Topical Bible: Joy of Elisabeth, when Mary Visited Her

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Topical Encyclopedia

The joy of Elisabeth upon Mary's visit is a profound moment recorded in the Gospel of Luke, illustrating the deep spiritual connection and divine orchestration surrounding the births of John the Baptist and Jesus Christ. This event is a testament to the fulfillment of God's promises and the recognition of His work through the Holy Spirit.

Biblical Account

The narrative is found in Luke 1:39-45. After the angel Gabriel announced to Mary that she would conceive Jesus, the Son of God, Mary hurried to the hill country of Judea to visit her relative Elisabeth, who was also miraculously pregnant in her old age with John the Baptist. Upon Mary's arrival and greeting, Elisabeth experienced a remarkable reaction: "When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the baby leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit" (Luke 1:41).

Spiritual Significance

Elisabeth's joy is not merely a personal emotion but a spiritual revelation. The leaping of the unborn John in her womb signifies his recognition of the presence of the Messiah, even before birth. This moment underscores the prophetic role John would play in preparing the way for Jesus. Elisabeth, filled with the Holy Spirit, exclaims with a loud voice, "Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb!" (Luke 1:42). Her proclamation acknowledges Mary's unique role in God's redemptive plan and the blessedness of the child she carries.

Theological Implications

Elisabeth's joy and prophetic utterance highlight several key theological themes:

1. Divine Revelation and Recognition: The Holy Spirit's filling of Elisabeth enables her to recognize the significance of Mary's pregnancy. This divine revelation is a testament to the work of the Holy Spirit in revealing God's truth and purposes.

2. Fulfillment of Prophecy: The encounter between Mary and Elisabeth fulfills the angelic prophecy given to both women. It affirms God's faithfulness in bringing His promises to fruition, as foretold by the prophets.

3. Joy in Salvation History: Elisabeth's joy is emblematic of the joy that permeates the narrative of salvation history. It reflects the joy of the coming Messiah, who brings salvation and hope to the world.

4. Community and Support: The meeting of Mary and Elisabeth also illustrates the importance of community and mutual support among believers. Both women, chosen for extraordinary roles, find encouragement and affirmation in each other's experiences.

Cultural and Historical Context

In the cultural context of first-century Judea, the meeting of these two women carries additional significance. Both Mary and Elisabeth are part of God's unfolding plan in a patriarchal society where women's roles were often limited. Their experiences and the divine favor shown to them elevate their status and highlight God's inclusive work in salvation history.

Conclusion

The joy of Elisabeth when Mary visited her is a moment rich with spiritual and theological meaning. It is a celebration of God's faithfulness, the work of the Holy Spirit, and the unfolding of His redemptive plan through the lives of two humble women. This encounter continues to inspire believers with its message of joy, hope, and divine purpose.

Nave's Topical Index

Luke 1:5-44
THERE was in the days of Herod, the king of Judaea, a certain priest named Zacharias, of the course of Abia: and his wife was of the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elisabeth.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

C. The "Magnificat. " Ch. 1:39-56
... the voice of thy salutation came into mine ears, the babe leaped in my womb for
joy.45 And ... Elisabeth on hearing the salutation of Mary addressed her ...
/.../erdman/the gospel of luke an exposition/c the magnificat ch 1 39-56.htm

The Second Homily. On the Annunciation to the Holy virgin Mary.
... "And it came to pass, that, when Elisabeth heard the salutation of Mary, the babe
leapt with joy in her womb; and Elisabeth was filled with the Holy ...
/.../the second homily on the.htm

A Statement of the Manner in which Luke's Procedure is Proved to ...
... Now [733] Elisabeth's full time came that she should be ... of David, to be taxed [741]
with Mary his espoused ... I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall ...
/.../augustine/the harmony of the gospels/chapter v a statement of the.htm

The Gospel According to St. Luke
... on the way of the cross (xxiii.28), of the double joy of Elisabeth {70} to ... two sons
of Zebedee, and the indignation of the disciples at Mary's costly gift ...
/.../pullan/the books of the new testament/chapter v the gospel according.htm

His Schools and Schoolmasters.
... It was Elisabeth also who recognised in Mary the mother ... trellised vine, in the soft
light of the fading sunset, and talk of Zion, their chief joy. ...
/.../meyer/john the baptist/iii his schools and schoolmasters.htm

C. The Third Period. Chs. 6:12 to 8:56
... Rejoice in that day, and leap for joy: for behold ... is arisen among us: and, God hath
visited his people ... tender incidents in the lives of Elisabeth, Mary, and Anna ...
/.../erdman/the gospel of luke an exposition/c the third period chs.htm

The Voice in the Wilderness
... for thy prayer is heard; and thy wife Elisabeth shall bear ... And thou shalt have joy
and gladness; and many shall ... the child of Abraham, and that of Mary, was to ...
//christianbookshelf.org/white/the desire of ages/chapter 10 the voice in.htm

part i
... and cherish you as a mother cherishes her child, and I ... the other: into a state of
peace, joy, expansion of ... the intercession of Our Lady, the Holy Virgin Mary. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/calvin/my life in christ/part i.htm