Luke 1:51
He has performed mighty deeds with His arm; He has scattered those who are proud in the thoughts of their hearts.
He has performed mighty deeds
This phrase highlights the active intervention of God in human history. The Greek word for "mighty deeds" is "kratos," which implies strength and power. In the biblical context, this power is often associated with God's deliverance and acts of salvation. Historically, this can be seen in the deliverance of Israel from Egypt, the conquest of Canaan, and other acts where God demonstrated His sovereignty and strength. Theologically, it reminds believers of God's omnipotence and His ability to intervene in the world to fulfill His purposes.

with His arm
The "arm" of God is a metaphorical expression used throughout Scripture to denote His power and might. In the Hebrew Bible, the "arm" often symbolizes God's ability to save and protect His people, as seen in Exodus 6:6, where God promises to deliver Israel "with an outstretched arm." This imagery conveys the idea of God's personal involvement and strength in executing His will. It reassures believers of God's active presence and His capability to uphold and sustain them through life's challenges.

He has scattered
The Greek word "diaspeirō" means to disperse or scatter. This action signifies God's judgment against those who oppose Him. In the historical context, scattering was a form of divine judgment, as seen in the Tower of Babel narrative (Genesis 11:8). It serves as a warning against pride and self-reliance, emphasizing that God is sovereign over the plans of humanity. This scattering is not just physical but also spiritual, indicating a disruption of the unity and plans of the proud.

those who are proud
"Proud" in Greek is "hyperēphanos," which refers to those who are arrogant or haughty. Biblically, pride is often condemned as it leads individuals to elevate themselves above God and others. Proverbs 16:18 warns that "pride goes before destruction." This phrase serves as a reminder of the biblical principle that God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble (James 4:6). It calls believers to examine their hearts and attitudes, encouraging humility and dependence on God.

in the thoughts of their hearts
The "thoughts" or "dianoia" in Greek refers to the mind's intentions and purposes. The "heart" in biblical terms is the center of one's being, encompassing mind, will, and emotions. This phrase indicates that God's judgment is not just on outward actions but also on the inner motivations and attitudes. It underscores the biblical truth that God sees beyond external appearances and judges the heart's true condition (1 Samuel 16:7). For believers, it is a call to cultivate purity of heart and align their thoughts with God's will, fostering a life of integrity and righteousness.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Mary
- The mother of Jesus, who is speaking this verse as part of the Magnificat, a song of praise to God for His mighty works and mercy.

2. God
- The subject of the verse, who performs mighty deeds and scatters the proud.

3. The Proud
- Those who are arrogant in their thoughts and hearts, whom God scatters.

4. Israel
- The nation to whom Mary belongs, often the recipient of God's mighty deeds throughout history.

5. The Magnificat
- The song of praise from Mary, found in Luke 1:46-55, expressing themes of God's power, mercy, and justice.
Teaching Points
God's Mighty Arm
God's power is unmatched, and His deeds are mighty. Reflect on how God's strength has been evident in your life and history.

The Danger of Pride
Pride leads to downfall. Examine areas in your life where pride may be taking root and seek humility before God.

Divine Reversal
God often reverses human expectations, lifting the humble and bringing down the proud. Trust in God's justice and timing.

Heart Attitude
God sees the thoughts of our hearts. Cultivate a heart that is humble and aligned with God's will.

Praise and Gratitude
Like Mary, respond to God's mighty deeds with praise and gratitude. Make it a daily practice to acknowledge His work in your life.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does understanding God's mighty deeds in the past help you trust Him with your present circumstances?

2. In what ways can pride manifest in our thoughts and actions, and how can we guard against it?

3. How does the theme of divine reversal in Luke 1:51 encourage you in situations where you feel powerless or overlooked?

4. Reflect on a time when you experienced God's intervention in your life. How did it change your perspective or actions?

5. How can you incorporate praise and gratitude into your daily routine, following Mary's example in the Magnificat?
Connections to Other Scriptures
1 Samuel 2:1-10
Hannah's prayer, which shares themes of God's power and reversal of human fortunes, similar to Mary's Magnificat.

Psalm 89:10
Speaks of God's mighty arm, emphasizing His strength and ability to scatter His enemies.

James 4:6
Highlights the theme of God opposing the proud but giving grace to the humble, aligning with the scattering of the proud in Luke 1:51.

Isaiah 40:10
Describes God's arm bringing reward and recompense, reflecting His mighty deeds.

Proverbs 16:18
Warns that pride precedes destruction, connecting to the scattering of the proud.
Inspirations Amid the Hills of JudaeaR.M. Edgar Luke 1:39-56
A New SongDr. Parker.Luke 1:46-55
All the Perfections of God Glorified in the Gift of the SaviourC. S. Robinson, D. D.Luke 1:46-55
An Ignominious FallDr. Talmage.Luke 1:46-55
Christianity and WomenCanon Liddon.Luke 1:46-55
Copiousness of God's MercyH. W. Beecher.Luke 1:46-55
God's Continuing MercyC. H. S.Luke 1:46-55
Greatness of GodSermons by Dr. Hamilton.Luke 1:46-55
Happiness of Confiding in GodStudent's Handbook to Scripture Doctrines.Luke 1:46-55
Help OfferedLuke 1:46-55
Joy Under Unfavourable CircumstancesSamuel Martin.Luke 1:46-55
Joyous Workers Do Most for GodH. Bonar, D. D.Luke 1:46-55
Living in God a Source of JoyLuke 1:46-55
Magnifying the LordC. H. Spurgeon.Luke 1:46-55
Mary's CanticleW. Burkitt, M. A.Luke 1:46-55
Mary's PatriotismStopford A. Brooke, M. A.Luke 1:46-55
Mary's SongC. H. Spurgeon.Luke 1:46-55
Mary's UnselfishnessH. B. Stowe.Luke 1:46-55
My SaviourStems and Twigs.Luke 1:46-55
My Soul Doth Magnify the LordC. H. Spurgeon.Luke 1:46-55
Power of a True Christian WomanH. B. Stowe.Luke 1:46-55
Pride Before DestructionH. R. Burton.Luke 1:46-55
Pride the Master SinH. R. Burton.Luke 1:46-55
Rejoicing AlwaysLife of Billy Bray.Luke 1:46-55
Rejoicing in GodCanon Liddon.Luke 1:46-55
Religious JoyC. H. Spurgeon.Luke 1:46-55
Take Heed of Abusing the Mercy of GodT. Watson.Luke 1:46-55
The Beatitude of Mary, the Mother of the LordCanon Knox Little.Luke 1:46-55
The Christian's ExaltationT. Brooks.Luke 1:46-55
The Coming of Jesus IsVan Oosterzee., Luther.Luke 1:46-55
The Greatest Blessedness is to be a Follower of ChristJ. Stringer Rowe.Luke 1:46-55
The Hungry and the RichCanon Liddon.Luke 1:46-55
The MagnificatC. S. Robinson, D. D.Luke 1:46-55
The MagnificatDr. Dolittle.Luke 1:46-55
The MagnificatBishop Wm. Alexander.Luke 1:46-55
The Magnificat -- External CharacteristicsC. S. Robinson, D. D.Luke 1:46-55
The Magnificat -- Internal CharacteristicsC. S. Robinson, D. D.Luke 1:46-55
The Magnificat -- its Structure and ContentsF. Godet, D. D.Luke 1:46-55
The Magnificat, as it Exemplifies the Life of JoyCanon Body.Luke 1:46-55
The Prophecy of the MagnificatCanon Liddon.Luke 1:46-55
The Reverence Due to the Blessed VirginJ. H. Newman, D. D.Luke 1:46-55
The Song of MaryPreacher's MonthlyLuke 1:46-55
The Virgin Mary; Or, True BlessednessRowland Ellis, M. A.Luke 1:46-55
The Virgin Mary's JoyC. Bradley, M. A.Luke 1:46-55
The Virgin's CharacterStopford Brooke.Luke 1:46-55
The Visit of Mary to ElisabethG. D. Boardman.Luke 1:46-55
True PraiseVan Doren., Van Doren.Luke 1:46-55
True Womanly FameStopford A. Brooke, M. d.Luke 1:46-55
God Revealed in Jesus ChristW. Clarkson Luke 1:49-55
People
Aaron, Abia, Abijah, David, Elias, Elijah, Elisabeth, Gabriel, Herod, Jacob, Jesus, John, Joseph, Mary, Theophilus, Zacharias, Zechariah
Places
Galilee, Jerusalem, Judea, Nazareth
Topics
Abroad, Acts, Arm, Deeds, Flight, Haughty, Heart, Hearts, Imagination, Inmost, Manifested, Mighty, Ones, Power, Powerfully, Pride, Proud, Scattered, Shewed, Showed, Shown, Strength, Supreme, Thoughts, Wrought
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Luke 1:51

     1105   God, power of
     1210   God, human descriptions
     5764   attitudes, negative to God
     6186   evil scheming
     6722   redemption, OT

Luke 1:26-56

     5745   women

Luke 1:42-55

     5099   Mary, mother of Christ

Luke 1:46-55

     2515   Christ, birth of
     5849   exaltation
     8609   prayer, as praise and thanksgiving

Luke 1:50-54

     8306   mercifulness

Luke 1:51-52

     5864   futility
     8805   pride, results

Luke 1:51-53

     1130   God, sovereignty
     5480   protection

Library
July 19 Morning
He that is mighty hath done to me great things; and holy is his name.--LUKE 1:49. Who is like unto thee, O Lord, among the gods? who is like thee, glorious in holiness, fearful in praises, doing wonders?--Among the gods there is none like unto thee, O Lord; neither are there any works like unto thy works.--Who shall not fear thee, O Lord, and glorify thy name? for thou only art holy.--Hallowed be thy name. Blessed be the Lord God of Israel; for he hath visited and redeemed his people. Who is this
Anonymous—Daily Light on the Daily Path

August 3 Morning
His mercy is on them that fear Him.--LUKE 1:50. Oh how great is thy goodness, which thou hast laid up for them that fear thee; which thou hast wrought for them that trust in thee before the sons of men! Thou shalt hide them in the secret of thy presence from the pride of man: thou shalt keep them secretly in a pavilion from the strife of tongues. If ye call on the Father, who without respect of persons judgeth according to every man's work, pass the time of your sojourning here in fear.--The Lord
Anonymous—Daily Light on the Daily Path

September 9 Morning
He hath filled the hungry with good things; and the rich he hath sent empty away.--LUKE 1:53. Thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods and have need of nothing: and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked. I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich. As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore and repent. Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.--When
Anonymous—Daily Light on the Daily Path

March 24 Morning
Abraham believed in the Lord; and he counted it to him for righteousness.--GEN. 15:6. He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God; and being fully persuaded that, what he had promised, he was able also to perform. And therefore it was imputed to him for righteousness. Now it was not written for his sake alone, that it was imputed to him: but for us also, to whom it shall be imputed, if we believe on him that raised up Jesus our Lord from the
Anonymous—Daily Light on the Daily Path

True Greatness
He shall be great in the sight of the Lord.'--LUKE i. 15. So spake the angel who foretold the birth of John the Baptist. 'In the sight of the Lord'--then men are not on a dead level in His eyes. Though He is so high and we are so low, the country beneath Him that He looks down upon is not flattened to Him, as it is to us from an elevation, but there are greater and smaller men in His sight, too. No epithet is more misused and misapplied than that of 'a great man.' It is flung about indiscriminately
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions Of Holy Scripture

The Magnificat
'And Mary said, My soul doth magnify the Lord, 47. And my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour. 48. For He hath regarded the low estate of His hand-maiden: for, behold, from henceforth all generations shall call me blessed. 49. For He that is mighty hath done to me great things; and holy is His name, 50. And His mercy is on them that fear Him from generation to generation. 51. He hath shewed strength with His arm: He hath scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts. 52. He hath put down
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions Of Holy Scripture

Elijah Come Again
'There was, in the days of Herod the king of Judea, a certain priest named Zacharias, of the course of Abia: and his wife was of the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elisabeth. 6. And they were both righteous before God, walking in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blameless. 7. And they had no child, because that Elisabeth was barren; and they both were now well stricken in years. 8. And it came to pass, that, while he executed the priest's office before God in the order of his
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions Of Holy Scripture

Zacharias's Hymn
'And his father Zacharias was filled with the Holy Ghost, and prophesied, saying, 68. Blessed be the Lord God of Israel; for He hath visited and redeemed His people, 69. And hath raised up an horn of salvation for us in the house of His servant David; 70. As He spake by the mouth of His holy prophets, which have been since the world began; 71. That we should be saved from our enemies, and from the hand of all that hate us; 72. To perform the mercy promised to our fathers, and to remember His holy
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions Of Holy Scripture

The Dayspring from on High
'The day-spring from on high hath visited us, 79. To give light to them that sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace.'--LUKE i. 78, 79. As the dawn is ushered in by the notes of birds, so the rising of the Sun of Righteousness was heralded by song, Mary and Zacharias brought their praises and welcome to the unborn Christ, the angels hovered with heavenly music over His cradle, and Simeon took the child in his arms and blessed it. The human members of this
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions Of Holy Scripture

Fourteenth Day. The Holy one of God.
Therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God.'--Luke i. 35. 'We have believed and know that Thou art the Holy One of God.'--John vi. 69. 'The holy one of the Lord'--only once (Ps. cvi. 16) the expression is found in the Old Testament. It is spoken of Aaron, in whom holiness, as far as it could then be revealed, had found its most complete embodiment. The title waited for its fulfilment in Him who alone, in His own person, could perfectly show forth
Andrew Murray—Holy in Christ

The Angel's Greeting
THE ANGEL'S GREETING St Luke i. 28.--"Hail, thou that art highly favoured among women, the Lord is with thee." Here there are three things to understand: the first, the modesty of the angel; the second, that he thought himself unworthy to accost the Mother of God; the third, that he not only addressed her, but the great multitude of souls who long after God. I affirm that had the Virgin not first borne God spiritually He would never have been born from her in bodily fashion. A certain woman said
Johannes Eckhart—Meister Eckhart's Sermons

Jesus Born the Son of God.
(Christmas Sermon.) "Glory to God in" the Highest, on earth peace; goodwill towards men. Amen." TEXT: LUKE i. 31, 32. "Behold, . . . thou shalt bring forth a Son, and shalt call his name Jesus. He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Most High." THESE were the words of promise spoken by the angel to Mary, that Ho whom she should bear should be called the Son of the Highest; and as this promise is after wards brought into direct connection with the statement that the power of the Highest
Friedrich Schleiermacher—Selected Sermons of Schleiermacher

The Key-Note of a Choice Sonnet
But now, having introduced to you her magnificat, we will dwell upon these words, "My soul doth magnify the Lord," and I do earnestly hope that many of us can adopt the language without being guilty of falsehood: we can as truly say as Mary did, "My soul doth magnify the Lord." If there are any of you present to-night who cannot say it, get to your chambers, fall upon your knees, and cry to the Lord to help you to do so; for as long as a man cannot magnify God he is not fit for heaven, where the
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 26: 1880

"The Tender Mercy of Our God"
"His heart is made of tenderness, His bowels melt with love." The main point of this morning's sermon will be to bring out into prominence those few words, "the tender mercy of our God." To me they gleam with kindly light: I see in them a soft radiance, as of those matchless pearls whereof the gates of heaven are made. There is an exceeding melody to my ear as well as to my heart in that word "tender." "Mercy" is music, and "tender mercy" is the most exquisite form of it, especially to a broken heart.
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 32: 1886

A Harp of Ten Strings
IT IS VERY CLEAR that Mary was not beginning a new thing; for she speaks in the present tense, and in a tense which seems to have been for a long time present: "My soul doth magnify the Lord." Ever since she had received the wonderful tidings of the choice which God had made of her for her high position, she had begun to magnify the Lord; and when once a soul has a deep sense of God's mercy, and begins magnifying him, there is no end to it. This grows by what it feeds upon: the more you magnify God,
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 37: 1891

The Judgment Upon Zacharias
UNBELIEF is everywhere a great sin, and a grievous mistake. Unbelief has proved the ruin of those countless multitudes who, having heard the gospel, rejected it, died in their sins, have been consigned to the place of torment, and await the fiercer judgment of the last day. I might ask the question concerning this innumerable host, "Who slew all these?" The answer would be, "Unbelief." And when unbelief comes into the Christian's heart, as it does at times--for the truest believer has his times of
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 62: 1916

Of Fervent Love and Vehement Desire of Receiving Christ
The Voice of the Disciple With the deepest devotion and fervent love, with all affection and fervour of heart, I long to receive Thee, O Lord, even as many Saints and devout persons have desired Thee in communicating, who were altogether well pleasing to Thee by their sanctity of life, and dwelt in all ardent devotion. O my God, Eternal Love, my whole Good, Happiness without measure, I long to receive Thee with the most vehement desire and becoming reverence which any Saint ever had or could have.
Thomas A Kempis—Imitation of Christ

Prayer and Consecration
"Eudamidas, a citizen of Corinth, died in poverty; but having two wealthy friends, Arctæus and Carixenus, left the following testament: In virtue of my last will, I bequeath to Arctæus my mother and to Carixenus my daughter to be taken home to their houses and supported for the remainder of their lives. This testament occasioned much mirth and laughter. The two legatees were pleased and affectionately executed the will. If heathens trusted each other, why should not I cherish a far greater
Edward M. Bounds—The Essentials of Prayer

Luke's Preface and Dedication.
^C Luke I. 1-4. [1] ^c 1 Forasmuch as many [of whom we know nothing and have even no tradition] have taken in hand to draw up a narrative concerning those matters which have been fulfilled [completed, or accomplished according to the divine will] among us, 2 even as they delivered them unto us, which from the beginning were eyewitnesses [the apostles were necessarily such and there were some few others--Acts i. 21-23] and ministers of the word [the apostles were ministers, and not ecclesiastical
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

Annunciation of the Birth of Jesus.
(at Nazareth, b.c. 5.) ^C Luke I. 26-38. ^c 26 Now in the sixth month [this is the passage from which we learn that John was six months older than Jesus] the angel Gabriel was sent from God unto a city of Galilee, named Nazareth [Luke alone tells us where Mary lived before the birth of Jesus. That Nazareth was an unimportant town is shown by the fact that it is mentioned nowhere in the Old Testament, nor in the Talmud, nor in Josephus, who mentions two hundred four towns and cities of Galilee. The
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

Mary, Future Mother of Jesus, visits Elisabeth, Future Mother of John the Baptist.
(in the Hill Country of Judæa, b.c. 5.) ^C Luke I. 39-56. ^c 39 And Mary arose in these days [within a week or two after the angel appeared to her] and went into the hill country [the district of Judah lying south of Jerusalem, of which the city of Hebron was the center] with haste [she fled to those whom God had inspired, so that they could understand her condition and know her innocence--to those who were as Joseph needed to be inspired, that he might understand--Matt. i. 18-25], into a city
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

Annunciation to Zacharias of the Birth of John the Baptist.
(at Jerusalem. Probably b.c. 6.) ^C Luke I. 5-25. ^c 5 There was in the days of Herod, the king of Judæa [a Jewish proselyte, an Idumæan or Edomite by birth, founder of the Herodian family, king of Judæa from b.c. 40 to a.d. 4, made such by the Roman Senate on the recommendation of Mark Antony and Octavius Cæsar], a certain priest named Zacharias, of the course [David divided the priests into twenty-four bodies or courses, each course serving in rotation one week in the temple
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

The Birth and Early Life of John the Baptist.
(Hill Country of Judæa, b.c. 5.) ^C Luke I. 57-80. ^c 57 Now Elisabeth's time was fulfilled that she should be delivered; and she brought forth a son. 58 And her neighbors and her kinsfolk heard that the Lord had magnified his mercy towards her [mercy in granting a child; great mercy in granting so illustrious a child] ; and they rejoiced with her. 59 And it came to pass on the eighth day [See Gen. xvii. 12; Lev. xii. 3; Phil. iii. 5. Male children were named at their circumcision, probably
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

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