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Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Luke 1:66

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 stretch out the hand to aid those whom we wish to help. The expression here means that God “aided” him, “protected” him, or showed him favor. Some think that these words are a part of the speech of the... read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Luke 1:57-66

Luke 1:57-66. Now Elisabeth’s full time came Exactly according to the prediction of the angel; that she should be delivered Though this child was conceived in the womb by a miracle, he continued in the womb according to the ordinary course of nature, as did our Saviour also. Promised mercies are to be expected when the full time for them is come, and not before. And her neighbours and cousins rejoiced with her Having heard that the Lord, in so illustrious and remarkable a manner, had... read more

Donald C. Fleming

Bridgeway Bible Commentary - Luke 1:57-80

5. Birth of John the Baptist (Luke 1:57-80)Elizabeth’s son was born amid much rejoicing, and eight days later was circumcised in accordance with the law of Israel. Circumcision was a minor surgical operation carried out on all Israelite baby boys, and was the covenant sign that Israel was God’s people. At this ceremony the child was usually given his name (Luke 1:57-60; cf. 2:21; Genesis 17:9-14; Leviticus 12:3). When relatives tried to interfere in the naming of the child, Zechariah proved his... read more

E.W. Bullinger

E.W. Bullinger's Companion Bible Notes - Luke 1:66

that heard. The 1611 edition of the Authorized Version reads "that had heard". read more

James Burton Coffman

Coffman Commentaries on the Bible - Luke 1:66

And all that heard them laid them up in their hearts, saying, What then shall this child be? For the hand of the Lord was with him.This outlines the great expectations which many had with regard to a child providentially born to aged parents, and who might indeed have become an orphan at quite an early age. God, however, was more than able to take care of this one whom God has chosen as herald of the Redeemer.For the hand of the Lord was with him ... This verse is a projection of the attitude... read more

Thomas Coke

Thomas Coke Commentary on the Holy Bible - Luke 1:64-66

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... read more

Robert Jamieson; A. R. Fausset; David Brown

Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible - Luke 1:66

66. hand of the Lord was with him—by special tokens marking him out as one destined to some great work (1 Kings 18:46; 2 Kings 3:15; Acts 11:21). read more

Thomas Constable

Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - Luke 1:57-80

C. The birth and early life of John the Baptist 1:57-80As in the first part of this major section of the Gospel (Luke 1:5-56), Luke arranged his material in this one to compare and contrast John the Baptist and Jesus (Luke 1:57 to Luke 2:52). In that section there was prediction, but in this one there is fulfillment. Luke’s emphasis in his record of John’s birth was his naming and his father’s prediction of his future ministry. read more

Thomas Constable

Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - Luke 1:64-66

God rewarded Zechariah’s obedience by removing his temporary disability. His first words were praise of God (cf. Acts 2:4; Acts 2:11)."The first evidence of his dumbness had been, that his tongue refused to speak the benediction to the people; and the first evidence of his restored power was, that he spoke the benediction of God in a rapturous burst of praise and thanksgiving." [Note: Edersheim, 1:159.] Luke stressed the widespread effect this incident had in the whole area. Everyone concluded... read more

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