“Simeon took
Jesus
In his arms.
He blessed God.”
καὶ αὐτὸς ἐδέξατο αὐτὸ εἰς τὰς ἀγκάλας καὶ εὐλόγησεν τὸν Θεὸν
Luke said that Simeon took Jesus into his arms (καὶ αὐτὸς ἐδέξατο αὐτὸ εἰς τὰς ἀγκάλας). He then blessed God (καὶ εὐλόγησεν τὸν Θεὸν). It would seem a little odd for an old man to take a small child under two-months old into his arms without asking the mother if it was okay. However, the blessing of God did not seem out of place here in the Jerusalem Temple.
“Bless the Lord!
All rain!
All dew!
Sing praise to him!
Highly exalt him forever!
Bless the Lord!
All you winds!
Sing praise to him!
Highly exalt him forever!
Bless the Lord!
Fire!
Heat!
Sing praise to him!
Highly exalt him forever!
Bless the Lord!
Winter cold!
Summer heat!
Sing praise to him!
Highly exalt him forever!
Bless the Lord!
Dews!
Falling Snow!
Sing praise to him!
Highly exalt him forever!”
Next the weather elements and conditions all blessed God. Rain, dew, winds, fire, winter cold, summer heat, and the falling snow all blessed God, as they sung praises to him and highly exalted him forever. God was the God of weather conditions also.
Eugene Finnegan Bible Project 