57 But the time was fulfilled for Elizabeth that she should bring forth, and she gave birth to a son. 58 And her neighbours and kinsfolk heard that [the] Lord had magnified his mercy with her, and they rejoiced with her. 59 And it came to pass on the eighth day they came to circumcise the child, and they called it after the name of his father, Zacharias. 60 And his mother answering said, No; but he shall be called John. 61 And they said to her, There is no one among thy kinsfolk who is called by this name. 62 And they made signs to his father as to what he might wish it to be called. 63 And having asked for a writing-table, he wrote saying, John is his name. And they all wondered. 64 And his mouth was opened immediately, and his tongue, and he spake, blessing God. 65 And fear came upon all who dwelt round about them; and in the whole hill-country of Judaea all these things were the subject of conversation. 66 And all who heard them laid them up in their heart, saying, What then will this child be? And [the] Lord's hand was with him.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Luke 1:57-66
Commentary on Luke 1:57-66
(Read Luke 1:57-66)
In these verses we have an account of the birth of John the Baptist, and the great joy among all the relations of the family. He shall be called Johanan, or "Gracious," because he shall bring in the gospel of Christ, wherein God's grace shines most bright. Zacharias recovered his speech. Unbelief closed his mouth, and believing opened it again: he believers, therefore he speaks. When God opens our lips, our mouths must show forth his praise; and better be without speech, than not use it in praising God. It is said, The hand of the Lord was working with John. God has ways of working on children in their infancy, which we cannot account for. We should observe the dealings of God, and wait the event.