(25) And, behold, there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon: and the same man was just and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel: and the Holy Ghost was upon him. (26) And it was revealed unto him by the Holy Ghost, that he should not see death before he had seen the Lord's Christ. (27) And he came by the spirit into the temple; and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him after the custom of the law, (28) Then took he him up in his arms, and blessed God, and said, (29) Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word: (30) For mine eyes have seen thy salvation, (31) Which thou hast prepared before the face of all people; (32) A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel. (33) And Joseph and his mother marvelled at those things which were spoken of him. (34) And Simeon blessed them, and said unto Mary his mother, Behold, this child is set for the fall and rising again of many in Israel; and for a sign which shall be spoken against; (35) (Yea, a sword shall pierce through thy own soul also) that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.
Concerning this man, the Holy Ghost hath given blessed testimony. And the revelation made to him, doth not seem to have been of an ordinary kind, as is the case with all that are regenerated and sanctified: but in a way of prophecy, so as to comfort therefrom others. And the Lord that gave him such strong assurances, that he should not die till he had seen Christ, must have led him to the temple at the very time Christ was there; and also taught him, that this was Christ. Reader! think how blessed it is to be taught of God. See that promise. Isaiah 54:12 with John 6:45. And what a beautiful hymn of praise and faith, and holy joy! How strong the faith of Old Testament saints. They had no fears of death, when once they had seen Christ. God's covenant love, and Christ's salvation, were the same to them, living or dying. The astonishment excited in the minds of Joseph and Mary, was not, I apprehend, as if what Simeon had said, was altogether unheard of or not considered by them before; but rather, their wonder was continually kept up, in the expectation of the marvellous things which was predicted to be wrought by Christ.