If the early Christian traditions are correct about Mary’s residence at the temple in Jerusalem, we can imagine that she may have played a musical role in service to Israel.
Mary wasn’t a Levite, so she wouldn’t have assisted with formal liturgical singing around the altar. Yet perhaps there was a role for non-Levites as choir singers or instrumentalists during parades and processions.
We know from Scripture that those included female musicians. Psalm 68:24–25 says, “They have seen Your procession, O God, the procession of my God, my King, into the sanctuary. The singers went before, the players on instruments followed after; among them were the maidens playing timbrels” (emphasis added).
The Song of Mary
If Mary had become familiar with public temple music during her girlhood, it would explain how she was later able to compose the lovely song known as the Magnificat (Luke 1:46–55). This Latin-based title comes from the opening couplet: “My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior” (emphasis added).
In contrast to the chest-thumping braggadocio of Herod, Mary emphasized her lowly estate before God’s mighty power. She was but a “maidservant” who was humbly grateful (even a bit astonished) that “He who is mighty has done great things for me” (v. 49).
Instead of glorifying herself, Mary focused on God’s attributes: his holiness, mercy, strength, provision, and help. Israel is lifted up by God’s grace alone, not by anything a mere man can do for the nation.
Greatness in Humility
Mary’s song celebrated God’s topsy-turvy way of doing things. Those who are laid low will soon arise, while those who stand on the high places will find themselves cast down. “[He] has scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts,” Mary sang. “He has put down the mighty from their thrones, and exalted the lowly” (vv. 51–52).
With those words, the humble virgin on the fringe of society displayed more insight than all the rulers of Judea combined. They strived for power and riches, while she sought the face of the Lord. The blessed maidservant of God discerned what Herod and his devious family didn’t have eyes to see: that the route to exaltation begins with humility of heart.
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Adapted from Herod and Mary by Kathie Lee Gifford and Bryan M. Litfin, Ph.D.
Explore the interwoven lives of King Herod and Mary, Mother of Jesus as New York Times bestselling author Kathie Lee Gifford brings these biblical figures into a new light. Follow Herod from boyhood as he strives and fails throughout his life to become a beloved king. Walk in the steps of Mary of Nazareth as she navigates the repercussions of Herod’s deadly obsession.
Herod and Mary is published by HarperCollins Christian Publishing, Inc., the parent company of Bible Gateway.
Kathie Lee Gifford’s four-time Emmy Award winning career has spanned television, film, recordings, Broadway, cabaret, and commercials. She has authored numerous books, including her most recent book, The God of the Way, and five New York Times bestselling books, including The Rock, the Road, and the Rabbi and It's Never Too Late. She is also an actress, singer, songwriter, playwright, producer, and director.
