine, saying, "And the LORD appeared unto him, and said, Go not down into Egypt; dwell in the land which I shall tell thee of: Sojourn in this land, and I will be with thee, and will bless thee; for unto thee, and unto thy seed, I will give all these countries, and I will perform the oath which I sware unto Abraham thy father." The Lord reassures Isaac of the same promises made to Abraham, emphasizing the continuity of God's covenant through generations. Isaac's obedience to God's command demonstrates the importance of faith and listening to divine instruction, reinforcing that the blessings of God are intricately linked to the response of His servants.

Jacob, Isaac's son, also encountered the Lord in powerful ways. In Genesis 28:13-15, God appears to Jacob in a dream, saying, "And, behold, the LORD stood above it, and said, I am the LORD God of Abraham thy father, and the God of Isaac: the land whereon thou liest, to thee will I give it, and to thy seed; And thy seed shall be as the dust of the earth, and thou shalt spread abroad to the west, and to the east, and to the north, and to the south: and in thee and in thy seed shall all the families of the earth be blessed." This encounter highlights Jacob's inheritance of the covenant and his pivotal role in the unfolding plan of God. Jacob's wrestling with God in Genesis 32 further reinforces the significance of his relationship with the Divine, culminating in a transformative moment that results in a new name, Israel.

Throughout Scripture, God's words to the fathers of the House of Israel emphasize His unchanging nature and unwavering commitment to His people. The patriarchs serve as conduits for God's promises—reminding Israel that they are heirs to a divine legacy. As at that point in the book of Luke, Mary understands this, she exclaims with joy and praise to God all of this through her vast knowledge of the scriptures she has before her.