39 At that time Mary got ready and hurried to a town in the hill country of Judea,
39 And Mary arose in those days, and went into the hill country with haste, into a city of Juda;
39 In those days Mary arose and went with haste into the hill country, to a town in Judah,
39 Mary didn't waste a minute. She got up and traveled to a town in Judah in the hill country,
39 Now Mary arose in those days and went into the hill country with haste, to a city of Judah,
39 A few days later Mary hurried to the hill country of Judea, to the town
65 All the neighbors were filled with awe, and throughout the hill country of Judea people were talking about all these things.
65 And fear came on all that dwelt round about them: and all these sayings
65 And fear came on all their neighbors. And all these things were talked about through all the hill country of Judea,
65 A deep, reverential fear settled over the neighborhood, and in all that Judean hill country people talked about nothing else.
65 Then fear came on all who dwelt around them; and all these sayings were discussed throughout all the hill country of Judea.
65 Awe fell upon the whole neighborhood, and the news of what had happened spread throughout the Judean hills.
(Read Luke 1:57-66)
In these verses we have an account of the birth of John the Baptist, and the great joy among all the relations of the family. He shall be called Johanan, or "Gracious," because he shall bring in the gospel of Christ, wherein God's grace shines most bright. Zacharias recovered his speech. Unbelief closed his mouth, and believing opened it again: he believers, therefore he speaks. When God opens our lips, our mouths must show forth his praise; and better be without speech, than not use it in praising God. It is said, The hand of the Lord was working with John. God has ways of working on children in their infancy, which we cannot account for. We should observe the dealings of God, and wait the event.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Luke 1:39
Commentary on Luke 1:39-56
(Read Luke 1:39-56)
It is very good for those who have the work of grace begun in their souls, to communicate one to another. On Mary's arrival, Elisabeth was conscious of the approach of her who was to be the mother of the great Redeemer. At the same time she was filled with the Holy Ghost, and under his influence declared that Mary and her expected child were most blessed and happy, as peculiarly honoured of and dear to the Most High God. Mary, animated by Elisabeth's address, and being also under the influence of the Holy Ghost, broke out into joy, admiration, and gratitude. She knew herself to be a sinner who needed a Saviour, and that she could no otherwise rejoice in God than as interested in his salvation through the promised Messiah. Those who see their need of Christ, and are desirous of righteousness and life in him, he fills with good things, with the best things; and they are abundantly satisfied with the blessings he gives. He will satisfy the desires of the poor in spirit who long for spiritual blessings, while the self-sufficient shall be sent empty away.