The birth of John can't have been easy for Elizabeth, for she was older than a new mother usually was. She had (Luke 1:24) remained in seclusion for much of the pregnancy. We aren't told why, but we can speculate. She may have wanted to avoid speculation. She might have felt unwell. She might have wanted to sit and ponder this amazing thing that was happening. Her comment indicates that she had felt judged negatively by her friends, family and neighbors for the fact that she hadn't had a child. Now she is vindicated, but until the child comes, she must have felt vulnerable. Then John arrives. Neighbors and relatives attribute it to God and they rejoice.
The eighth day was the day of circumcision. "They" (rabbi, friends, relatives?) were going to name the child Zechariah after his father. But Elizabeth said to call him John. Remember that Zechariah has been mute since his time in the temple. Had he communicated with Elizabeth that the child should be called John? Or did she also come up with the name and now it was Zechariah's opportunity to confirm it? We don't know, but the folks who'd gathered for the circumcision thought it strange because none of their relatives was called John. So they motioned to Zechariah to find out what he wanted. He wrote down that the child's name would be John and at that point his voice was released and he praised God.
Fear came over the neighbors at this event and it became an object of much discussion. Everyone who heard the story wondered what this child would become.
Are all children signs of God's mercy and love? Prayers for all who are not treated as such.
The reaction of Zechariah had been fearful in the temple and the events of John's birth caused fear among the neighbors.
What kind of fear was it?
How are awe and fear similar?
How would modern people react in similar circumstances?
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