Topical Encyclopedia Elizabeth is a significant figure in the New Testament, known for her role as the mother of John the Baptist and her connection to Mary, the mother of Jesus. Her account is primarily found in the Gospel of Luke.Lineage and Background Elizabeth was a descendant of Aaron, the brother of Moses, which placed her in the priestly line of Israel (Luke 1:5). She was married to Zechariah, a priest of the division of Abijah. Both Elizabeth and Zechariah were described as "righteous before God, walking blamelessly in all the commandments and decrees of the Lord" (Luke 1:6). Despite their faithfulness, Elizabeth was barren, and both were advanced in years, which was a source of personal sorrow and social reproach. Divine Intervention and Pregnancy The narrative of Elizabeth takes a miraculous turn when the angel Gabriel appears to Zechariah while he is serving in the temple. Gabriel announces that Elizabeth will bear a son, who is to be named John. This child would be filled with the Holy Spirit from the womb and would prepare the way for the Lord (Luke 1:13-17). Zechariah's initial disbelief results in him being rendered mute until the prophecy's fulfillment. Elizabeth's conception is a testament to God's power and faithfulness, as she acknowledges, "The Lord has done this for me. In these days He has shown me favor and taken away my disgrace among the people" (Luke 1:25). Encounter with Mary Elizabeth's account is further enriched by her encounter with Mary, the mother of Jesus. When Mary visits Elizabeth, the baby in Elizabeth's womb leaps for joy, and Elizabeth is filled with the Holy Spirit. She exclaims with a loud voice, "Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb! And why am I so honored, that the mother of my Lord should come to me?" (Luke 1:42-43). This encounter highlights Elizabeth's recognition of the divine nature of Mary's child and her own role in God's redemptive plan. Birth of John the Baptist Elizabeth gives birth to John, and on the eighth day, during the circumcision ceremony, she insists on naming him John, in accordance with the angel's message. This decision is confirmed by Zechariah, who writes, "His name is John" (Luke 1:63). Immediately, Zechariah's speech is restored, and he praises God, further affirming the divine orchestration of these events. Legacy Elizabeth's life is a profound example of faith and obedience. Her account underscores themes of divine intervention, the fulfillment of God's promises, and the preparation for the coming of the Messiah. Elizabeth's role as the mother of John the Baptist places her at a pivotal point in salvation history, bridging the Old and New Testaments and heralding the arrival of Jesus Christ. Library Jesus is Born in Bethlehem Wesley and Mary Queen of Scots Knox and Queen Mary, 1561 The visitation Pastor in Parish (ii. ). Table of Figures The Dutiful Daughter. The Census and the Journey of the Holy Family His Childhood and Youth. Questions on the Explanations Thesaurus Elizabeth's (1 Occurrence)... Multi-Version Concordance Elizabeth's (1 Occurrence). Luke 1:57 Now when Elizabeth's full time was come, she gave birth to a son; (WEY). ... /e/elizabeth's.htm - 6k Elizaphan (4 Occurrences) Elizabeth (9 Occurrences) Almost (27 Occurrences) Resources Who was Elizabeth in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the story of Zechariah and Elizabeth? | GotQuestions.org Who was John Foxe? What is Foxe's Book of Martyrs? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Elizabeth's (1 Occurrence)Luke 1:57 Subtopics Related Terms |
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