Luke 1:64-66

And his tongue loosed, &c.— And his tongue also spake, praising God. Elsner. Zacharias had no sooner done writing than he recovered his speech, the angel's prediction being then fully accomplished. Accordingly, with an audible articulate voice, he praised God; probably, by acknowledging the justice of the punishment which had been inflicted upon him, and the greatness of that sin which had procured it. By this open affectionate confession, he impressed all his neighbours and acquaintance with fear; (Luke 1:65.) that is to say, with religious awe and fear of offending God; and all these sayings, or rather things, (see ch. Luke 2:15.) were noised abroad: being very extraordinary events, they were much talked of in that country; and people formed many conjectures concerning the child, with whom was the hand of the Lord, Luke 1:66 that is, (as it is explained Luke 1:80.) he was remarkable, even from his infancy, for the qualities both of his body and mind. He had an eminent degree of the protection, blessing, and assistance of God, visibly bestowed upon him. It should be observed, that the extraordinary circumstances recorded in this chapter, which attended the birth of the Baptist, were all wisely ordered by Providence; that he who was the Messiah's forerunner, might not seem an obscure and ordinary man. He was introduced into the world in this magnificent manner, that the attention of his countrymen being awakened, and high expectations of him raised, he might execute the duties of his ministry with greater advantage, and effectually prepare the people for receiving the Messiah himself, who was soon to appear in person. But see more on this subject in Jortin's Discourses, p. 184 and Bell's Inquiry into the Divine Missions of John, &c.