1. Luke 2:25 (ESV)
  2. Exposition

What does it mean for Simeon to be waiting for the consolation of Israel?

Luke 2:25 (ESV)

25 Now there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon, and this man was righteous and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him.

The consolation of Israel refers to God’s intervention to deliver the people of Israel from all their enemies and usher in the epoch of peace under the peaceful and just rule of God’s King.1 It is the time in which God acts to fulfil his covenant promises to Israel.2