Luke 2:38

Instant. Rather, “hour,” that is, when Simeon was speaking. Hearing Simeon’s inspired testimony concerning Jesus, Anna’s own heart was touched with inspired insight to see in the child Jesus the promised Messiah (see DA 55; cf. Matthew 16:17). Thus at the dedication, two inspired witnesses confirmed what Mary and Joseph already knew concerning the child.

Gave thanks. The word “likewise” has been supplied by the translators. The Greek verb used here implies thanks or praise “returned” in appreciation for a gift or favor received. It is clear, therefore, that Luke refers to Anna’s praise simply as an expression of joy at seeing the Messiah.

Spake. According to the force of the Greek tense, “kept on speaking.” Heretofore she had spoken of the prophecies that pointed forward to the coming of the Messiah; now she could speak from personal experience of the fact that the Messiah had come.

Them that looked. This cryptic expression reveals the fact that there was a small but earnest group of people who studied the prophecies and were aware that “the fullness of the time was come” (Galatians 4:4; cf. Daniel 9:24-27; DA 34, 35; see on Luke 2:25).

In Jerusalem. Important textual evidence (cf. p. 146) may also be cited for the reading “of Jerusalem” (compare this with “consolation of Israel,” v. 25).