Attributed commentary excerpt
John Gill's Exposition on Luke 1:19
A historical reference excerpt for this verse. Read it alongside the biblical text and other available sources.
Exposition of the Old and New Testament
John Gill (1697–1771) · 18th-century historical commentary
Source: BibleWord.ai's local reference edition of this named work.
And the angel answering, said unto him, I am Gabriel, etc.] The name of an angel well known to Zacharias from Daniel's prophecies, (<270816>Daniel 8:16; 9:21) and is the first time we read of the name of an angel: the Jews say f49, the names of angels came out of Babylon, by the means of the Israelites; and it was there that Daniel became acquainted with this name of Gabriel, and also of Michael. Frequent mention is made of Gabriel in the Jewish writings f50: were there a particular angel appointed over conception, as the Jews say f51 there is, one would be ready to think it should be Gabriel, since he was sent to declare the conception and birth both of John the Baptist, and of our Lord Jesus Christ: the name of that angel the Jews indeed say f52 is Lilah; but yet the Cabalistic doctors f53 affirm, that that angel is under Gabriel. In what language this angel spoke to Zacharias, and afterwards to Mary, may be a needless inquiry; but since the Syriac language was generally spoken, and understood by the Jews at this time, it is highly reasonable that he spoke to them in that. The Jews have a notion, that none of the ministering angels understand the Syriac language, excepting Gabriel; and he, they say, understood seventy languages f54. Now the angel, by making mention of his name, puts Zacharias in mind of the prophecy of Daniel concerning the coming of the Messiah, which he had from him; and whereas his name signified, “a man of God”, or “the power”, or “strength of God”, or “God is my strength”, he suggests unto him, that he ought not to have distrusted his Words, since with God all things are possible: he adds, that stand in the presence of God; beholding his face, hearkening to his voice, and ministering to him, and so had this affair immediately from him: and therefore he had no reason to doubt of the accomplishment of it. Gabriel, according to the Jews, is one of the four angels that surround the throne of God: their names are Michael, Uriel, Raphael, and Gabriel f55. “Michael they place at his right hand, and Uriel at his left hand, and Gabriel, wynplm, before him, (in his presence, as he here says of himself,) over against the kingdom of Judah, and Moses and Aaron, who were in the east (of the camp of Israel); and why is his name called Gabriel? of Judah it is written, (<130502>1 Chronicles 5:2) “for Judah”, rbg, “prevailed above his brethren”; and of Moses it is written, (<030101>Leviticus 1:1) “and God called unto Moses”; and it is written, (<230906>Isaiah 9:6) “and shall call his name Wonderful, Counselor, rwbg la the mighty God, lo! Gabriel”.” And am sent to speak unto thee, and to show unto thee these glad tidings: wherefore, on account of his name, his office, and his mission, especially the subject of it being welcome news, good tidings, what he said ought to have obtained credit with him. Gabriel was one of the ministering spirits sent to minister to them that were heirs of salvation; his messages were messages of mercy, grace and love; he was not a minister of the wrath and vengeance of God, but of his favour. Agreeably to this the Jews say of him, that his name Gabriel is, by “gematry”, or numerically, the same with µjr “merciful” f56: he is called, in the Talmud f57, tynwqsp jwr “the decisive spirit”, and is said to have three names, Piskon, Itmon, and Sigron. He is called Piskon, because he decides, or determines judgment against them that are above; and Itmon, because he stops up the sins of the Israelites; and Si…
This public page shows a contextual excerpt from the locally available source text.
How to use this source
This excerpt is attributed to its named commentary. It is included as a historical study resource and should be evaluated in light of Scripture and other relevant evidence.
