"He Hath Put Down The Mighty From Their Seats"

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. . . My soul doth magnify the Lord,
And my spirit hath rejoiced in God my savior.
For he hath regarded the low estate of his hand-maiden: for, behold, from henceforth all generations shall call me blessed.
For he that is mighty hath done to me great things; and holy is his name.
And his mercy is on them that fear him from generation to generation.
He hath shewed strength with his arm; he hath scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts.
He hath put down the mighty from their seats, and exalted them of low degree.

This passage, known as the Magnificat, is a hymn of profound gratitude and divine justice, traditionally attributed to Mary. Her words highlight a theme central to the Gospel of Luke: the reversal of social hierarchies. The mighty, representing those in positions of power, are brought down, while the lowly are elevated. Mary speaks from a place of humility, acknowledging her lowly status yet recognizing the transformative work God enacts through her. This praise reflects the biblical motif of divine intervention that upends human expectations, demonstrating that true power lies not in earthly rank but in spiritual grace. It underscores God's mercy and justice, offering hope to the oppressed and emphasizing a moral order where the proud are humbled and the humble are uplifted.

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