Book of Hours. Netherlands c1460 The Presentation at the Temple
According to the Gospel of Luke in the Bible (Luke 2:22-38), after Jesus' birth, Mary & Joseph took him to the Temple in Jerusalem to present him to the Lord & to perform the purification rites required by Jewish law. Mary & Joseph took the baby Jesus to the Temple in Jerusalem 40 days after his birth to complete Mary's ritual purification after childbirth & to perform the redemption of the firstborn, in obedience to the Law of Moses in the Bible (Leviticus 12, Exodus 13:12-15, etc.).
Jewish law in Leviticus 12:2-8), declares that a woman who had given birth was considered ceremonially unclean for a certain period. After this time, she was required to offer a sacrifice for her purification, which often included a lamb & a pigeon or a turtledove. If the family couldn't afford a lamb, 2 turtledoves or 2 young pigeons could be offered instead according to the Bible (Luke 2:24).
Joseph is often depicted carrying the offering prescribed by Jewish law for the purification of a woman after childbirth, which was a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons. This was a common offering for those who couldn't afford the traditional sacrifice of a lamb in the Bible (Luke 2:24).
The specific prophecy or promise made to Simeon, indicating that he would live to see the Messiah before his death, is mentioned in the New Testament, in the biblical Gospel of Luke, chapter 2, verses 25-26: "Now there was a man in Jerusalem called Simeon, who was righteous & devout. He was waiting for the consolation of Israel, & the Holy Spirit was on him. It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the Lord's Messiah."
This passage in Luke explicitly states that Simeon would live to see the arrival of the Messiah, the promised Savior of Israel. This promise was fulfilled when Simeon encountered the infant Jesus at the Temple in Jerusalem, as described in the subsequent verses of Luke 2:27-35.
High Priest Simeon is often depicted as an elderly man, holding the infant Jesus in his arms. Simeon had been promised by the Holy Spirit that he would not die until he had seen the Messiah. When he saw Jesus, he blessed God & proclaimed the famous "Nunc Dimittis" (Latin for "Now you dismiss") praising God for allowing him to see the promised salvation through Jesus.
High Priest Simeon, describing his role in the Christian narrative of seeing the infant Jesus & his famous proclamation, is a synthesis of information derived from the Gospel of Luke in the Bible (Luke 2:25-35). The passage in Luke recounts the events surrounding the Presentation of Jesus at the Temple, where Simeon, guided by the Holy Spirit, recognizes Jesus as the promised Messiah.
The specific prophecy or promise made to Simeon, indicating that he would live to see the Messiah before his death, is mentioned in the New Testament, specifically in the Gospel of Luke, chapter 2, verses 25-26:
"Now there was a man in Jerusalem called Simeon, who was righteous & devout. He was waiting for the consolation of Israel, & the Holy Spirit was on him. It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the Lord's Messiah."
This passage in Luke explicitly states that Simeon had received a revelation from the Holy Spirit, assuring him that he would live to see the arrival of the Messiah, the promised Savior of Israel. This promise was fulfilled when Simeon encountered the infant Jesus at the Temple in Jerusalem, as described in the subsequent verses of Luke 2:27-35.
Upon bringing Jesus into the temple, they encountered Simeon. The Gospel records that Simeon had been promised that "he should not see death before he had seen the Lord's Christ" (Luke 2:26). Simeon prayed the prayer that would become known as the Nunc Dimittis, or Canticle of Simeon, which prophesied the redemption of the world by Jesus: "Lord, now lettest Thou Thy servant depart in peace; according to Thy word: for mine eyes have seen Thy salvation, which Thou hast prepared before the face of all people: to be a light to lighten the gentiles and to be the glory of Thy people Israel." (Luke 2:29-32).
Simeon then prophesied to Mary: "Behold, this child is set for the falling and the rising of many in Israel, and for a sign which is spoken against. Yes, a sword will pierce through your own soul, that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed" (Luke 2:34-35). The elderly prophetess Anna was also in the Temple, and offered prayers and praise to God for Jesus, and spoke to everyone there about Jesus and his role in the redemption of Israel (Luke 2:36-38).
The "Nunc Dimittis" prayer is a Latin hymn derived from Simeon's words in Luke 2:29-32, where he says, "Lord, now you are letting your servant depart in peace, according to your word; for my eyes have seen your salvation that you have prepared in the presence of all peoples, a light for revelation to the Gentiles, & for glory to your people Israel."
These details about Simeon & his encounter with Jesus are fundamental elements of the Christian narrative, & they have been depicted in various artworks, sermons, & theological discussions throughout history.
