FORASMUCH AS MANY - It has been doubted who are referred to here by the word “many.” It seems clear that it could not be the other evangelists, for the gospel by “John” was not yet written, and the word “many” denotes clearly more than “two.” Besides, it is said that they undertook to record what th... [ Continue Reading ]
AS THEY DELIVERED THEM - As they narrated them. As they gave an account of them. FROM THE BEGINNING - From the commencement of these things - that is, from the birth of John, or perhaps from the beginning of the ministry of Jesus. EYE-WITNESSES - Who had seen those things themselves, and who were... [ Continue Reading ]
IT SEEMED GOOD - I thought it best; or, I have also determined. It seemed “to be called for” that there should be a full, authentic, and accurate account of these matters. HAVING HAD PERFECT UNDERSTANDING ... - The literal translation of the original here would be, “having exactly traced everything... [ Continue Reading ]
THE CERTAINTY - Have full evidence or proof of. BEEN INSTRUCTED - By the preachers of the gospel. The original word is the one from which is derived our word “catechism - been catechized;” but it does not denote here the “manner” in which the instruction was imparted, as it does with us, but simply... [ Continue Reading ]
IN THE DAYS OF HEROD - See the notes at Matthew 2:1. OF THE COURSE OF ABIA - When the priests became so numerous that they could not at once minister at the altar, David divided them into 24 classes or courses, each one of which officiated for a week, 1 Chronicles 24. The class or course (shift) of... [ Continue Reading ]
BOTH RIGHTEOUS - Both “just” or holy. This means here more than external conformity to the law. It is an honorable testimonial of their “piety” toward God. WALKING IN ... - Keeping the commandments. To walk in the way that God commands is “to obey.” ORDINANCES - Rites and customs which God had ord... [ Continue Reading ]
WELL STRICKEN IN YEARS - Old or advanced in life, so as to render the prospect of having children hopeless.... [ Continue Reading ]
BEFORE GOD - In the temple, where God dwelt by the symbols of His presence. The temple was regarded by the Jews as the “house” or dwelling of God; and in the “first” temple there was, in the most holy place, a “cloud” called the Shechinah, or a visible sign of the presence of God. It was thus “befor... [ Continue Reading ]
ACCORDING TO THE CUSTOM OF THE PRIEST’S OFFICE, HIS LOT WAS. - The Jewish writers inform us that it was customary for the priests to divide their daily task by “lot.” TO BURN INCENSE - Incense is an aromatic or white rosin procured from trees, chiefly in Arabia. It is obtained by making incisions in... [ Continue Reading ]
THE WHOLE MULTITUDE - This was the regular time of evening prayer, and multitudes came up to the temple to worship. PRAYING WITHOUT - That is, in the courts around the temple, particularly in the court of the women.... [ Continue Reading ]
AN ANGEL - An “angel” is a messenger sent from God. See the notes at Matthew 1:20. It had now been about 400 years since the time of “Malachi,” and since there had been any divine revelation. During that time the nation was looking for the Messiah, but still with nothing more than the ancient prophe... [ Continue Reading ]
HE WAS TROUBLED - He was alone, in the presence of God. The appearance of the angel was sudden, unexpected, and therefore fearful.... [ Continue Reading ]
THY PRAYER IS HEARD - That is, thy prayer for offspring. This, among the Jews, was an object of intense desire. No prospect was more gloomy to them than that of dying childless, so that their “name should perish.” Special pains, therefore, had been taken in the law to keep up the names of families b... [ Continue Reading ]
MANY SHALL REJOICE AT HIS BIRTH - This does not refer so much to the time of his birth as to the subsequent rejoicing. Such will be his “character,” that he will be an honor to the family, and many will rejoice that he lived: or, in other words, he will be a blessing to mankind.... [ Continue Reading ]
SHALL BE GREAT - Shall be eminent, or distinguished as a preacher. IN THE SIGHT OF THE LORD - Greek, “before the Lord.” That is, shall be “really” or “truly” great. God shall regard him as such. SHALL DRINK NEITHER WINE - The kind of wine commonly used in Judea was a light wine, often not stronger... [ Continue Reading ]
CHILDREN OF ISRAEL - Jews. Descendants of Israel or Jacob. SHALL HE TURN - By repentance. He shall call them from their sins, and persuade them to forsake them, and to seek the Lord their God.... [ Continue Reading ]
SHALL GO BEFORE HIM - Before the Messiah. The connection here leads us to suppose that the word “him” refers to the “Lord their God” in the previous verse. If so, then it will follow that the Messiah was the Lord God of Israel - a character abundantly given him in other parts of the New Testament.... [ Continue Reading ]
WHEREBY SHALL I KNOW THIS? - The thing was improbable, and he desired “evidence” that it would take place. The testimony of an “angel,” and in such a place, should have been proof enough; but people are slow to believe the testimony of heavenly messengers. As a consequence of not believing, he was s... [ Continue Reading ]
I AM GABRIEL - The word “Gabriel” is made up of two Hebrew words, and signifies “man of God.” This angel is mentioned as having been deputed to inform “Daniel” that his prayers were heard. See the notes at Daniel 8:16; Daniel 9:21. THAT STAND IN THE PRESENCE OF GOD - To stand in the presence of one... [ Continue Reading ]
BECAUSE THOU BELIEVEST NOT ... - This was both a sign and a judgment - a sign that he had come from God, and that the thing would be fulfilled: and a judgment for not giving credit to what he had said. There is no sin in the sight of God more aggravated than unbelief. When God speaks; man should bel... [ Continue Reading ]
THE PEOPLE WAITED - That is, beyond the usual time. MARVELLED - Wondered. The priest, it is said, was not accustomed to remain in the temple more than half an hour commonly. Having remained on this occasion a longer time, the people became apprehensive of his safety, and wondered what had happened... [ Continue Reading ]
HAD SEEN A VISION - The word “vision” means “sight, appearance,” or “spectre,” and is commonly applied to spirits, or to beings from another world. When he came out of the temple, it is probable that they “suspected” that something of this nature had detained him there, and that, on inquiry of him,... [ Continue Reading ]
AS SOON AS THE DAYS OF HIS MINISTRATION ... - As soon as he had fulfilled the duties of the week. It might have been supposed that the extraordinary occurrence in the temple, together with his own calamity, would have induced him at once to leave this place and return home; but his duty was in the t... [ Continue Reading ]
HID HERSELF - Did not go forth into public, and concealed her condition. This might have been done that she might spend her time more entirely in giving praise to God for his mercies, and that she might have the fullest proof of the accomplishment of the promise before she appeared in public or spok... [ Continue Reading ]
THUS - In this merciful manner. TO TAKE AWAY MY REPROACH - Among the Jews, a family of children was counted a signal blessing, an evidence of the favor of God, Psalms 113:9; Psalms 128:3; Isaiah 4:1; Isaiah 44:3; Leviticus 26:9. To be “barren,” therefore, or to be destitute of children, was conside... [ Continue Reading ]
IN THE SIXTH MONTH - The sixth month after Elizabeth’s conception. A CITY OF GALILEE NAMED NAZARETH - See the notes at Matthew 2:22.... [ Continue Reading ]
TO A VIRGIN ESPOUSED ... - See the notes at Matthew 1:18. Compare the notes at Isaiah 7:14. HOUSE OF DAVID - Family of David, or descendants of David.... [ Continue Reading ]
HAIL - This word of salutation is equivalent to “Peace be with thee,” or “Joy be with thee;” a form of speech implying that she was signally favored, and expressing joy at meeting her. HIGHLY FAVOURED - By being the mother of the long-expected Messiah - the mother of the Redeemer of mankind. Long h... [ Continue Reading ]
TROUBLED AT HIS SAYING - Disturbed or perplexed at what he said. It was so unexpected, so sudden, so extraordinary, and was so high an honor, that she was filled with anxious thoughts, and did not know what to make of it. CAST IN HER MIND - Thought, or revolved in her mind. WHAT MANNER OF SALUTATI... [ Continue Reading ]
FEAR NOT, MARY - Do not be alarmed at this appearance of an angel. He only comes to announce to you good tidings. Similar language was addressed by an angel to Joseph. See the notes at Matthew 1:20. THOU HAST FOUND FAVOUR WITH GOD - Eminent favor or mercy in being selected to be the mother of the M... [ Continue Reading ]
AND, BEHOLD, THOU SHALT CONCEIVE IN THY WOMB - See the notes at Isaiah 7:14. AND SHALT CALL HIS NAME JESUS - A Saviour. See the notes at Matthew 1:21. All this was announced. also, by an angel to Joseph, after this visitation to Mary. See the notes at Matthew 1:20.... [ Continue Reading ]
HE SHALL BE GREAT - There is undoubted reference in this passage to Isaiah 9:6. By his being “great” is meant he shall be distinguished or illustrious; great in power, in wisdom, in dominion on earth and in heaven. SHALL BE CALLED - This is the same as to say he “shall be” the Son, etc. The Hebrews... [ Continue Reading ]
OVER THE HOUSE OF JACOB - The house of Jacob means the same thing as the “family” of Jacob, or the descendants of Jacob - that is, the children of Israel. This was the name by which the ancient people of God were known, and it is the same as saying that he would reign over his own church and people... [ Continue Reading ]
THE HOLY GHOST SHALL COME UPON THEE - See Matthew 1:20. THE POWER OF THE HIGHEST ... - This evidently means that the body of Jesus would be created by the direct power of God. It was not by ordinary generation; but, as the Messiah came to redeem sinners - to make atonement for “others,” and not for... [ Continue Reading ]
THY COUSIN ELIZABETH ... - The case of Elizabeth is mentioned to inspire Mary with confidence, and to assure her that what was now promised would be fulfilled. It was almost as improbable that Elizabeth should have a child at her time of life, as it was that Mary should under the circumstances promi... [ Continue Reading ]
AND MARY SAID, BEHOLD THE HANDMAID ... - This was an expression of resignation to the will of God, and of faith in the promise. To be the “handmaid of the Lord” is to be submissive and obedient, and is the same as saying, “I fully credit all that is said, and am perfectly ready to obey all the comma... [ Continue Reading ]
AND MARY AROSE - The word “arose” here is equivalent to “setting out,” or starting on a journey. THE HILL COUNTRY - The region in the vicinity of Jerusalem, commonly called the hill country of Judea. CITY OF JUDA - What city is meant is not known. Some have supposed it to be Jerusalem, others Hebr... [ Continue Reading ]
SALUTED ELIZABETH - Expressed great joy and gratification at seeing her, and used the customary tokens of affectionate salutation.... [ Continue Reading ]
ELIZABETH WAS FILLED WITH THE HOLY GHOST - The meaning of this seems to be that she was filled with joy; with a disposition to praise God; with a prophetic spirit, or a knowledge of the character of the child that should be born of her. All these were produced by the Holy Spirit.... [ Continue Reading ]
BLESSED ART THOU AMONG WOMEN - She here repeated nearly the words of the angel to Mary, esteeming it to be the highest honor among mothers to be the mother of the Messiah. See the notes at Luke 1:28.... [ Continue Reading ]
AND WHENCE IS THIS TO ME? - An expression of humility. Why is it that the mother of my Lord should come to me, as if to honor me? MOTHER OF MY LORD - The word “Lord” sometimes denotes “divinity,” and sometimes superior, master, teacher, or governor. It was given by the Jews to their expected Messia... [ Continue Reading ]
BLESSED IS SHE THAT BELIEVED - That is, “Mary” who believed what the angel spoke to her. She was blessed not only in the act of believing, but because the thing promised would certainly be fulfilled. From these expressions of Elizabeth we may learn: * That the spirit of prophecy had not entirely... [ Continue Reading ]
MY SOUL DOTH MAGNIFY THE LORD - To “magnify” means to “make great,” and then to “extol,” to “praise,” to “celebrate.” It does not mean here strictly to “make great,” but to increase “in our estimation” - that is, to praise or extol. See Psalms 34:3; 2 Samuel 7:26.... [ Continue Reading ]
IN GOD MY SAVIOUR - God is called “Saviour,” as he saves people from sin and death. He was “Mary’s” Saviour, as he had redeemed her soul and given her a title to eternal life; and she rejoiced for that, and especially for his mercy in honoring her by her being made the mother of the Messiah.... [ Continue Reading ]
HE HATH REGARDED THE LOW ESTATE OF HIS HANDMAID - Literally, he has looked upon the low or humble condition of his handmaid. That is, notwithstanding her humble rank and poverty, he has shown her favor. And this example abundantly teaches what is elsewhere fully taught in the Bible, that God is not... [ Continue Reading ]
HE THAT IS MIGHTY - God. HATH DONE TO ME GREAT THINGS - Hath conferred on me great favors and distinguished mercies. AND HOLY IS HIS NAME - This is an expression of Mary’s feelings, desiring to bestow on God all honor and praise. As the highest honor, she declared that his “name” was “holy” - that... [ Continue Reading ]
HIS MERCY - Favor shown to the miserable and the guilty. IS ON THEM - Is shown or manifested to them. THAT FEAR HIM - That “reverence” or honor Him. One kind of fear is that which a servant has of a cruel master, or which a man has of a precipice, the plague, or death. This is not the “fear” which... [ Continue Reading ]
HATH SHOWED STRENGTH WITH HIS ARM - The “arm” is the symbol of strength. The expression in this and the subsequent verses has no particular reference to his mercy to Mary. From a contemplation of His goodness to her, she enlarges her views to a contemplation of His goodness and power in general, and... [ Continue Reading ]
HATH PUT DOWN THE MIGHTY - The “mighty” here denotes princes, kings, or conquerors. See Isaiah 14:12. THEIR SEATS - Their “thrones,” or the places where they sat in pomp and power. EXALTED THEM - Raised them up, or placed them in the seats of those who had been removed. LOW DEGREE - Low or humble... [ Continue Reading ]
HE HATH FILLED THE HUNGRY WITH GOOD THINGS - This is a celebration of the general mercy of God. He hath daily fed the poor, the needy, and those who came to Him with humble hearts. THE RICH HE HATH SENT ... - While the poor come to him for a supply of their daily wants, the rich come not that their... [ Continue Reading ]
HATH HOLPEN - Hath helped or assisted. The word rendered “holpen” denotes properly, “to take hold of one, to help him up when he is in danger of falling,” and here means that God had succored his people when they were feeble, and were in danger of falling or being overthrown. HIS SERVANT ISRAEL - H... [ Continue Reading ]
AS HE SPAKE TO OUR FATHERS ... - That is, He has dealt mercifully with the children of Israel, according as He promised Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. The promise particularly here referred to is that respecting the Messiah which was now about to be fulfilled; but there is no doubt that there was also i... [ Continue Reading ]
ON THE EIGHTH DAY - This was the day on which it was required to circumcise children, Genesis 21:4. AND THEY CALLED HIM ZACHARIAS - The name of the child was commonly given at the time of the circumcision, Genesis 21:3. The name “commonly” given to the eldest son was that of the father.... [ Continue Reading ]
SHALL BE CALLED JOHN - This was the name which the angel had said should be given to him, of which Zechariah had probably informed Elizabeth by writing.... [ Continue Reading ]
THERE IS NONE OF THY KINDRED ... - The Jewish tribes and families were kept distinct. To do this, and to avoid confusion in their genealogical tables, they probably gave only those names which were found among their ancestors. Another reason for this, common to all people, is the respect which is fe... [ Continue Reading ]
HE ASKED - That is, by signs. A WRITING TABLE - The table denoted by this word was usually made of wood and covered with wax. The ancients used to write on such tables, as they had not the use of paper. The instrument used for writing was an iron pen or style, by which they marked on the wax which... [ Continue Reading ]
HIS MOUTH WAS OPENED ... - That is, he was enabled to speak. For nine months he had been mute, and it is probable that they supposed that he had been afflicted with a paralytic affection, and that he would not recover. Hence, their amazement when he spoke. For one act of disbelief all this calamity... [ Continue Reading ]
AND FEAR CAME ... - The word “fear” often denotes ‘religious reverence.’ The remarkable circumstances attending the birth of John, and the fact that Zechariah was suddenly restored to speech, convinced them that God was there, and filled their minds with awe and veneration.... [ Continue Reading ]
WHAT MANNER OF CHILD ... - Such were the remarkable circumstances of his birth that they apprehended that he would be distinguished as a prophet, or that great events would result from his life. THE HAND OF THE LORD WAS WITH HIM - The word “hand” is used to denote “aid, protection, favor.” We stret... [ Continue Reading ]
FILLED WITH THE HOLY GHOST - See Luke 1:15. AND PROPHESIED - The word “prophesy” means: * To foretell future events. * To celebrate the praises of God (see 1 Samuel 10:5; 1 Kings 18:29); then to, * Teach or preach the gospel, etc. See the notes at Romans 12:6. This song of Zechariah partakes... [ Continue Reading ]
BLESSED - See the notes at Matthew 5:3. HATH VISITED - The word here rendered “visited” means properly “to look upon;” then to look upon in order “to know the state of anyone;” then to visit for the purpose of “aiding those who need aid,” or alleviating misery. Compare Matthew 25:43. In this sense... [ Continue Reading ]
AND HATH RAISED UP A HORN - A horn is a symbol of strength. The figure is taken from the fact that in horned animals the strength lies in the “horn.” Particularly, the great power of the rhinoceros or unicorn is manifested by the use of a single horn of great “strength,” placed on the head near the... [ Continue Reading ]
HIS HOLY PROPHETS ... - All the prophets are said to have referred to the Messiah, from the beginning of the world. The most striking of these were Jacob Genesis 49:10; Moses Deuteronomy 18:15; Isaiah Isaiah 9:6; Isaiah 53:1. SINCE THE WORLD BEGAN - This is not to be taken literally, for there were... [ Continue Reading ]
SAVED FROM OUR ENEMIES - The enemies of “man” are his sins, his carnal propensities, his lusts, and the great adversary Satan and his angels, who continually seek to destroy him. From “these” the Messiah came to save us. Compare Genesis 3:15; Matthew 1:21. THE HAND - The power; or to save us from t... [ Continue Reading ]
TO PERFORM THE MERCY - To show the mercy promised. The expression in the “original” is, “To make mercy with our fathers” - that is, to show kindness to our fathers; and the propriety of it is founded on the fact that mercy to “children” is regarded as kindness to the “parent.” Blessing the “children... [ Continue Reading ]
THE OATH - This oath is recorded in Genesis 22:16. It was an oath in which God swore by himself (because he could swear by no greater, Hebrews 6:13) that he would surely bless Abraham and his posterity. That promise was now to be entirely fulfilled by the coming of the Messiah.... [ Continue Reading ]
MIGHT SERVE HIM - Might obey, honor, and worship him. This was regarded as a “favor.” This was what was promised, and for this Zechariah praised God. WITHOUT FEAR - Fear of death, of spiritual enemies, or of external foes. In the sure hope of God’s “eternal” favor beyond the grave.... [ Continue Reading ]
IN HOLINESS ... - In piety and strict justice. BEFORE HIM - In the presence of God. Performed as in his presence, and with the full consciousness that he sees the heart. The “holiness” was not to be merely external, but spiritual, internal, pure, such as “God” would see and approve. ALL THE DAYS O... [ Continue Reading ]
AND THOU, CHILD ... - Zechariah predicts in this and the following verses the dignity, the employment, and the success of John. He declares what would be the subject of his preaching, and what his success. PROPHET OF THE HIGHEST - Prophet of God; a prophet “appointed by God” to declare his will, an... [ Continue Reading ]
TO GIVE KNOWLEDGE OF SALVATION - Knowledge of the “way” of salvation: that it was provided, and that the author of salvation was about to appear. BY THE REMISSION OF THEIR SINS - The word remission means pardon or forgiveness. It implies that God will treat the sinner as if he had not committed the... [ Continue Reading ]
WHEREBY THE DAYSPRING ... - The word “dayspring” means the morning light, the aurora, the rising of the sun. It is called the dayspring “from on high” because the light of the gospel shines forth from heaven. God is its Author, and through His mercy it shines upon people. There is here, doubtless, a... [ Continue Reading ]
TO GIVE LIGHT ... - See the notes at Matthew 4:16. TO GUIDE OUR FEET ... - The figure in these verses is taken from travelers, who, being overtaken by night, know not what to do, and who wait patiently for the morning light, that they may know which way to go. So man wandered. So he became benighte... [ Continue Reading ]
WAXED STRONG IN SPIRIT - That is, in courage, understanding, and purposes of good, fitting him for his future work. The word “wax” means to “increase, to grow,” from an old Saxon word. IN THE DESERTS - In Hebron, and in the hill country where his father resided. He dwelt in obscurity, and was not k... [ Continue Reading ]