the Highest shall overshadow thee; therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called a the Son of God. 36 And, behold, thy cousin Elisabeth, she hath also conceived a son in her old age: and this is the sixth month with her who was called barren. 37 For with God nothing shall be impossible. 38 And Mary said, Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word. And. the angel departed from her. 39 And Mary arose in those days, a Mar.1.1. b Mal.4.5,6. c Ps.116.16. thee. See Matt. i. 18, 20. The power of the Highest, &c.. This evidently means that the body of Jesus should be created by the direct power of God. It was not by ordinary generation; but, as the Messiah came to redeem sinnersto make atonement for others, and not for himself-it was necessary that his human nature should be pure, and freed from the corruption of the fall. God, therefore, prepared him a body by direct creation, that should be pure and holy. See Heb. x. 5. That holy thing, &c. That holy progeny, or child. Shall be called the Son of God. This is spoken in reference to the human nature of Christ. And this passage proves beyond controversy that one reason why Jesus was called the Son of God, was, because he was begotten in a supernatural manner. He is also called the Son of God on account of his resurrection. Rom. i. 4. Acts xiii. 33, compared with Ps. ii. 7. 36, 37. Thy cousin Elisabeth, &c. The case of Elisabeth is mentioned to inspire Mary with confidence, and to assure her that what was now promised would be fulfilled. It was almost as improbable that Elisabeth should have a child at her time of life, as it was that Mary should under the circumstances promised. 38. And Mary said, Behold, the handmaid, &c. This was an expression of resignation to the will of God, and of faith in the promise. To be the handmaid of the Lord, is to be a submissive and obedient servant; and is the same as and went into the hill country with haste, into a city of Juda; e 40 And entered into the house of Zacharias, and saluted Elisabeth. 41 And it came to pass, that, when Elisabeth heard the salutation of Mary, the babe leaped in her womb; and Elisabeth was filled with the Holy Ghost: 42 And she spake out with a loud voice; and said, Blessed art thou among women; and blessed is the fruit of thy womb. 43 And whence is this to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? d Ps.119.38. e Jos.21.9-11. vēr.28. g Jno.13.13. f Ju.5.24 saying, "I fully credit all that is said, and am perfectly ready to obey all the commands of the Lord." 39. And Mary arose. The word arose here is equivalent to setting out, or starting on a journey. T The hill country. The region in the vicinity of Jerusalem, commonly called the hill country of Judea. ¶ City of Judah. What city is meant is not known Some have supposed it to be Jerusalem, others Hebron. But all is conjecture. It was probably a Levitical city, and the residence of Zacharias when he was not employed in the temple. 40. Saluted Elisabeth. Expressed great joy and gratification at seeing her, and used the customary tokens of affectionate salutation. 41. Filled with the Holy Ghost. The meaning of this seems to be, that she was filled with joy; with a disposition to praise God; with a prophetic spirit, or a knowledge of the character of the child that should be born of her. All these were produced by the Holy Ghost 42. Blessed art thou among women She here repeated nearly the words of the angel to Mary, esteeming it to be the highest honor among mothers to be the mother of the Messiah. 43. And whence is this to me? An expression of humility. Why is it that the mother of my Lord should come to me, as if to honor me? ¶ Mother of my Lord. The word Lord sometimes denotes divinity, and sometimes superior, master, teacher, or governor. given by the Jews to their expected Mes It was From these expressions of Elisabeth, we may learn: 1st. That the spirit of prophecy had not entirely ceased among the Jews. 2d. That the Holy Ghost is the source of light, comfort, and joy. 3d. That every thing about the birth of Jesus is remarkable, and that he must have been more than a mere man. 4th. That the prospect of the coming of the Messiah was one of great joy and rejoicing to ancient saints; and, 5th. That it was a high honor to be the mother of him that should redrem mankind. It is from that honor that the Roman Catholics have determined that it is right to worship the Virgin Mary, and to offer prayers to her: an act of worship as idolatrous as any that could be offered to a creature. For: 1st. It is nowhere commanded in the Bible. 2d. It is expressly forbidden to worship any being but God. Ex. xxxiv. 14; xx. 4, 5. Deut. vi. 13, 14. Isa. xlv. 20. 3d. It is idolatry to worship or pray to a creature. 4th. It is absurd to suppose that the Virgin Mary can be in all places at the same time, to hear the prayers of thousands at once, or that she can aid them. There is no idolatry more gross, and of course more wicked, than to worship the creature more than the Creator. Rom. i. 25. 46. My soul doth magnify the Lord. To magnify here means to make great, and then to extol, to praise, to celebrate. It does not mean here strictly to make great, but to make great, or to increase, VOL.II.-2 c Ps. 136.23. d Mal.3.12. c.11.27. e Ge. 17.1. f Ps.71.21. 125.2,3. Ep.3.20. g Ps.111.9. in our estimation; that is, to praise, or extol. See Ps. xxxiv. 3. 2 Sam. vii. 26. 47. In God my Saviour. God is called Saviour, as he saves people from sin and death. He was Mary's Saviour, as he had redeemed her soul, and given a title to eternal life; and she rejoiced for that, and especially for his mercy in honoring her by her being made the mother of the Messiah. 48. He hath regarded the low estate of his handmaid. Literally, he has looked upon the low or humble condition of his handmaid. That is, notwithstanding the humble rank and poverty of Mary, he has shown her favor. And this example abundantly teaches, what is elsewhere fully taught in the Bible, that God is not a respecter of persons; that he is not influenced, to confer favors, by wealth, honor, or office. Rom. ii. 11; x. 11, 12. He seeks out the humble, the contrite, and imparts his rich blessings to those who feel that they need them, and who will bless him for them. Ps. cxxxviii. 6. Isa. Ivii. 15. From henceforth. Hereafter, or in consequence of this. ¶ All generations. All men. All posterity. ¶ Call me blessed. Pronounce me highly favored, or happy in being the mother of the Messiah. It is right to consider her as highly favored, or happy; but this certainly does not warrant us to worship her, or to pray to her. Abraham was blessed in being the father of the faithful; Paul in being the apostle to the Gentiles; Peter in first preaching the gospel to them; but who would think of worshipping or praying to Abraham, Paul, or Peter? 49. He that is mighty. God. T Heth done to me great things. Hath conferred on me great favors, distinguished mercies. And holy is his name. This is an expression of Mary's feelings, desiring to bestow on God all honor and praise, and as the highest honor, she de 50 And his mercy is on them that fear him, from generation to generation. 51 He hath shewed strength with his arm; he hath scattered a Ge.17.7. Ex.20.6. Ps.103.17. b Ps.98.1. Is.51.9. 52.10. 63.5. clared that his name was holy; that is, that God was free from sin, injustice, and impurity. The "name" of God is often put for God himself. The proper name of God is Jehovah, a word expressive of his essential being, derived from the word to be. Ex. iii. 14; vi. 3. Ps. lxxxiii. 18. That name is holy; is to be regarded as holy; and to make a common or profane use of it, is solemnly forbidden in the third commandment. Ex. xx. 7. 50. His mercy. Favor shown to the miserable and the guilty. Is on them. Is showed or manifested to them. T That fear him. That reverence or honor him. One kind of fear is that which a servant has of a cruel master, or a man has of a precipice, the plague, or danger. This is not the fear which we ought to have of God. It is the fear which a dutiful child has of a kind and virtuous father: a fear of injuring his feelings; of dishonoring him by our life; of doing any thing which he would disapprove. It is on those who have such fear of God that his mercy descends. This is the fear of the Lord which is the beginning of wisdom. Ps. cxi. 10. Job xxviii. 28. T From generation to generation. From one age to another. That is, it is unceasing; it continues, and abounds. But it means also more than this. It means, that God's mercy will descend on children, and children's children of those that fear him, and keep his commandments. Ex. xx. 6. In this respect, it is an unspeakable privilege to be descended of pious parents; to have been the subjects of their prayers, and to have received their blessing. And it is also a matter of vast guilt not to copy their example, and to walk in their steps. If God is disposed to show mercy to thousands of generations, how heavy will be the condemnation if they do not avail themselves of it, and early seek his favor! 51. Hath showed strength with his The arm is the symbol of strength. The expression in this, and the subsequent verses, has no particular reference to his mercy to Mary. From a contemplation of his goodness to her, she enlarges her views to a contemplation of his goodness arm. the proud in the imagination of their hearts. 52 He hath put down the mighty from their seats, and exalted them of low degree. c 1Sa 2 9. Da.4 37. d Job 5.11. c.18.14. and power in general to others, and to a celebration of the praises of God, for all that he has done to all men. This is the nature of true piety. It does not terminate in thinking of God's mercy to us. It thinks of others-spreads, in contemplation of other objects-and praises God that others also are made partakers of his mercy, and that his goodness is manifested to all his works. THe scattereth the proud. He hath often done it; in time of battle and war. When the proud Assyrian, Egyptian, or Babylonian had come against the people of God; he had often scattered them, and driven away their armies. In the imagination of their hearts. Those who were lifted up, or exalted, in their own view. Those who thought themselves to be superior to other men. 52. Hath put down the mighty. The mighty here denotes princes, kings, or conquerors. See Isa. xiv. 12, 13, 14. ¶ Their seats. Their thrones, or the places where they sat in pomp and power. Exalted them. Raised them up, or placed them in the seats of those who had been removed. T Low degree. Low, or humble birth, and condition in life. This probably has reference to the case of Saul and David. Mary was celebrating the mercies of God to her, to her family, and of course to her ancestors. It was natural to allude to that great event in their history, when Saul was overcoine in battle, and when David was taken from the sheep-fold, and placed on the vacant throne. The origin of illustrious families is often obscure. Men are often raised, by industry, talent, and the favor of God, from very humble stations; from the farm, or mechanic's shop to places of great trust in the church and state. They who are thus elevated, if imbued with right feelings, will not despise their former employments, nor their former companions, nor will they esteem their parents or friends the less, because they still remain in the same rauk in life No conduct is more odious, and unchristian, than to be ashamed of our birth, or the humble circumstances of our friends. cies which had been conferred on the 53. The hungry with good things. This is a celebration of the general mercy of God. He daily fed the poor, the needy, and those who came to him with humble hearts. The rich hath he sent, &c. While the poor come to him for a supply of their daily wants; the rich come not that their necessities should be supplied, but come with lofty hearts, and insatiable There is a striking similarity between desires, that their riches may be increased. this song of praise by Mary, and that When this is the case, God not unfre-spoken by Hannah. 1 Sam. ii.; 2, 10. quently not only withholds what they ask, but he takes their riches away by fire or flood, or disappointments, and sends them away empty. Prov. xxiii. 5. It is better to be poor, and go to God for our daily bread, than to be rich, and forget our dependence on him, and to seek only a great increase of our property. 54. Hath holpen. Hath helped or assisted. The word rendered "holpen " means, properly, to take hold of one, to help him up when he is in danger of falling, and means that God had succored his people when they were feeble, and were in danger of falling, or being overthrown. ¶ His servant Israel. His people, the Israelites, or those who truly feared him and kept his commandments. See Isa. xli. 8-9. Hos. xi. 1. T In remembrance of his mercy. Or that his mercy may be remembered. 55. As he spoke to our fathers, &c. That is, he has dealt mercifully with the children of Israel, according as he promised Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, &c. The promise particularly, here referred to, is that respecting the Messiah, which was now about to be fulfilled. But there is no doubt that there was also included the promises respecting all the other mer There are few pieces of poetry-for this is poetry, and almost the only poetry in the New Testament-there are few specimens more beautiful than this. It is the language of a humble, thankful, pious female heart, praising God: Ist. For his mercy to her, (v. 46-49): 2d. For his mercy to all men-his general goodness, (v. 50-53): and, 3d. His special goodness to his people, (v. 54—55). 59. On the eighth day. This was the day on which it was required to circumcise children. Gen. xxi. 4. T And they called him Zacharias. The name of the child was commonly given at the time of the circumcision. Gen. xxi. 3, 4. The name commonly given to the eldest son was that of the father. 60. Shall be called John. This was the name which the angel had said should be given to him, and which Zacharias had probably informed Elisabeth by writing. 61. There is none of thy kindred, &c. The Jewish tribes and families were kept distinct. To do this, and to avoid confusion in their genealogical tables, they probably gave only those names which were found among their ancestors. Another reason for this, common to all 62 And they made signs to his throughout all the hill country of father, how he would have him Judea: called. people, is the respect which is felt for honored parents, and ancestors, and whose names are therefore given to children. 63. He asked. That is, by signs. A writing table. The table, denoted by this word, was made of pine, and covered with wax, and was small, perhaps as large as a sheet of paper. The ancients used to write on such tables, as they had not the use of paper. The instrument used for writing was an iron pen or stile, by which they marked on the wax, which covered the table. Sometimes the writing table was made entirely of lead. 64. His mouth was opened, &c. That is, he was enabled to speak. For nine months he had been dumb, and it is probable that they supposed him to be afflicted with a paralytic affection, and would not recover. Hence their amazement when he spoke. For one act of disbelief, all this calamity had come upon him, and it had not coine without effect. With true gratitude, he offered praise to God, for the birth of a son, and for his restoration to the blessings of speech. с 66 And all they that heard them laid them up in their hearts, saying, What manner of child shall this be? And the hand of the Lord was with him. 67 And his father Zacharias was filled with the Holy Ghost, and prophesied, saying, с 68 Blessed be the Lord God of Israel; for he hath visited and redeemed his people, tion, favor. We stretch out the hand to aid those whom we wish to help. The expression then means that God aided him, protected him, or showed him favor. Some think that these words are a part of the speech of the neighbors; "What manner of child shall this be ! God is so evidently with him!" 67. Filled with the Holy Ghost. See v. 15. And prophesied. The word prophesied means, 1st. To foretell future events. 2d. To celebrate the praises of God, (see 1 Sam. x. 5, 6; 1 Kings xviii. 29), then to teach, or preach the gospel, &c. This song, of Zacharias, partakes of all. It is principally employed in the praises of God, but it also predicts the future character and preaching of John. 68. Blessed. ¶ Hath visited. See note, Mat. v. 3. The word here rendered visited means properly to look upon; then to look upon, to know the state of any one; then to visit for the purpose of aiding those who need aid, or alleviating misery. Compare Mat. xxv. 43. In this sense it is used here. God looked upon the world-He saw it miserable word-He came to relieve it, and brought sal 65. And fear came, &c. The fear ofter denotes religious reverence. The remarkable circumstances attending he birth of John, and the fact that Zacharias was suddenly restored to speech, convinced them that God was there, and filled their minds with awe, and venera tion. vation. And redeemed. That is, was about to redeem, or had given the pledge that He would redeem. This was spoken under the belief that the Messiah, the Redeemer, was about to appear, and would certainly accomplish his work. The literal translation of this passage is 66. What manner of child, &c. Such" He hath made redemption, or ransom were the remarkable circumstances of his for his people." A ransom was the birth, that they apprehended he would be price paid to deliver a captive taken in distinguished as a prophet, or that great war. A is a prisoner taken in war, by events would result from his life. ¶ The B. B has a right to detain him a prishand of the Lord was with him. The oner, by the laws of war, but C offers B word hand is used to denote aid, protec- | a price if he will release A, and suffer |