Verse 19
19. Gabriel See note on Matthew 1:20.
In the presence of God See note on Matthew 18:10.
Shalt be dumb Literally, shalt be silent. The word rendered speechless in Luke 1:22, signifies both deaf and dumb. As his ear had refused the angel’s message, he shall be rendered deaf; and as he had uttered a bold and faithless speech, so a divine silence shall reprove him. Well for us often might it be, if some such gentle admonitory judgment should check our loquacity and teach us a wise silence. Zacharias’s punishment shall have a side of blessing to it. It shall be a sign to him that God will be better than his faith; a sign to others that the hope of Israel is drawing nigh. Similarly, by supernatural interviews, Jacob was made lame, and Saul of Tarsus was struck blind. These were the severe side of a gracious visitation. They remind us that we are sinners, even when we receive the tokens of God’s favour. And they tell us what we deserve in spite of the blessings that we get.
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