Similarities between the Benedictus and the Magnificat:
- Both were songs of praise.
- Both songs used Old Testament phrases.
- Both shared thematic and structural features.
- Both were recited by people whom Angel Gabriel had been sent to.
- Both songs resulted from the news about the birth of baby boys.
- Both songs are poetic.
- Both songs talk about the fulfillment of the Old Testament prophecies.
Differences between the Benedictus and the Magnificat:
- The Benedictus was recited by Zechariah, the father of John the Baptist, while the Magnificat was sung by Mary, the mother of Jesus.
- The Benedictus focuses on the coming of the Messiah and the role of John the Baptist as his forerunner, while the Magnificat emphasizes Mary’s rejoicing and magnifying God for being mindful of the humble.
- The Benedictus mentions God raising up a horn of salvation in the house of David, while the Magnificat emphasizes God’s mercy and mighty deeds.
- The Benedictus speaks of God saving people from their enemies and showing mercy promised to their fathers, while the Magnificat highlights God scattering the proud, bringing down the mighty, exalting the humble, and filling the hungry with good things.
In summary, both the Benedictus and the Magnificat are songs of praise that use Old Testament phrases and share thematic and structural features. However, they differ in terms of the speakers, focus, and specific aspects of God’s actions mentioned in each song.
