This is nothing known of Anna apart from these verses. While the language is not exactly clear if she had been widowed 84 years or was 84 years old, either way she was elderly. There had been no prophet in Israel for hundreds of years, so it is noteworthy that God had raised up this prophetess. Perhaps she was recognized as such by Temple authorities given it is possible to understand that “She never left the Temple” to mean she had quarters in the Temple precincts.

There was also a prophetess, Anna, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was advanced in years, having lived seven years with her husband after her marriage, and then as a widow until she was eighty-four. She never left the temple, but worshiped night and day with fasting and prayer. And coming forward at that very time, she gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were awaiting the redemption of Jerusalem. 

When the shepherds arrive at the manger in Bethlehem, Luke records: “they made known the message that had been told them about this child. All who heard it were amazed by what had been told them by the shepherds. And Mary kept all these things, reflecting on them in her heart.” (Luke 2:17-19) “All” no doubt includes Joseph and Mary who by now would have been used to messages being delivered by angels, understood to be the messengers of God. They were amazed at the message, but they understood how the shepherds came to know. Not so with Simeon. “The child’s father and mother were amazed at what was said about him.” While the first part of Simeon’s message had already been received, the message perhaps expanded far beyond what Mary had been reflecting on, and in any case, how did this random person in the Temple come to know these things? How was it revealed to him?

In fulfillment of the promise the Spirit brought Simeon into the temple at the same time as Joseph and Mary. Simeon was ‘in the Spirit’, which includes being inspired by the Spirit but seems also to indicate something more: a special sensitivity. Simeon blessed God by offering up a prayer of praise

²⁸ he took him into his arms and blessed God, saying: ²⁹ “Now, Master, you may let your servant go in peace, according to your word, ³⁰ for my eyes have seen your salvation, ³¹ which you prepared in sight of all the peoples, ³² a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and glory for your people Israel.”