Luke 1:25

“Thus hath the Lord dealt with me, etc.] In a very gracious and bountiful manner; in giving her strength to conceive a son in her old age, and such an one that was to be great, and so useful in his day; of which her husband had doubtless informed her by writing, though he could not speak: in the days wherein he looked on me; with a favourable eye, with a look of love and mercy: he took away my reproach from among men; as barrenness was accounted, especially among the Israelites, the seed of Abraham; to whom was promised a numerous issue, as the stars in the sky, and as the sand on the sea shore, and particularly the Messiah; (see <013023>Genesis 30:23, <230401>Isaiah 4:1).”

“Thus - In this merciful manner. To take away my reproach - Among the Jews, a family of children was counted a signal blessing, an evidence of the favor of God, Psalms 113:9; Psalms 128:3; Isaiah 4:1; Isaiah 44:3-4; Leviticus 26:9. To be “barren,” therefore, or to be destitute of children, was considered a “reproach” or a “disgrace,” 1 Samuel 1:6. return to 'Top of Page'”

“He looked upon me to take away my reproach - Barrenness was a great reproach among the Jews. Because fruitfulness was promised to the righteous. Luke 1:26”

“hath: Luk 1:13; Gen 21:1, Gen 21:2, Gen 25:21, Gen 30:22; Sa1 1:19, Sa1 1:20, Sa1 2:21, Sa1 2:22; Heb 11:11 to take: Gen 30:23; Sa1 1:6; Isa 4:1, Isa 54:1-4 Luke 1:26”