Luke 2:38 Commentary - Whedon's Commentary on the Old and New Testaments
38. That instant Not at that precise moment, but at that hour.
Gave thanks likewise… and spake of him The triad of hymns is divided between Elisabeth, Mary, and Simeon. Neither Zacharias, Joseph, nor Anna are inspired to utter sacred song. But Anna gives thanks and preaches Jesus to the Christians in heart, and in anticipation, who doubtless form her circle in life.
Looked for redemption Redemption, from the wickedness, oppression, and impending ruin of a guilty age and world through the advent of a holy Messiah sent from God. The truly devout dwelt upon and longed for the holy Deliverer who would turn away unrighteousness from Jacob. The mere political patriots looked for a hero-king who would make Jerusalem something higher than Rome.
In Jerusalem Even in this fallen city and depraved age a few there were whose piety, like that of Zacharias and Elisabeth, was true, profound, and acceptable to God.
Consult other comments:
Luke 2:38 - The Greek Testament
Luke 2:38 - Calvin's Complete Commentary
Luke 2:38 - The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges
Luke 2:38 - Adam Clarke's Commentary and Critical Notes on the Bible
Luke 2:38 - Commentary on the Holy Bible by Thomas Coke
Luke 2:38 - Companion Bible Notes, Appendices and Graphics
Luke 2:38 - Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers (Old and New Testaments)
Luke 2:38 - The Expositor’s Greek Testament by Robertson
Luke 2:38 - Garner-Howes Baptist Commentary
Luke 2:38 - John Gill's Exposition of the Entire Bible
Luke 2:38 - Gnomon of the New Testament
Luke 2:38 - Henry Alford's Greek Testament
Luke 2:38 - Jamieson, Fausset and Brown's Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible
Luke 2:38 - Heinrich August Wilhelm Meyer's New Testament Commentary
Luke 2:38 - Robertson's Word Pictures in the New Testament
Luke 2:38 - A Popular Commentary on the New Testament
Luke 2:38 - Scofield Reference Bible Notes
Luke 2:38 - John Trapp's Complete Commentary (Old and New Testaments)
Luke 2:38 - The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge
Luke 2:38 - Vincent's Word Studies in the New Testament
Luke 2:38 - Whedon's Commentary on the Old and New Testaments
Whedon's Commentary on the Old and New Testaments

Daniel D. Whedon (1808-1885) was a prominent university professor, theologian, and author. He served as Professor of Ancient Languages at Wesleyan University in Connecticut; as Professor of Rhetoric at the University of Michigan; and as editor of the Methodist Quarterly Review from 1856 to1884. He authored numerous books including Commentary on the New Testament (New York: Carlton & Porter, 1860); Commentary on the Old Testament (New York: Nelson & Phillips, 1873); What is Arminianism? (Toronto: W. Briggs, 1879); and Essays, Reviews, and Discourses (New York: Phillips & Hunt, 1887).