Luke 1:55

As he spake to our fathers ... - That is, He has dealt mercifully with the children of Israel, according as He promised Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. The promise particularly here referred to is that respecting the Messiah which was now about to be fulfilled; but there is no doubt that there was also included the promises respecting all the other mercies which had been conferred on the children of Israel. See Genesis 22:17.

Forever - These words are to be referred to the preceding verse - “in remembrance of His mercy” forever, “as he spake,” etc. They denote that the “mercy of God” manifested to His people should be had in everlasting remembrance.

There is a striking similarity between this song of praise by Mary and that spoken by “Hannah,” 1 Samuel 2:2. There are few pieces of “poetry” - for this is poetry, and almost the only poetry in the New Testament - more beautiful than this. It is the language of a humble, thankful, pious, female heart praising God:

1. For his mercy to her, Luke 1:46;
2. For his mercy to all people - his “general” goodness, Luke 1:50; and,
3. His special goodness to his people, Luke 1:54.