Elizabeth

The wife of Zechariah the priest and mother of John the Baptist. Elizabeth is reported only in the infant narratives in the the Gospel of Luke (10× in 9vv). She is of weightier substance than most readers realize from the little about her that the narratives say on the surface. Almost always considered as an appendage of her husband—as even a quick perusal of Bible dictionaries will show, she is seldom thought of on her own merits as a person. She was "a descendant of Aaron" which, in ancient Israel, would immediately count for something, though for most of her adult life she would have lived under the shadaow of social approval as a result of her barrenness. But, where it counted most, she was—together with her husband—"righteous in the sight of God, walking blamelessly in all the commandments and requirements of the Lord" (Lk 1:5-6). Though she reclused herself once she became pregnant with John, she showed herself a tower of strength and god-inspired encouragement for Mary who showed up at her door, a much youner woman—pregnant though not wedded—in need of such understanding in a society that would have gladly ostracized her or worse. When her own son was born she insisted that he be named John, despite the objections of others, until her numb-struck husband finally affirmed her decision and his tongue was loosed. She exits the pages of Scripture as quietly as she came onto its stage.

CONCORDANCE (NIV)

Lk 1:5 (NIV) — In the time of Herod king of Judea there was a priest named Zechariah, who belonged to the priestly division of Abijah; his wife Elizabeth was also a descendant of Aaron.

Lk 1:7 (NIV) — But they were childless because Elizabeth was not able to conceive, and they were both very old.

Lk 1:13 (NIV) — But the angel said to him: "Do not be afraid, Zechariah; your prayer has been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you are to call him John.

Lk 1:24 (NIV) — After this his wife Elizabeth became pregnant and for five months remained in seclusion.

Lk 1:36 (NIV) — Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be unable to conceive is in her sixth month.

Lk 1:39-42 (NIV) — [At that time Mary got ready and hurried to a town in the hill country of Judea,] where she entered Zechariah's home and greeted Elizabeth. When Elizabeth heard Mary's greeting, the baby leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. In a loud voice she exclaimed: "Blessed are you among . . .

Lk 1:56-57 (NIV) — Mary stayed with Elizabeth for about three months and then returned home. When it was time for Elizabeth to have her baby, she gave birth to a son.