{For} (hoti). It is not certain whether hoti here is
"that" or "because." It makes good sense either way. See also
 7:16 . This is the first beatitude in the New Testament and it
is similar to the last one in the Gospels spoken to Thomas to
discourage his doubt ( Joh 20:29 ). Elisabeth wishes Mary to have
full faith in the prophecy of the angel. This song of Elisabeth
is as real poetry as is that of Mary ( 1:47-55 ) and Zacharias
( 1:68-70 ). All three spoke under the power of the Holy Spirit.
These are the first New Testament hymns and they are very
beautiful. Plummer notes four strophes in Mary's Magnificat
( 46-48 , 49,50 , 51-53 , 54,55 ). Every idea here occurs in the
Old Testament, showing that Mary's mind was full of the spiritual
message of God's word.