57 Now Elisabeth’s full time came that she should be delivered; and she brought forth a son. 58 And her neighbours and her cousins heard how the Lord had shewed great mercy upon her; and they rejoiced with her. 59 And it came to pass, that on the eighth day they came to circumcise the child; and they called him Zacharias, after the name of his father. 60 And his mother answered and said, Not so; but he shall be called John. 61 And they said unto her, There is none of thy kindred that is called by this name. 62 And they made signs to his father, how he would have him called. 63 And he asked for a writing table, and wrote, saying, His name is John. And they marvelled all. 64 And his mouth was opened immediately, and his tongue loosed, and he spake, and praised God. 65 And fear came on all that dwelt round about them: and all these sayings were noised abroad throughout all the hill country of Judaea. 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. (Luke 1:57-66 KJV)
The birth of John the Baptist
In these verses, we have the birth of John the Baptist (Luke 1:57). Though he was miraculously conceived, he remained in the womb for the usual duration of pregnancy (as did our Savior): Elizabeth’s time came for her to give birth, and she delivered a son. Promised blessings should be expected when their appointed time comes, not before.
There was great joy among the family and relatives on this extraordinary occasion (Luke 1:58). Her neighbors and relatives heard about it, for it would be widely talked about as something nearly miraculous. Dr. Lightfoot notes that Hebron was inhabited by priests of Aaron’s family, who were likely the cousins mentioned here, while the surrounding villages were populated by people from the tribe of Judah, who were the neighbors.
They showed a godly response, acknowledging that the Lord had shown great mercy to her. It was a mercy to have her disgrace removed and her family built up, especially as it was a priestly family, dedicated to serving God. Many factors made this mercy remarkable—her long-term barrenness, her old age, and most of all, the greatness of the child in God’s sight.
They also showed a kind regard for Elizabeth. When she rejoiced, they rejoiced with her. We should share in the blessings of our neighbors and friends and thank God for their joys as for our own.
On the eighth day, as God commanded, they came together to circumcise the child (Luke 1:59). Circumcision was first instituted in Hebron, and Isaac, also born by promise, was one of the first to receive it. Those who rejoiced at the child’s birth now came for his circumcision. The greatest joy we can have in our children is in dedicating them to God and affirming their covenant relationship with Him. The baptism of our children should bring us even more joy than their birth.
It was customary to name the child at the time of circumcision, following the example of Abram being renamed Abraham when he was circumcised. Children were left unnamed until they were formally dedicated to God.
Some suggested the child be named after his father, Zechariah. Although no scripture records children being named after their fathers, this may have become common practice among the Jews, possibly to honor the father, especially when no more children were expected.
Elizabeth objected and insisted he be called John, having either received the name by divine inspiration or through written instruction from her husband (Luke 1:60). The name John (Johanan) means “gracious,” pointing to his role in introducing the gospel of Christ, where God’s grace shines brightly.
The relatives protested (Luke 1:61): “None of your relatives has that name; if not Zechariah, at least let him be named after someone in the family,” hoping to honor a kinsman.
They turned to the father to settle the matter (Luke 1:62). They made signs to him, indicating he was not only mute but also deaf. Otherwise, they would have asked him earlier to write down his wishes. They explained the situation, and he signaled for a writing tablet. With a stylus, he wrote: “His name is John” (Luke 1:63)—not “He shall be called,” or “I want him to be called,” but “His name is.” The decision had already been made by the angel.
When Zechariah couldn’t speak, he wrote. When ministers are silenced from preaching, they can still do good through writing. Many imprisoned martyrs wrote letters that encouraged others, as did Paul. Zechariah agreeing with Elizabeth surprised everyone. They were amazed that, despite their inability to speak to each other, both were led by the same Spirit—or perhaps they were surprised at how clearly he wrote, given the nature of his affliction.
Immediately, Zechariah regained his speech (Luke 1:64). The angel had said he would be mute until the fulfillment of these events (Luke 1:20)—referring specifically to John’s birth and naming (Luke 1:13). Now that this had happened, God restored his speech, just as He did for Ezekiel (Ezekiel 3:27). Dr. Lightfoot compares this to Moses’ case (Exodus 4:24–26): for doubting, Moses nearly lost his life, and Zechariah was struck mute; but upon the circumcision of their sons and the renewal of their faith, the danger passed.
Unbelief silenced him; belief restored his voice. He believed, so he spoke. David was burdened with guilt until a few days after his child’s birth, when the Lord forgave him. Similarly, Zechariah was no longer mute; he spoke and praised God. When God opens our lips, we must use our mouths to praise Him. Speech is useless if not employed for God’s glory.
News of these events spread throughout the region, and everyone who heard about them was amazed (Luke 1:65-66). The people’s reaction matters and should be noted. These things were talked about throughout the hill country of Judea. It’s unfortunate no written account was made and published at the time.
Most who heard were filled with awe: “Fear came on all who lived around them.” Without the hope the gospel brings, news of it may cause fear. They believed and trembled, when they should have believed and rejoiced.
The events stirred people’s expectations about the child and made them watch closely to see what he would become. They remembered these signs and kept them in their hearts, sensing they would matter later. What we hear that may benefit us should be stored up, so we can recall it for others’ benefit or when it is fulfilled, recognize it as something we were prepared for.
They said among themselves, “What kind of child will this be?” If these are the early signs, what greatness lies ahead? When children are born, their future is unknown. But sometimes, as with Moses, Samson, Samuel, and now John, early signs point to something extraordinary. Likely, some who were alive when John began his ministry remembered these things and shared them with others, which helped draw people to him.
Finally, it is said, “The hand of the Lord was with him”—meaning God’s special protection was on him from birth, marking him for something important. It was clear the Spirit was working in him early on. As soon as he began to speak or walk, he showed remarkable qualities. God has ways of working in infants that we can’t explain. He never made a soul He could not sanctify.