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Scripture focus
A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel.
Luke 2:32 — KJV
Bible study online
Luke 2:32
King James Version (KJV)
“In our prayers we talk to God, in our Bible study God talks to us, and we had better let God do most of the talking.”
— D.L. Moody
Luke 2:32
Verse 32 of 52
Commentary
Commentary on Luke 2:32
Theological / DevotionalA light. See on ch. 1:78, 79.
To lighten. Literally, “for a revelation.” The “vail that is spread over all nations” (Isa. 25:7) was to be removed (see Isa. 60:1-3).
The Gentiles. From the earliest times the Hebrew people were instructed concerning their appointed role as representatives of the true God before the nations of earth. This vital fact was clearly stated in the first promise made to Abraham (Gen. 12:3), and later repeated to Isaac (Gen. 26:4) and to Jacob (Gen. 28:14). The same truth was more clearly announced to Israel as the people came out of Egypt and prepared to enter the Promised Land (see Deut. 4:6-8; 28:10; etc.). From generation to generation the prophets ever held up before the people the worldwide scope of their sacred trust (see Ps. 98:3; Isa. 42:6; 49:6; 53:10; 56:6, 7; 60:1-3; 61:9; Isa. 62:2; Zech. 2:11; 8:22; etc.). Christ repeatedly pointed out that His mission included Gentiles as well as Jews (see Matt. 12:18, 21; John 12:32; etc.). See Vol. IV, pp. 26-30.
The glory. The Jews were given privileges far exceeding those of any other people, in order that they might become fit representatives of the true God before the nations of earth (see Vol. IV, pp. 28-30). Heaven’s choice did not fall upon them because they were wiser or better than other nations, but because God saw fit to make them His special ambassadors of light and truth (see Deut. 7:7, 8). Their progenitor, Abraham, was an earnest seeker for truth, and as such submitted himself to God’s guidance. The Lord is constantly ready to work with those who are willing to be led by Him. The special advantage of the Jews as a nation consisted chiefly in the fact that they were to be the recipients, custodians, and heralds of truth (see Rom. 3:1, 2; 9:4, 5).
People. Gr. laos. a term NT writers consistently apply to their own people, either to the Jews or to fellow Christian believers. The word “Gentiles” is from ethnos, “a multitude living together,” hence, “a nation.” In the NT ethnos is consistently translated “nation,” or “Gentile.”
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