Study Desk

So they went out quickly [fn] and fled from the tomb, for they trembled and were amazed. And they said nothing to anyone, for they were afraid.

But the angel said to him, "Do not be afraid, Zacharias, for your prayer is heard; and your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you shall call his name John.

For he will be great in the sight of the Lord, and shall drink neither wine nor strong drink. He will also be filled with the Holy Spirit, even from his mother's womb.

He will also go before Him in the spirit and power of Elijah, 'to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children,' Malachi 4:5, 6">[fn] and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just, to make ready a people prepared for the Lord."

And Zacharias said to the angel, "How shall I know this? For I am an old man, and my wife is well advanced in years."

And the people waited for Zacharias, and marveled that he lingered so long in the temple.

But when he came out, he could not speak to them; and they perceived that he had seen a vision in the temple, for he beckoned to them and remained speechless.

Then the angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God.

Now indeed, Elizabeth your relative has also conceived a son in her old age; and this is now the sixth month for her who was called barren.

For with God nothing will be impossible."

For indeed, as soon as the voice of your greeting sounded in my ears, the babe leaped in my womb for joy.

Blessed is she who believed, for there will be a fulfillment of those things which were told her from the Lord."

For He has regarded the lowly state of His maidservant; For behold, henceforth all generations will call me blessed.

For He who is mighty has done great things for me, And holy is His name.

Now Elizabeth's full time came for her to be delivered, and she brought forth a son.

And he asked for a writing tablet, and wrote, saying, "His name is John." So they all marveled.

"Blessed is the Lord God of Israel, For He has visited and redeemed His people,

And has raised up a horn of salvation for us In the house of His servant David,

"And you, child, will be called the prophet of the Highest; For you will go before the face of the Lord to prepare His ways,

So it was, that while they were there, the days were completed for her to be delivered.