Luke 2:34-35

Behold, this child is set for the fall, &c.— In this prediction Simeon was directed to use a metaphor, corresponding to that found in Isaiah 8:14; Isaiah 28:16 which passages St. Paul has joined in one citation, and applied to the Messiah, Romans 9:33. Beheld I lay in Zion a stumbling-stone, and a rock of offence; and whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed. In allusion to this metaphor, Simeon, holding up the child in his arms, cried, Behold, He is set for the fall and rising again of many in Israel. This is the stumbling-stone and rock of offence, which God hath long ago foretold he will lay in Sion, and by whom many in Israel shall fall;for they shall reject him on account of the meanness of his birth and fortune: at the same time, this is a stone set for the rising again of many in Israel; because, those who are fallen may raise themselves up by leaning upon it; that is, receiving in faith and obeying him and his religion; or as the apostle has expressed it, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed. Simeon adds, for a sign which shall be spoken against;— εις σημειον αντιλεγομενον; that is "for a mark to be shot at,"—the butt of the malice of wicked men. The phrase finely intimates the deliberate and hellish artifice with which the character and person of Christ were assaulted, while he endured the contradiction of sinners against himself. In these words, which he addressed to Mary, he foretold the reception which her Son was to meet with from his countrymen, he added, Luke 2:35. Yea, a sword,—[ρομφαια, a javelin, a dart; properly a Thracian javelin] shall pierce through thine own soul also. This seems to be a beautiful allusion to the preceding figure; as if it had been told the holy mother, that the darts levelled at her Son, should be reflected from his breast to her's in such a manner, as to wound her very heart. Whether it be rendered sword or dart, it must undoubtedly refer to the part which the blessed virgin took in all the reproaches and persecutions which Jesus met with: but never was it so signally fulfilled, as when she stood by the cross, and saw him at once most scornfully insulted, and cruelly murdered. See John 19:25. It is added, that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed: that is to say, "All these things are ordered, by the Providence of God, that the dispositions of men, whether good or bad, may be made to appear."