36 And there was a prophetess, Anna, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was advanced in years, having lived with her husband seven years from when she was a virgin, and then as a widow until she was eighty-four. She did not depart from the temple, worshiping with fasting and prayer night and day. And coming up at that very hour she began to give thanks to God and to speak of him to all who were waiting for the redemption of Jerusalem.
Comment: Obviously Anna had, in some ways, a difficult life. Widowed after being married for only seven years and possibly childless, she at the age of 84 is descibed as a prophetess, Wikipedia, mentioning Anna by name says ‘served as a divine intermediary, receiving and delivering God’s messages to people through visions, dreams, and spoken words. They, with AI no doubt, have scrolled much more quickly than I can through what has been written, probably by both Jewish and Christian, writers! Her proclamation here, made by the no doubt well known and respected Prophetess was very significant! She was a Witness, outspoken and faithful!
39 And when they had performed everything according to the Law of the Lord, they returned into Galilee, to their own town of Nazareth. And the child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom. And the favor of God was upon him.
Comment: This is a very abbreviated comment on what Matthew expands into a whole chapter (2nd). I wrote about that chapter earlier but in quick summary which involves the coming of the wise men, the fulfilling of four prophecies concerning the place of Jesus’ birth; the weeping, symbolically of the Matriarch of Israel (Rachel); and the calling of the Messiah out of Egypt; and fourthly of the Messiah being called a Nazarene! Matthew was writing from a Jewish aspect and the fulfilling of prophecies was very important to him, Luke wrote mainly for the gentile converts from ‘paganism’ to Christ; and then the return after Herod the Great’s death, explaining why the family went to Nazareth rather than to Bethlehem.
Joshua 21: 45 – “Not one of all the Lord’s good promises to Israel failed; every one was fulfilled”. – and it has continued that way!
Prayer: Help me to trust Your Word and rely on Your promises!
As I read it! 