Luke 1:80

“And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, etc.] That is, John, the son of Zacharias and Elisabeth, grew in stature of body, and increased in wisdom and knowledge, and fortitude in his soul: and was in the deserts; or “desert”, as the Syriac, Persic, and Ethiopic versions read; not in the wilderness of Judea, where he came preaching, but either of Ziph or Maon, which were near to Hebron; (see <092314>1 Samuel 23:14,24,25, <061554>Joshua 15:54,55) he was not brought up in the schools of the prophets, nor in the academies of the Jews, or at the feet of any of their Rabbins and doctors; that it might appear he was not taught and sent of men, but of God: nor did he dwell in any of the…”

“And the child, &c.--"a concluding paragraph, indicating, in strokes full of grandeur, the bodily and mental development of the Baptist; and bringing his life up to the period of his public appearance" [OLSHAUSEN]. in the deserts--probably "the wilderness of Judea" (Mat 3:1), whither he had retired early in life, in the Nazarite spirit, and where, free from rabbinical influences and alone with God, his spirit would be educated, like Moses in the desert, for his future high vocation. his showing unto Israel--the presentation of himself before his nation, as Messiah's forerunner. Next: Luke Chapter 2”

“Waxed strong in spirit - That is, in courage, understanding, and purposes of good, fitting him for his future work. The word “wax” means to “increase, to grow,” from an old Saxon word. In the deserts - In Hebron, and in the hill country where his father resided. He dwelt in obscurity, and was not known publicly by the people. Until the day of his showing - Until he entered on his public ministry, as recorded in Matthew 3:0 - that is, probably, until he was about 30 years of age. See Luke 3:0. return to 'Top of Page' Footnotes: Copyright Statement These files are public domain. Bibliographical Information Barnes, Albert. "Commentary on Luke 1". "Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible".…”

“1:80 John grew up and became strong in spirit: Cp. 2:40, 52; 1 Sam 2:21, 26; 3:19. • John probably lived in the wilderness west of the Jordan River and southeast of Jerusalem. It was a place of testing (Deut 8:2; Pss 78, 95, 107) as well as spiritual retreat and preparation (Exod 3; 1 Kgs 19:4-6, 11-18; Isa 40:3).”

“the child: Luk 1:15, Luk 2:40, Luk 2:52; Jdg 13:24, Jdg 13:25; Sa1 3:19, Sa1 3:20 and was: Mat 3:1, Mat 11:7; Mar 1:3, Mar 1:4 his: Joh 1:31 Next: Luke Chapter 2”