What does Luke 2:32 mean?
Israelites reading the Old Testament would have seen prophecies about Messiah, who would bring unending peace and security to Israel (Isaiah 9:6–7). Not all Israelites focused on The Promised One's role in bringing salvation to those outside of Israel, as well (Isaiah 49:6; 52:10). One of the devout men waiting to see Christ was Simeon, who speaks these words while holding the infant Jesus in the temple (Luke 2:22–31).Hebrew language used the concept of "light" as a metaphor for morality, truth, and goodness. The gospel of John directly identifies Jesus as "the light of the world" (John 1:4–9; 8:12). Jesus' arrival presents God's message to all people (John 3:16), as well as honor and glory for the Lord's chosen people (Acts 13:17).
This completes Simeon's praise of God as spoken when he meets Jesus, Joseph, and Mary. He will continue to speak with Jesus' family (Luke 2:33–35), delivering prophecies about Jesus' ministry bringing controversy and the emotional pain which Mary will suffer.
