Luke 1:33

He shall reign. It is noteworthy that in the angelic messages and prophetic utterances given with reference to the birth of Christ, little intimation was given of Christ’s role as the suffering One. Here, for instance, Gabriel looks forward to the glorious climax of the plan of salvation, completely passing over any reference to the crucifixion. Perhaps the rejoicing in heaven at the birth of the Saviour, and of those few on earth who recognized and received Him, made it seem inappropriate to mention the cross that must precede the crown. Jesus Himself, “the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame,” will sit “down at the right hand of the throne of God” (Heb. 12:2). How often the prophets of the OT lifted inspired eyes from the distress brought about by sin to the ultimate glory of the universe purified from all traces of sin!

House of Jacob. That is, Jacob’s descendants. In a spiritual sense these include all who believe in Christ, whether they be Jew or Gentile (Rom. 2:25-29; Gal. 3:26-29; 1 Peter 2:9, 10; etc.).

For ever. Literally, “into the ages” (see on Matt. 13:39). Holy men of old looked forward to the time when the transitory things of earth would give place to the enduring realities of eternity. The kingdoms of earth which, from a human point of view, often appear to rise majestically, one after another, fade away like houses of ice under a summer sun. Men strive for permanency and security; but these will never be achieved until Christ sets up His kingdom — one that will “never be destroyed” (Dan. 2:44), one that will “not pass away” (Dan. 7:14), one that will be “an everlasting kingdom” (see on Ps. 145:13) and endure “even for ever” (Micah 4:7). The promise of the Father that the kingdom of His Son should be “for ever and ever” (Heb. 1:8) was not unknown to the Jews of Christ’s day (Ps. 45:6, 7; cf. John 12:34).