²⁵ Now there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon. This man was righteous and devout, awaiting the consolation of Israel, and the holy Spirit was upon him.

Luke records the inspired reaction of Simeon to the bringing of Jesus into the temple. We seem always to think of this man as old, though there is no evidence apart from his cheerful readiness to die (v.29; cf. 26). Attempts to identify him as a priest or an important citizen are without foundation. The name was a common one; apart from this story we know nothing about him. But the story does indicate that he was “righteous” and “devout.” The first accolade is likely meant to tell us that he was in a right relationship with God and man alike. The second accolade, “devout” (eulabes) is a word, only used by Luke in the New Testament, describing a person who was attentive and careful about religious duties and obligations.

The expression “awaiting the consolation of Israel” is not a quote from an OT prophet nor an expression found in rabbinic writings, but it is not unwarranted to hear the echo of Isaiah 40:1-2 – Comfort, give comfort to my people, says your God. Speak to the heart of Jerusalem, and proclaim to her that her service has ended, that her guilt is expiated.”  The word “service”, elsewhere in the OT describes servitude or exile or combat service.  “Expiated” means that person has been redeemed and pardoned. By the time of Simeon, Israel has been a vassal, subjected nation for almost 600 years while still holding to the promise of the restoration of the throne of David and a new age for the city of Jerusalem. The hope for such consolation was believed awaiting fulfillment in the promised Messiah.

 ²⁶ It had been revealed to him by the holy Spirit that he should not see death before he had seen the Messiah of the Lord. ²⁷ He came in the Spirit into the temple; and when the parents brought in the child Jesus to perform the custom of the law in regard to him, 

It is of note that St. Luke’s emphasis on the role of the Holy Spirit in Luke and Acts of the Apostles is already on display in these infancy narratives. Zechariah was a righteous man associated with the Temple who prayed the Benedictus after the birth of John the Baptist. Simeon, another righteous man associated with the Temple, also in the Spirit, will be led to his own unique prayer (vv.29-32).

Image credit: Giotto di Bondone, Presentation of Christ in the Temple | Lower Church in the Basilica of San Francesco, Assisi | PD-US