Luke 1-2

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Luke 1:59

On the eighth day they came to circumcise - See an account of this institution in the note on Genesis 17:10-14 ; (note). Had circumcision been essential to an infant's salvation, God would not have ordered it to be delayed to the eighth day, because, in all countries, multitudes die before they arrive at that age. Baptism, which is generally allowed to have been substituted for circumcision, is no more necessary to the salvation of an infant than circumcision was. Both are signs of the... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Luke 1:60

Not so; but he shall be called John - This is the name which the angel desired should be given him, Luke 1:13 , and of which Zacharias by writing had informed his wife. There is something very remarkable in the names of this family. Zachariah, זכריהו the memory or memorial of Jehovah; יהו yeho , at the end of the word, being contracted for יהוה Yehovah , as in many other names. Elisabeth, אליסבה the Sabbath or rest of my strong God: names probably given them by their parents,... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Luke 1:61

None of thy kindred - As the Jewish tribes and families were kept sacredly distinct, it appears the very names of the ancestors were continued among their descendants, partly through reverence for them, and partly to avoid confusion in the genealogical tables, which, for the sake of distinguishing the inheritances, were carefully preserved in each of the families. It seems to be on this account that the neighbors and relatives objected to a name which had not before existed in any branch of... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Luke 1:62

They made signs to his father - Who, it appears from this, was deaf as well as dumb; otherwise they might have asked him, and obtained his answer in this way. read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Luke 1:63

A writing table - Πινακιδιον , a tablet, a diminutive of πιναξ , a table. "The boys in Barbary are taught to write upon a smooth thin board, slightly daubed over with whiting, which may be rubbed off or renewed at pleasure. Such probably (for the Jewish children use the same) was the little board, or writing table, as we render it Luke 1:63 , that was called for by Zacharias." Shaw's Travels, p. 194. My old MS. considers the word as meaning the instrument of writing, rather than the... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Luke 1:64

The latter clause of the preceding verse should be joined with the beginning of this, as follows: And they marveled all, for his mouth was opened, etc. Every person must see the propriety of putting this clause, And they marveled all, to the beginning of the 64th verse, instead of leaving it at the end of the 63rd, as in the common version. The people did not wonder because Zacharias said, He shall be called John; but because he himself was that instant restored to the use of his speech. ... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Luke 1:65

And fear came - Seeing what they might have thought a paralytic affection so suddenly and effectually healed. Φοβος - This word certainly means in several places, religious fear or reverence; and in this sense it is used Acts 9:31 ; Romans 3:18 ; Romans 13:7 ; 1 Peter 1:17 ; 1 Peter 2:18 ; 1 Peter 3:2 . The meaning of it here is plainly this: The inhabitants of Hebron and its environs, who were well acquainted with the circumstances of Zacharias and Elisabeth, perceived that... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Luke 1:66

What manner of child shall this be! - As there have been so many extraordinary things in his conception and birth, surely God has designed him for some extraordinary purpose. These things they laid up in their heart, patiently waiting to see what God would work. The hand of the Lord was with him - God defended and prospered him in all things, and the prophetic spirit began to rest upon him. read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Luke 1:67

Zacharias - prophesied - The word prophesy is to be taken here in its proper acceptation, for the predicting or foretelling future events. Zacharias speaks, not only of what God had already done, but also of what he was about to do, in order to save a lost world. read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Luke 1:68

Blessed be the Lord God of Israel; for, etc. - Zacharias praises God for two grand benefits which he had granted to his people. 1. He has visited them. 2. He has ransomed them. He speaks by the spirit of prophecy, which calls things that are not, as though they were; because they are absolutely determined by the Most High, and shall be all fulfilled in their season. God visits his people in the incarnation of Jesus Christ; therefore this Christ is called by him, Κυριος ὁ Θεος , Jehovah... read more

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Luke 1:59

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Luke 1:60

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Luke 1:61

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Luke 1:62

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Luke 1:63

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Luke 1:64

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Luke 1:65

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Luke 1:66

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Luke 1:67

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Luke 1:68

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