Anna
“Grace or favor”
Summary
An aged prophetess of the tribe of Asher who recognized the infant Jesus as the Messiah when he was presented in the temple.
☩Identity and Character
Anna was the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher—one of the ten tribes of the Dispersion that was still represented in Palestine. The tribe of Asher was notable for providing beautiful women as wives for priests. After seven years of marriage, Anna became a widow and devoted herself entirely to worship at the temple, serving God with fastings and prayers night and day. Like Deborah and Huldah of the Old Testament, she possessed prophetic gifts.
☩Recognition of the Messiah
Anna was eighty-four years old (or possibly about 105, if the text indicates 84 years of widowhood following 7 years of marriage) when the infant Jesus was brought to the temple by His parents. She entered at the very moment Simeon was pronouncing his thanksgiving over the child, and she too broke forth in praise to God. Luke records that she 'spoke of Him to all those who were looking for the redemption of Jerusalem,' becoming one of the first evangelists of the Christ.
☩Spiritual Significance
Anna represents the godly who looked for redemption in Israel, embodying the faithful remnant who maintained hope in God's promises despite the apparent silence of prophecy. Her constant presence at the temple, her discipline of fasting and prayer, and her patient waiting exemplify the spiritual preparation required to recognize God's work when it appears. Together with Simeon, she forms the Old Testament's final witness to the coming Messiah, bridging the old and new covenants.
See Also
References
- 1.John McClintock and James Strong, "Anna," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. I (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).
- 2.James Hastings (ed.), "Anna," in Dictionary of Christ and the Gospels, vol. I (T. & T. Clark, 1906–1908).
- 3.Andrew Robert Fausset, "Anna," in The Englishman's Critical and Expository Bible Cyclopædia (Hodder & Stoughton, 1878).
- 4.George Morrish, "Anna," in Morrish's Concise Bible Dictionary (George Morrish, 1898).