Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary Luke 1:51

"He hath showed strength with his arm; He hath scattered the proud in the imagination of their heart." — Luke 1:51 (ASV)

The main verbs in the next two strophes are in the past tense. They probably recall the specific times in the OT when God acted (vv.51–52). We must not, however, overlook the fact that Mary’s references to the acts of God relate to the coming of the Messiah. Indeed, they may actually be predictive , though general in content.

Mary recalls God’s covenant (vv.54–55). The words translated “forever” are really the final, climactic words of the song.