| Geneva Study Bible {5} 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 {i} Holy Ghost was upon him. (5) Simeon openly in the temple foretells the death of the coming of Messiah, of the casting out of the greatest part of Israel, and of the calling of the Gentiles. (i) He was endued with the gifts of the Holy Spirit, and this is said using the figure of speech metonymy. People's New Testament 2:25 Simeon. The first prophet to declare that Christ had come. Waiting for the consolation of Israel. The promised Messiah. The Holy Ghost was upon him. To give him supernatural knowledge. It was revealed to him that he should see Christ. Wesley's Notes 2:25 The consolation of Israel - A common phrase for the Messiah, who was to be the everlasting consolation of the Israel of God. The Holy Ghost was upon him - That is, he was a prophet. Scofield Reference Notes [2] just and devout righteousness The O.T. righteousness. Summary: In the O.T. "righteous" and "just" are English words used to translate the Hebrew words yasher, "upright"; tsadiq, "just"; tsidkah, "righteous." In all of these words but one idea inheres: the righteous, or just, man is Song called, because he is right with God; and he is right with God because he has walked "in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blameless" Lk 1:6 Rom 10:5 Phile 3:6. The O.T. righteous man was not sinless Eccl 7:20, but one who, for all his sins, resorted to the ordinances, and offered in faith the required sacrifice (e.g.) Lev 4:27-35 CF. "Righteousness (N.T.), See Scofield Note: "Rom 10:10" and Paul's contrast, Phil 3:4-9. Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary 25. just-upright in his moral character. devout-of a religious frame of spirit. waiting for the consolation of Israel-a beautiful title of the coming Messiah, here intended. the Holy Ghost was-supernaturally. upon him-Thus was the Spirit, after a dreary absence of nearly four hundred years, returning to the Church, to quicken expectation, and prepare for coming events. Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary 2:25-35 The same Spirit that provided for the support of Simeon's hope, provided for his joy. Those who would see Christ must go to his temple. Here is a confession of his faith, that this Child in his arms was the Saviour, the salvation itself, the salvation of God's appointing. He bids farewell to this world. How poor does this world look to one that has Christ in his arms, and salvation in his view! See here, how comfortable is the death of a good man; he departs in peace with God, peace with his own conscience, in peace with death. Those that have welcomed Christ, may welcome death. Joseph and Mary marvelled at the things which were spoken of this Child. Simeon shows them likewise, what reason they had to rejoice with trembling. And Jesus, his doctrine, and people, are still spoken against; his truth and holiness are still denied and blasphemed; his preached word is still the touchstone of men's characters. The secret good affections in the minds of some, will be revealed by their embracing Christ; the secret corruptions of others will be revealed by their enmity to Christ. Men will be judged by the thoughts of their hearts concerning Christ. He shall be a suffering Jesus; his mother shall suffer with him, because of the nearness of her relation and affection. | 
