Now Elisabeth's full time came that she should be delivered; and she brought forth a son.
Luke 1:13 But the angel said unto him, Fear not, Zacharias: for thy prayer is heard; and thy wife Elisabeth shall bear thee a son, and thou shalt call his name John.
Luke 2:6,7 And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered…
Genesis 21:2,3 For Sarah conceived, and bare Abraham a son in his old age, at the set time of which God had spoken to him…
she gave birth to a son
The birth of a son to Elizabeth is significant for several reasons. In the cultural context of the time, the birth of a son was particularly important, as sons were seen as carriers of the family lineage and inheritance. This son, John, would grow to become John the Baptist, a pivotal figure in the New Testament who would herald the coming of the Messiah. The birth of John fulfills the prophecy given to Zechariah by the angel Gabriel, and it sets the stage for the ministry of Jesus. John's role as the forerunner to Christ is prophesied in the Old Testament, particularly in Isaiah 40:3 and Malachi 3:1, highlighting the interconnectedness of Scripture and God's unfolding plan of salvation.
“When the time came…” (Luke 1:57)
• God’s calendar is precise. Just as He appointed Sarah’s delivery at “the very time God had promised” (Genesis 21:2), He orchestrated Elizabeth’s moment.
• The phrase echoes the larger biblical theme of divine timing—“when the fullness of time had come, God sent His Son” (Galatians 4:4).
• In the months since Gabriel’s visit, nothing had slipped off schedule. Every day of Elizabeth’s pregnancy unfolded under God’s watchful care, confirming His sovereignty over history and biology.
“…for Elizabeth to have her child…”
• This line spotlights the personal fulfillment of Gabriel’s earlier word: “Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son” (Luke 1:13).
• Elizabeth’s barrenness had been lifelong (Luke 1:7), yet the Lord “remembers” (Luke 1:24-25) and reverses her reproach, just as He “settles the childless woman in her home as a happy mother of children” (Psalm 113:9).
• The emphasis on her name—Elizabeth—underscores God’s intimate involvement with individuals, not merely events.
“…she gave birth to a son.”
• The simple statement announces a miracle wrapped in everyday language. A healthy baby boy arrives exactly as promised, confirming that “not one word” of God’s promise fails (Joshua 21:45).
• The child’s gender matters: the covenant tradition of sons (Genesis 17:19) and prophecy of a male forerunner (Malachi 3:1; Isaiah 40:3) link directly to John’s role: “to make ready a people prepared for the Lord” (Luke 1:17).
• Birth narratives in Scripture often signal new chapters in redemption history—Moses (Exodus 2:1-10), Samuel (1 Samuel 1:20), and now John, whose arrival bridges old covenant expectation and new covenant fulfillment.
Luke 1:57 records more than a happy family moment; it showcases God’s flawless timing, His faithfulness to individual promises, and His unfolding redemption plan. Elizabeth’s long-awaited son arrives exactly when and how God said he would, underscoring that every promise in Scripture stands firm and literal—still trustworthy for us today.
Verses 57-80. - John, afterwards called the Baptist, the son of Zacharias and Elisabeth, is born. The Benedictus.