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Gen. 17:12; Lev. 12:3). The child by this seal was adopted into the covenant family. Would have called him Zacharias. A na tural thing to do, and the name seemed appropriate enough. V. 60. Shall be called John. God had already given the boy a name (cf. v. 13). Elisabeth had undoubtedly learned this from Zacharias. It is not necessary to sup pose that there was a divine revelation to the mother at this time. V. 61. None o f thy kindred. The name “John” was a common one, but appar ently there were none of that name in the immediate family. Vs. 62, 63. Made signs to his father. Apparently Zacharias was deaf as well as dumb. A writing tablet. Possibly a tablet of wood covered with wax on which he could write with a sharp point. His name is John. Both the father and mother were obedient in this matter to the Lord. Hu man reasonings were set aside. It is worth noting that the father did not say, “His name shall be” but “His name is John.” God’s word had settled it for him. They marvelled. They were surprised that he understood the discussion they had had, since he was deaf. V. 64. His mouth was opened immed iately. He had lost the power o f speech suddenly (cf. v. 20). It returned just'as suddenly and miraculously. He spake, blessing God. Probably referring to his hymn o f praise which begins: “ Blessed be the Lord” (cf. vs. 68-79). Vs. 65, 66. Fear came on all. The word “ fear” does not mean fright or terror, but reverence and awe. These sayings were noised abroad. That is, these unusual oc currences. The “hill country” through which the story passed means the territory between the Jordan Valley and the coastal plain. Laid them up in their heart. The prophecy concerning this |child was in itself a matter to cause great interest. What then shall this child be? That he was an unusual child by reason o f the miraculous character o f his tjirth, all would believe. Therefore great things were expected of him. The hand o f the Lord was with him. That is, God was with him, guiding, protecting, and di recting his life. (cf. Psa. 37:24). III. The Song of. Zacharias ( 1 :76-80). The song of Zacharias (vs. 67-80) is called the Benedictus, from the first word o f the Latin translation. It is a hymn of thanksgiving for the salvation that God was to give through Messiah whose herald John was. V. 76. Thou, child. Literally, “little child.” Prophet o f the Most High. The insignificance o f the babe is contrasted with the dignity o f his office. Messiah is Son o f the Most High (Lk. 1:32). John was but a prophet, yet the greatest o f the prophets, according to the testimony of Jesus Christ. Go before the face o f the
appreciated its inner spiritual meaning. His name is the same as the Hebrew
October 5, 1930 Zacharias and Elisabeth: Life in h Pious Jewish Home
“Zechariah,” mean ing “Jehovah hath r e m e m b e r e d.” Course o f Abijah. The priests were di vided into twenty- four “courses” tak ing turns of service. A b i j a h wa s a
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JSesson Outline and Exposition B y <0. S. 0aderquist Lesson: Luke 1 :5-80. ( Lesson T ex t : Luk 1:5, 6, 57-66, 76- 80). Golden T ex t: “And they were both righteous before God, walking in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blameless” (Lk. 1 :6). * * * L esson in O utline I. The Parents o f John (1 :5,6). 1. Of the priestly family. 2. Righteous before God. 3. Blameless before men. H. The Birth o f John (1:57-66). I The son given (57 cf. 1 :13, 14). 2. The son joyfully welcomed (58). 3. The son becoming a child of the covenant (59). 4. The son named (60-63). ■ 5. The father’s tongue loosed (64). 6. “ The hand of the Lord” with the son (65,66). III. The Song of Zacharias (1:68-80). 1. The redemption of Israel (68, 69). 2. The salvation of Israel from foes (70-75). 3. The herald of the Saviour (76- 80). * * * A pproach to the L esson I UKE, in his prologue, declares that he searched for and wrote an accurate story. Some of the intimate facts about the birth of the forerunner and of Jesus he could have obtained only from those directly concerned. By every •test he proves himself a great historian. He had before him many written accounts. He rejected what was inadequate and se lected that which made a narrative that fulfilled his purpose. His story opens with a scene in the temple at the hour o f in cense. It was fitting that the introduction to the message concerning Messiah should begin at the place where Israel’s worship centered. * * * H eart of the L esson I. The Parents o f John (1:5,6). V. 5. In the days o f Herod. Herod the Great was a native o f Edom. He was king o f Judea from B. C. 37 to A. D. 4. He was a cruel monster, reducing the people to a state o f political slavery to Rome. A certain priest named Zacharias. The re ligion o f Israel had become largely an empty form consisting of a round of cere monies and rites. A few like Zacharias
direct descendant of Aaron, the first high priest. Wife of. the daughters o f Aaron. Elisabeth also belonged to the priestly family and evidently, like her husband, was a devout worshipper of Jehovah. V. 6. Both righteous before God. Not without sin, but with pure motives and right conduct in the sight of God. Walk ing in all the commandments and ordi nances. They carefully observed both the moral and ceremonial law. II. The Birth of John (1:57-66). Our lesson omits the story of the visit of the angel Gabriel to Zacharias with the message that he and his wife in their old age should have a son whose name was to be John. This son, it was foretold, was to be a Nazarite, separated to the service of God and going forth in the power of Elijah to prepare the way of Messiah. Zacharias doubted the message, and asked for a sign. Because of his unbelief he was made dumb. Vs. 57, 58. God’s promise was fulfilled to the letter (cf. v. 13). Her kinsfolk heard. They had doubtless all heard of the vision of Zacharias, and were ac quainted with his affliction. Now they heard that God in mercy had visited this home. They rejoiced with her. The birth of a firstborn son always brought rejoic ing to a Hebrew home. But the remark able circumstances in this case added greatly to the joy. The angel had re vealed that this was no ordinary child. Why should not the community be stirred ? V; 59. On the eighth day. The rite of circumcision was performed on the eighth day after birth, according to the law (cf. Over against the treasury He sits who gave Himself for me. He sees the coppers that I give Who gave His life that I might live; He sees the silver I withhold, Who left for me His throne of gold, Who found a manger for His bed, Who had not where to lay His head: He sees the gold I clasp so tight — Am 1 a debtor in His sight ?— — Selected. Christian Stewardship
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