Matthew Poole and continuators on Luke 1:55

55 As he spake to our fathers, to Abraham and to his seed for ever.

In these verses the blessed Virgin celebrateth Gods mercy together with his truth, withal she hath here a respect to Gods particular goodness, and Mercy in the sending of the Redeemer. The Word which we here translate hath helped, signifieth he hath sustained, or as it were lifted up with his hand, his Servant Israel, or his child Israel, he calleth Ephraim, his dear Son, his pleasant Child. But by Israel he meaneth Believers, those of Abrahams seed that lived in the Faith hope, and expectation of the Messiah the children of the Promise, Rom. 9.8. those who are Iews inwardly Rom. 2.29. the true Circumcision. Phil. 3.3. Israelites indeed Ioh. 1.47. This she saith God had done, not in remembrance of their merits, but his own Mercy Ezek. 36.32. but of his own free goodness, and Mercy, and in the fulfilling of his Promise, made to Abraham, Gen. 17.15. the extent of which Promise is declared Rom. 9.6, 7, 8, 9. and that seed of Abraham, his seed as the Father of the Faithfull shall be for ever, and the vertue of the Promise shall hold to them for ever.

Marginal references: Psal. 132.11.