Luke 2:25

“And behold there was a man in Jerusalem, etc.] Not in Nazareth, or Bethlehem, but in Jerusalem, the metropolis of the nation: one that lived there, was an inhabitant of that city, and a person of fame and note. So Joseph ben Jochanan is called f120 µlçwry çya a man of Jerusalem, an inhabitant of that place: whose name was Simeon; not Simeon, qydxh “the just”, the last of the men of the great synagogue, of whom the Jews often make mention f121; though this Simeon bears the same character, yet could not be he; because he was not only an high priest, which, if this man had been, would doubtless have been mentioned; but also lived some years before this time. Many have thought, that this was…”

“just--upright in his moral character. devout--of a religious frame of spirit. waiting for the consolation of Israel--a beautiful title of the coming Messiah, here intended. the Holy Ghost was--supernaturally. upon him--Thus was the Spirit, after a dreary absence of nearly four hundred years, returning to the Church, to quicken expectation, and prepare for coming events.”

“Whose name was Simeon - Some have supposed that this Simeon was a son of the famous “Hillel,” a distinguished teacher in Jerusalem, and president of the Sanhedrin; but nothing is certainly known of him but what is here related. He was an aged man, of distinguished piety and reputation, and was anxiously expecting the coming of the Messiah. Such an “old age” is especially honorable. No spectacle is more sublime than an old man of piety and high character looking for the appearing of the Lord, and patiently waiting for the time to come when he may be blessed with the sight of his Redeemer. Just - Righteous before God and man; approved by God as a righteous man, and discharging faithfully his…”

“The consolation of Israel - A common phrase for the Messiah, who was to be the everlasting consolation of the Israel of God. The Holy Ghost was upon him - That is, he was a prophet. Luke 2:27”

“2:25 Simeon was righteous and devout, like Zechariah and Elizabeth (1:6). They represent the righteous remnant of Israel that awaited God’s salvation (Isa 10:20-22). Some have assumed that Simeon was a priest; the text says only that he was a devout man in Jerusalem. • eagerly waiting for the Messiah to come and rescue Israel (literally awaiting Israel’s consolation): This is an allusion to Isa 40:1, which promised comfort to Israel after returning from exile. • The Holy Spirit was upon him: See study note on Luke 1:41.”

“just: Luk 1:6; Gen 6:9; Job 1:1, Job 1:8; Dan 6:22, Dan 6:23; Mic 6:8; Act 10:2, Act 10:22, Act 24:16; Tit 2:11-14 waiting: Luk 2:38; Isa 25:9, Isa 40:1; Mar 15:43 Holy Ghost: Luk 1:41, Luk 1:67; Num 11:25, Num 11:29; Pe2 1:21 Luke 2:26”