Lessons which declare the great acts of Creation, Providence, and Government by God sometimes contain but remote reference to the Redeeming work of Christ: and for such Lessons another Canticle is provided, viz. Benedicte omnia Opera (Bless ye all works) for the morning, and Cantate Domino (O sing unto the Lord) for the evening.
Magnificat.
Jesus is known to us as the Son of Man: hence His people can use the words of the Blessed Virgin. When she looked forward to His coming, she used words which we can say after reading the Old Testament promises of a Saviour who should come into the world.
{78}
1. God my Saviour. This is the meaning of the name Jesus. The names Jesus and John were given designedly: naturally, therefore, they supply leading thoughts to the two Hymns which are especially associated with our Lord's Birth, and the birth of His forerunner (cf. Benedictus throughout, but especially vv. 4, 5, 6).
5. The name, John, suggests God's mercy.
7. The name, Mary, may have prompted the word exalted.
9. In this verse we can trace Zacharias=God hath remembered; John=God's mercy; and Elizabeth=God's oath.
The Song of Hannah in 1 Sam. ii. exhibits many points of similarity and contrast, when compared with this Hymn.
Benedicite.