Luke 2:9

“And lo, the angel of the Lord, etc.] It may be Gabriel, who had brought the tidings of the conception of the Messiah to the virgin, and now the birth of him to the shepherds: came upon them; on a sudden, unexpectedly, at once, and stood by them, as some versions read; or rather, stood over them, over their heads, just above them; so that he was easily and perfectly seen by them; and the glory of the Lord shone round about them; or a very glorious and extraordinary light shone with surprising lustre and brightness all around them; by which light, they could discern the illustrious form of the angel that was over them: and they were sore afraid; at the sight of such a personage, and at such…”

“glory of the Lord--"the brightness or glory which is represented as encompassing all heavenly visions" [OLSHAUSEN]. sore afraid--So it ever was (Dan 10:7-8; Luk 1:12; Rev 1:17). Men have never felt easy with the invisible world laid suddenly open to their gaze. It was never meant to be permanent; a momentary purpose was all it was intended to serve.”

“The glory of the Lord - This is the same as a “great” glory - that is, a splendid appearance or “light.” The word “glory” is often the same as light, 1 Corinthians 15:41; Luke 9:31; Acts 22:11. The words “Lord” and “God” are often used to denote “greatness” or “intensity.” Thus, “trees of God” mean great trees; “hills of God,” high or lofty hills, etc. So “the glory of the Lord” here means an exceedingly great or bright luminous appearance perhaps not unlike what Paul saw on the way to Damascus. return to 'Top of Page'”

“2:9-10 terrified: As with Zechariah and Mary, the angelic presence was glorious and frightening. The angel told the shepherds, “Don’t be afraid” (cp. 1:11-13, 28-30). • I bring you good news: This verb (Greek euangelizō, “I evangelize”) is from the same root as the word for “Good News” (Greek euangelion, sometimes translated gospel; e.g., Gal 2:5, 7, 14). Isaiah’s prophecies describe God’s salvation as good news (see, e.g., Isa 52:7; 61:1). • to all people (literally to all the people): In Luke’s writings, “the people” (grammatical singular) always refers to the people of Israel. The shepherds were being told that Israel’s salvation had arrived. It would ultimately go to all nations.”

“lo: Luk 1:11, Luk 1:28; Jdg 6:11, Jdg 6:12; Mat 1:20; Act 27:23; Ti1 3:16 and the: Exo 16:7, Exo 16:10, Exo 40:34, Exo 40:35; Kg1 8:11; Isa 6:3, Isa 35:2, Isa 40:5, Isa 60:1; Eze 3:23; Joh 12:41; Co2 3:18, Co2 4:6; Rev 18:1 and they: Luk 1:12; Isa 6:4, Isa 6:5; Act 22:6-9, Act 26:13, Act 26:14; Heb 12:21; Rev 20:11 Luke 2:10”