1:46 magnify the Lord. This beautiful hymn, or poem, of Mary’s is known as The Magnificat. Many of its thoughts are similar to those in Hannah’s prayer of thanksgiving at the birth of Samuel (I Samuel 2:1-10). The latter prayer contains the first mention of Messiah in the Bible, as the very last words of Hannah’s song (“His anointed”—I Samuel 2:10).

1:47 my Saviour. Mary thus acknowledged her need of a Savior, whether or not she fully realized that this would indeed be the babe in her womb. She knew that, with all her virtues and godliness, she was not sinless and thus needed salvation. She realized that God would somehow accomplish this and that her babe would be essential in this plan.