The days were accomplished that she should be delivered . The universal tradition of the Christian Church places the nativity in winter. The date "December 25" was generally received by the Fathers of the Greek and Latin from the fourth century downwards. read more
The city of David - Bethlehem, called the city of David because it was the place of his birth. See the notes at Matthew 2:1.Because he was of the house - Of the family.And lineage - The “lineage” denotes that he was descended from David as his father or ancestor. In taking a Jewish census, families were kept distinct; hence, all went to the “place” where their family had resided. Joseph was of the “family” of David, and hence he went up to the city of David. It is not improbable that he might... read more
Luke 2:4. And Joseph also went up from Galilee Being thus obliged by the emperor’s decree; out of the city of Nazareth Where he then dwelt; into Judea Properly so called; unto the city of David, called Bethlehem The town where his ancestors had formerly been settled; because he was of the house, &c., of David Notwithstanding, he was now reduced so low as to follow the trade of a carpenter. To be enrolled with Mary Who also was a descendant of David: his espoused wife The... read more
Luke 2:6-7. And while they were there, the days were accomplished, &c. Whatever views Mary might have in going up to Bethlehem, her going there was doubtless by the direction of Divine Providence, in order that the Messiah might be born in that city, agreeably to the prophecy of Micah 5:2. And she brought forth her firstborn son Τον υιον αυτης τον πρωτοτοκον , her son, the firstborn; that excellent and glorious person, who was the firstborn of every creature, and the heir of all... read more
8. Shepherds visit the stable (Luke 2:1-20)Joseph and Mary lived in Nazareth in the north of Palestine (see Luke 1:26-27), but the town to which they belonged according to their ancestry was Bethlehem, the birthplace of their forefather David. When the government issued an order that all people were to return to their ancestral town for a census (probably for taxation purposes), Joseph and Mary made the journey to Bethlehem. The town was so overcrowded with travellers returning for the census... read more
went up : literally true, the ascent from Nazareth to Jerusalem being at least 1,500 feet. from = away from. Greek. apo. App-104 . out of Greek ek. App-104 . Nazareth. Aramaean. See note on Luke 1:26 . = Branch = Town, where He, Jehovah's "Branch "(Zechariah 3:8 ; Zechariah 6:12 ), wasbrought up (Luke 4:16 ). unto . Greek. eis. App-104 . Not the same word as in verses: Luke 2:2 , Luke 2:15 -, Luke 2:20 , Luke 2:48 , Luke 2:49 . the city of David. 1 Samuel 20:6 . Zion also so called,... read more
with = in conjunction with. Greek. sun. App-104 . Not the same word as in verses: Luke 2:36 , Luke 2:51 , Luke 2:52 . espoused = married. Not merely "betrothed "(Matthew 1:20 , Matthew 1:24 , Matthew 1:25 ). See note on Matthew 1:18 . Compare Deuteronomy 22:23 , Deuteronomy 22:24 . great with child . Compare Luke 1:24 . Greek enkuos. Occurs only here in N.T. read more
so it was = it came to pass; as in Luke 2:1 . while = in (Greek. en. App-104 .) the time. read more
And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house of David.Luke's design in this chapter was to show how it came about that Jesus was born in Bethlehem, despite the fact of Joseph and Mary's residence in Nazareth, thus fulfilling the prophecy of Micah 5:2. The only reason cited by Luke for this journey to Bethlehem was the decree of Caesar and the necessity for Joseph's obedience to it.... read more
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The Pulpit Commentary - Luke 2:5
With Mary his espoused wife The older authorities here omit "wife." Translate, with Mary who was betrothed to him . read more