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Mother of John the Baptist, she and hr husband Zacharias were descendants of Aaron, the first high priest. They were in old age and Elizabeth was barren.
Historical Notes
- The name Elizabeth in Hebrew means (God's oath)
- Elizabeth was the mother of John the Baptist, the forerunner and messenger of the Messiah.
- Zacharias and his wife Elizabeth were both descendants of Aaron the first high priest of ancient Israel. This was a double honor for a family born into the priesthood.
- Elizabeth was barren and this was a shame in the land of Israel, especially for the wife of a priest. The rabbis believed that a priest with a barren wife was a reproach and their religious duty was to separate.
- They were both "righteous before God." (Luke 1:5, Luke 1:13)
- Zacharias had long been praying for a son and his prayer was being answered. John (Yochanan) means "The Lord is Gracious."
Related Topics: John the Baptist, Zacharias
Picture Study Bible - Matthew 2:1
