Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Luke 1:26
A city of Galilee - As Joseph and Mary were both of the family of David, the patrimonial estate of which lay in Bethlehem, it seems as if the family residence should have been in that city, and not in Nazareth; for we find that, even after the return from the captivity, the several families went to reside in those cities to which they originally belonged. See Nehemiah 11:3 . But it is probable that the holy family removed to Galilee for fear of exciting the jealousy of Herod, who had... read more
Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Luke 1:25
To take away my reproach - As fruitfulness was a part of the promise of God to his people, Genesis 17:6 , and children, on this account, being considered as a particular blessing from heaven, Exodus 23:20 ; Leviticus 26:9 ; : Psalm 127:3 ; so barrenness was considered among the Jews as a reproach, and a token of the disapprobation of the Lord. 1 Samuel 1:6 . But see Luke 1:36 . read more