My reproach (ονειδος μου). Keenly felt by a Jewish wife because the husband wanted an heir and because of the hope of the Messiah,…

Thus. In this merciful manner.

To take away my reproach. Among the Jews, a family of children was counted a signal blessin…

To take away my reproach among men.—The words express in almost their strongest form the Jewish feeling as to maternity. …

I do not wonder that, in her solemn joy, she shunned the gossips of the neighborhood and kept herself in seclusion. I do believe that there is many…

The Venerable Bede: During their appointed time of service, the priests of the temple were so occupied by their duties that the…

As with the announcement to Mary, the word concerning Zechariah and Elizabeth’s promised son was given before his conception. It is characteristic …

Thus has the Lord done to me. She extols in private the goodness of God, until the time is fully come for making it generally known.

Thus has the Lord dealt with me In a very gracious and bountiful manner; in giving her strength to conceive a son in her …

The father and mother of John the Baptist were sinners, as all are, and were justified and saved in the same way as others; but they were distingui…