Thematic Bible
Thematic Bible
Abraham » God's covenant with
And when Abram was ninety-nine years old, the LORD appeared to Abram and said unto him, I am the Almighty God; walk before me and be thou perfect. And I will make my covenant between me and thee and will multiply thee exceedingly. And Abram fell on his face, and God talked with him, saying, read more.
Behold my covenant with thee: Thou shalt be a father of many Gentiles. Neither shall thy name any longer be called Abram, but thy name shall be Abraham; for a father of many Gentiles have I made thee. And I will multiply thee exceeding, and I will make Gentiles of thee, and kings shall come out of thee. And I will establish my covenant between me and thee and thy seed after thee in their generations for an everlasting covenant, to be a God unto thee and to thy seed after thee. And I will give unto thee and to thy seed after thee, the land in which thou art a stranger, all the land of Canaan, for an everlasting inheritance; and I will be their God. And God said again unto Abraham, Thou shalt keep my covenant therefore, thou and thy seed after thee in their generations. This shall be my covenant, which ye shall keep between me and you and thy seed after thee: Every male among you shall be circumcised. And ye shall circumcise the flesh of your foreskin, and it shall be a token of the covenant between me and you. And he that is eight days old shall be circumcised among you, every male in your generations, he that is born in the house or bought with money of any stranger, who is not of thy seed. He that is born in thy house and he that is bought with thy money must needs be circumcised; and my covenant shall be in your flesh for an everlasting covenant. And the uncircumcised male whose flesh of his foreskin is not circumcised, that person shall be cut off from his people; he has annulled my covenant. And God said unto Abraham, As for Sarai thy wife, thou shalt not call her name Sarai, but Sarah shall her name be. And I will bless her and give thee a son also of her; yea, I will bless her, and she shall be a mother of Gentiles; kings of peoples shall be of her. Then Abraham fell upon his face and laughed and said in his heart, Shall a child be born unto him who is one hundred years old? and shall Sarah, who is ninety years old, bear? And Abraham said unto God, O that Ishmael might live before thee! And God said, Sarah thy wife shall bear thee a son indeed, and thou shalt call his name Isaac (laughter); and I will confirm my covenant with him for an everlasting covenant and with his seed after him. And as for Ishmael, I have heard thee: Behold, I shall bless him and will make him fruitful and will multiply him exceedingly; he shall beget twelve princes, and I will make him a great nation. But I will establish my covenant with Isaac, whom Sarah shall bear unto thee at this set time in the next year. And he left off talking with him, and God went up from Abraham.
Behold my covenant with thee: Thou shalt be a father of many Gentiles. Neither shall thy name any longer be called Abram, but thy name shall be Abraham; for a father of many Gentiles have I made thee. And I will multiply thee exceeding, and I will make Gentiles of thee, and kings shall come out of thee. And I will establish my covenant between me and thee and thy seed after thee in their generations for an everlasting covenant, to be a God unto thee and to thy seed after thee. And I will give unto thee and to thy seed after thee, the land in which thou art a stranger, all the land of Canaan, for an everlasting inheritance; and I will be their God. And God said again unto Abraham, Thou shalt keep my covenant therefore, thou and thy seed after thee in their generations. This shall be my covenant, which ye shall keep between me and you and thy seed after thee: Every male among you shall be circumcised. And ye shall circumcise the flesh of your foreskin, and it shall be a token of the covenant between me and you. And he that is eight days old shall be circumcised among you, every male in your generations, he that is born in the house or bought with money of any stranger, who is not of thy seed. He that is born in thy house and he that is bought with thy money must needs be circumcised; and my covenant shall be in your flesh for an everlasting covenant. And the uncircumcised male whose flesh of his foreskin is not circumcised, that person shall be cut off from his people; he has annulled my covenant. And God said unto Abraham, As for Sarai thy wife, thou shalt not call her name Sarai, but Sarah shall her name be. And I will bless her and give thee a son also of her; yea, I will bless her, and she shall be a mother of Gentiles; kings of peoples shall be of her. Then Abraham fell upon his face and laughed and said in his heart, Shall a child be born unto him who is one hundred years old? and shall Sarah, who is ninety years old, bear? And Abraham said unto God, O that Ishmael might live before thee! And God said, Sarah thy wife shall bear thee a son indeed, and thou shalt call his name Isaac (laughter); and I will confirm my covenant with him for an everlasting covenant and with his seed after him. And as for Ishmael, I have heard thee: Behold, I shall bless him and will make him fruitful and will multiply him exceedingly; he shall beget twelve princes, and I will make him a great nation. But I will establish my covenant with Isaac, whom Sarah shall bear unto thee at this set time in the next year. And he left off talking with him, and God went up from Abraham.
Thou wilt perform the truth to Jacob and the mercy to Abraham, which thou hast sworn unto our fathers from the times of old.
For the promise that he should be the heir of the world was not to Abraham or to his seed through the law, but through the righteousness of faith.
Now I say that Christ Jesus, was a minister of the circumcision, by the truth of God, to confirm the promises made unto the fathers;
For when God promised unto Abraham, because he could swear by no greater, he swore by himself, saying, Surely blessing I will bless thee and multiplying I will multiply thee.
Even as Abraham believed God and it was accounted to him for righteousness. Know ye therefore that those who are of faith, the same are the sons of Abraham. And the scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the Gentiles through faith, evangelized Abraham in advance, saying, In thee shall all the Gentiles be blessed. read more.
So then those who are of faith are blessed with Abraham, the believer. For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse; for it is written, Cursed is every one that continues not in all things which are written in the book of the law to do them. But that no one is justified by the law in the sight of God, it is evident, for The just shall live by faith. And the law is not of faith, but The man that does the commandments shall live by them. Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us, (for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangs on a tree), That the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ, that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith. Brethren, (I speak after the manner of men) Even when a covenant is of man, once it is confirmed, no one cancels it or adds to it. Now to Abraham and his seed were the promises made. He did not say, And to seeds, as of many, but as of one, And to thy seed, which is Christ. And this I say that regarding the covenant, that was confirmed before of God in Christ, the law, which was four hundred and thirty years after, cannot cancel it, that it should make the promise of no effect. For if the inheritance is of the law, it is no longer of promise; but God gave it to Abraham by promise.
So then those who are of faith are blessed with Abraham, the believer. For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse; for it is written, Cursed is every one that continues not in all things which are written in the book of the law to do them. But that no one is justified by the law in the sight of God, it is evident, for The just shall live by faith. And the law is not of faith, but The man that does the commandments shall live by them. Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us, (for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangs on a tree), That the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ, that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith. Brethren, (I speak after the manner of men) Even when a covenant is of man, once it is confirmed, no one cancels it or adds to it. Now to Abraham and his seed were the promises made. He did not say, And to seeds, as of many, but as of one, And to thy seed, which is Christ. And this I say that regarding the covenant, that was confirmed before of God in Christ, the law, which was four hundred and thirty years after, cannot cancel it, that it should make the promise of no effect. For if the inheritance is of the law, it is no longer of promise; but God gave it to Abraham by promise.
And if ye are Christ's, then ye are Abraham's seed and heirs according to the promise.
For it is written that Abraham had two sons, the one by a bondmaid, the other by a freewoman. But he who was of the bondwoman was born according to the flesh, but he of the freewoman was born through the promise. Which things are an allegory; for these women are the two covenants: the one from the Mount Sinai, which begat unto slavery, which is Hagar. read more.
For this Hagar or Sinai is a mount in Arabia, which corresponds to the one that is now Jerusalem, which together with her children is in slavery. But the Jerusalem of above is free, which is the mother of us all. For it is written, Rejoice, thou barren that bearest not; break forth into praise and cry, thou that travailest not: for the desolate has many more children than she who has a husband. So that we, brethren, as Isaac was, are the children of promise. But as then he that was born according to the flesh persecuted him that was born according to the Spirit, even so it is now. Nevertheless what does the scripture say? Cast out the bondwoman and her son, for the son of the bondwoman shall not be heir with the son of the freewoman. So then, brethren, we are not children of the bondwoman, but of the free.
For this Hagar or Sinai is a mount in Arabia, which corresponds to the one that is now Jerusalem, which together with her children is in slavery. But the Jerusalem of above is free, which is the mother of us all. For it is written, Rejoice, thou barren that bearest not; break forth into praise and cry, thou that travailest not: for the desolate has many more children than she who has a husband. So that we, brethren, as Isaac was, are the children of promise. But as then he that was born according to the flesh persecuted him that was born according to the Spirit, even so it is now. Nevertheless what does the scripture say? Cast out the bondwoman and her son, for the son of the bondwoman shall not be heir with the son of the freewoman. So then, brethren, we are not children of the bondwoman, but of the free.
Covenant » Of God with men » Confirmed with an oath
abide in this land, and I will be with thee, and will bless thee; for unto thee, and unto thy seed, I will give all these lands, and I will confirm the oath which I swore unto Abraham thy father;
In which God, desiring to show more abundantly unto the heirs of promise the immutability of his counsel, confirmed it by an oath, that by two immutable things, in which it is impossible for God to lie, we might have a strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us,
and said, By myself I have sworn, said the LORD, for because thou hast done this thing and hast not withheld thy son, thine only son;
And Joseph said unto his brethren, I die; but God will surely visit you and bring you out of this land unto the land which he swore to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob.
which covenant he made with Abraham and his oath unto Isaac
For when God promised unto Abraham, because he could swear by no greater, he swore by himself,
The Covenant » Made with » Abraham
Ye are the sons of the prophets and of the covenant which God made with our fathers, saying unto Abraham, And in thy seed shall all the families of the earth be blessed.
And he said unto him, I am the LORD that brought thee out of Ur of the Chaldees to give thee this land to inherit it. And he said, Lord GOD, whereby shall I know that I shall inherit it? And he said unto him, Take me a heifer three years old and a she goat three years old and a ram three years old and a turtledove and a young pigeon. read more.
And he took unto him all these and divided them in the midst and laid each piece one against another, but he did not divide the birds. And when the fowls came down upon the carcases, Abram drove them away. And when the sun was going down, a deep sleep fell upon Abram; and, behold, a horror of great darkness fell upon him. Then he said unto Abram, Know of a surety that thy seed shall be a stranger in a land that is not theirs and shall serve them, and they shall afflict them four hundred years; and also that nation, whom they shall serve, I will judge; and afterward shall they come out with great riches. And thou shalt go to thy fathers in peace; thou shalt be buried in a good old age. But in the fourth generation they shall come here again; for the iniquity of the Amorites is not yet full. And it came to pass that when the sun went down and it was dark, behold a smoking furnace and a burning lamp that passed between those pieces. In the same day the LORD made a covenant with Abram, saying, Unto thy seed shall I give this land, from the river of Egypt unto the great river, the river Euphrates:
And he took unto him all these and divided them in the midst and laid each piece one against another, but he did not divide the birds. And when the fowls came down upon the carcases, Abram drove them away. And when the sun was going down, a deep sleep fell upon Abram; and, behold, a horror of great darkness fell upon him. Then he said unto Abram, Know of a surety that thy seed shall be a stranger in a land that is not theirs and shall serve them, and they shall afflict them four hundred years; and also that nation, whom they shall serve, I will judge; and afterward shall they come out with great riches. And thou shalt go to thy fathers in peace; thou shalt be buried in a good old age. But in the fourth generation they shall come here again; for the iniquity of the Amorites is not yet full. And it came to pass that when the sun went down and it was dark, behold a smoking furnace and a burning lamp that passed between those pieces. In the same day the LORD made a covenant with Abram, saying, Unto thy seed shall I give this land, from the river of Egypt unto the great river, the river Euphrates:
And I will make my covenant between me and thee and will multiply thee exceedingly. And Abram fell on his face, and God talked with him, saying, Behold my covenant with thee: Thou shalt be a father of many Gentiles. read more.
Neither shall thy name any longer be called Abram, but thy name shall be Abraham; for a father of many Gentiles have I made thee. And I will multiply thee exceeding, and I will make Gentiles of thee, and kings shall come out of thee. And I will establish my covenant between me and thee and thy seed after thee in their generations for an everlasting covenant, to be a God unto thee and to thy seed after thee. And I will give unto thee and to thy seed after thee, the land in which thou art a stranger, all the land of Canaan, for an everlasting inheritance; and I will be their God. And God said again unto Abraham, Thou shalt keep my covenant therefore, thou and thy seed after thee in their generations. This shall be my covenant, which ye shall keep between me and you and thy seed after thee: Every male among you shall be circumcised. And ye shall circumcise the flesh of your foreskin, and it shall be a token of the covenant between me and you. And he that is eight days old shall be circumcised among you, every male in your generations, he that is born in the house or bought with money of any stranger, who is not of thy seed. He that is born in thy house and he that is bought with thy money must needs be circumcised; and my covenant shall be in your flesh for an everlasting covenant. And the uncircumcised male whose flesh of his foreskin is not circumcised, that person shall be cut off from his people; he has annulled my covenant.
Neither shall thy name any longer be called Abram, but thy name shall be Abraham; for a father of many Gentiles have I made thee. And I will multiply thee exceeding, and I will make Gentiles of thee, and kings shall come out of thee. And I will establish my covenant between me and thee and thy seed after thee in their generations for an everlasting covenant, to be a God unto thee and to thy seed after thee. And I will give unto thee and to thy seed after thee, the land in which thou art a stranger, all the land of Canaan, for an everlasting inheritance; and I will be their God. And God said again unto Abraham, Thou shalt keep my covenant therefore, thou and thy seed after thee in their generations. This shall be my covenant, which ye shall keep between me and you and thy seed after thee: Every male among you shall be circumcised. And ye shall circumcise the flesh of your foreskin, and it shall be a token of the covenant between me and you. And he that is eight days old shall be circumcised among you, every male in your generations, he that is born in the house or bought with money of any stranger, who is not of thy seed. He that is born in thy house and he that is bought with thy money must needs be circumcised; and my covenant shall be in your flesh for an everlasting covenant. And the uncircumcised male whose flesh of his foreskin is not circumcised, that person shall be cut off from his people; he has annulled my covenant.
to fulfill mercy unto our fathers and remembering his holy covenant of the oath which he made to our father Abraham, that he would grant unto us, that without fear delivered out of the hand of our enemies, we might serve him read more.
in holiness and righteousness before him all the days of our life.
in holiness and righteousness before him all the days of our life.
Now to Abraham and his seed were the promises made. He did not say, And to seeds, as of many, but as of one, And to thy seed, which is Christ.
The Covenant » Fulfilled in Christ
Blessed be the Lord God of Israel, for he has visited and made redemption for his people And has raised up a horn of saving health for us in the house of his servant David, as he spoke by the mouth of the saints who from the beginning were his prophets; read more.
salvation from our enemies and from the hand of all that hate us; to fulfill mercy unto our fathers and remembering his holy covenant of the oath which he made to our father Abraham, that he would grant unto us, that without fear delivered out of the hand of our enemies, we might serve him in holiness and righteousness before him all the days of our life. And thou, child, shalt be called prophet of the Most High, for thou shalt go before the face of the Lord to prepare his ways, giving knowledge of saving health unto his people for the remission of their sins through the bowels of mercy of our God, whereby the dayspring from on high has visited us to give light to those that dwell in darkness and in the shadow of death, to direct our feet into the way of peace.
salvation from our enemies and from the hand of all that hate us; to fulfill mercy unto our fathers and remembering his holy covenant of the oath which he made to our father Abraham, that he would grant unto us, that without fear delivered out of the hand of our enemies, we might serve him in holiness and righteousness before him all the days of our life. And thou, child, shalt be called prophet of the Most High, for thou shalt go before the face of the Lord to prepare his ways, giving knowledge of saving health unto his people for the remission of their sins through the bowels of mercy of our God, whereby the dayspring from on high has visited us to give light to those that dwell in darkness and in the shadow of death, to direct our feet into the way of peace.
God » Mercy of » Oaths of
The LORD has sworn by his right hand, and by the arm of his strength, Surely I will no longer give thy wheat to be food for thine enemies; and the sons of the stranger shall not drink thy wine, for which thou hast laboured:
The LORD of the hosts has sworn, saying, Surely as I have thought, so shall it come to pass; and as I have purposed, so shall it stand:
In which God, desiring to show more abundantly unto the heirs of promise the immutability of his counsel, confirmed it by an oath,
and said, By myself I have sworn, said the LORD, for because thou hast done this thing and hast not withheld thy son, thine only son;
John the baptist » John the baptist being sent to prepare the way for jesus Christ
And he asked for a writing table and wrote, saying, His name is John. And they all marvelled. And his mouth was opened immediately, and his tongue loosed, and he spoke blessing God. And fear came on all that dwelt round about them, and all these things were spoken of throughout all the hill country of Judaea. read more.
And all those that heard them laid them up in their hearts, saying, Who shall this child be! And the hand of the Lord was with him. And his father Zacharias was filled with the Holy Spirit and prophesied, saying, Blessed be the Lord God of Israel, for he has visited and made redemption for his people And has raised up a horn of saving health for us in the house of his servant David, as he spoke by the mouth of the saints who from the beginning were his prophets; salvation from our enemies and from the hand of all that hate us; to fulfill mercy unto our fathers and remembering his holy covenant of the oath which he made to our father Abraham, that he would grant unto us, that without fear delivered out of the hand of our enemies, we might serve him in holiness and righteousness before him all the days of our life. And thou, child, shalt be called prophet of the Most High, for thou shalt go before the face of the Lord to prepare his ways,
And all those that heard them laid them up in their hearts, saying, Who shall this child be! And the hand of the Lord was with him. And his father Zacharias was filled with the Holy Spirit and prophesied, saying, Blessed be the Lord God of Israel, for he has visited and made redemption for his people And has raised up a horn of saving health for us in the house of his servant David, as he spoke by the mouth of the saints who from the beginning were his prophets; salvation from our enemies and from the hand of all that hate us; to fulfill mercy unto our fathers and remembering his holy covenant of the oath which he made to our father Abraham, that he would grant unto us, that without fear delivered out of the hand of our enemies, we might serve him in holiness and righteousness before him all the days of our life. And thou, child, shalt be called prophet of the Most High, for thou shalt go before the face of the Lord to prepare his ways,
There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. The same came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all men through him might believe. He was not the Light, but was sent to bear witness of the Light. read more.
That Word was the true Light, which lightens every man that comes into this world. He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not. He came unto his own, and his own received him not. But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become sons of God, even to them that believe on his name, who are not born of blood, nor of the will of flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. And the Word was made flesh and dwelt among us (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father), full of grace and truth. John bore witness of him and cried, saying, This is he of whom I spoke, He that comes after me is preferred before me, for he was before me.
That Word was the true Light, which lightens every man that comes into this world. He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not. He came unto his own, and his own received him not. But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become sons of God, even to them that believe on his name, who are not born of blood, nor of the will of flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. And the Word was made flesh and dwelt among us (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father), full of grace and truth. John bore witness of him and cried, saying, This is he of whom I spoke, He that comes after me is preferred before me, for he was before me.
John answered and said, A man can receive nothing except it is given him from the heaven. Ye yourselves are my witnesses that I said, I am not the Christ, but that I am sent before him.
Ye sent unto John, and he bore witness unto the truth. But I receive not testimony from man, but I say these things that ye might be saved. He was a burning and a shining light, and ye were willing to rejoice for one hour in his light.
Joy » Instances of » Of zecharias, when john the baptist was born
And his father Zacharias was filled with the Holy Spirit and prophesied, saying, Blessed be the Lord God of Israel, for he has visited and made redemption for his people And has raised up a horn of saving health for us in the house of his servant David, read more.
as he spoke by the mouth of the saints who from the beginning were his prophets; salvation from our enemies and from the hand of all that hate us; to fulfill mercy unto our fathers and remembering his holy covenant of the oath which he made to our father Abraham, that he would grant unto us, that without fear delivered out of the hand of our enemies, we might serve him in holiness and righteousness before him all the days of our life. And thou, child, shalt be called prophet of the Most High, for thou shalt go before the face of the Lord to prepare his ways, giving knowledge of saving health unto his people for the remission of their sins through the bowels of mercy of our God, whereby the dayspring from on high has visited us to give light to those that dwell in darkness and in the shadow of death, to direct our feet into the way of peace.
as he spoke by the mouth of the saints who from the beginning were his prophets; salvation from our enemies and from the hand of all that hate us; to fulfill mercy unto our fathers and remembering his holy covenant of the oath which he made to our father Abraham, that he would grant unto us, that without fear delivered out of the hand of our enemies, we might serve him in holiness and righteousness before him all the days of our life. And thou, child, shalt be called prophet of the Most High, for thou shalt go before the face of the Lord to prepare his ways, giving knowledge of saving health unto his people for the remission of their sins through the bowels of mercy of our God, whereby the dayspring from on high has visited us to give light to those that dwell in darkness and in the shadow of death, to direct our feet into the way of peace.
Miracles » Catalogue of » The incarnation of jesus
Now the birth of Jesus Christ was like this: That being, his mother Mary espoused to Joseph (before they came together) she was found with child of the Holy Spirit. Then Joseph her husband, being just and not willing to expose her publicly, desired to leave her secretly. But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in dreams, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife; for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit. read more.
And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name Jesus, for he shall save his people from their sins. Now all this was done that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the Lord through the prophet, saying, Behold, a virgin shall conceive and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is God With Us. Then Joseph, being aroused from sleep, did as the angel of the Lord had bidden him and took unto him his wife and knew her not until she had brought forth her firstborn son, and he called his name Jesus.
And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name Jesus, for he shall save his people from their sins. Now all this was done that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the Lord through the prophet, saying, Behold, a virgin shall conceive and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is God With Us. Then Joseph, being aroused from sleep, did as the angel of the Lord had bidden him and took unto him his wife and knew her not until she had brought forth her firstborn son, and he called his name Jesus.
And in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God unto a city of Galilee named Nazareth to a virgin espoused to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David and the virgin's name was Mary. And the angel came in unto her and said, Hail, thou that art much graced, the Lord is with thee; blessed art thou among women. read more.
And when she saw him, she was troubled at his words and wondered in her mind what manner of salutation this should be. Then the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary, for thou hast found grace with God. And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb and bring forth a son and shalt call his name Jesus. He shall be great and shall be called the Son of the Highest, and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David; and he shall reign in the house of Jacob for ever, and of his kingdom there shall be no end. Then Mary said unto the angel, How shall this be, seeing I know not a man? And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Spirit shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee; therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God. And, behold, thy relative Elisabeth, she has also conceived a son in her old age; and this is the sixth month with her, who was called barren. For with God nothing is impossible. Then Mary said, Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word. And the angel departed from her. And Mary arose in those days and went into the hill country with haste into a city of Juda and entered into the house of Zacharias and saluted Elisabeth. And it came to pass that when Elisabeth heard the salutation of Mary, the babe leaped in her womb and Elisabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit; and she spoke out with a loud voice and said, Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb. And whence is this to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? For, behold, as soon as the voice of thy salutation sounded in my ears, the babe leaped in my womb for joy. And blessed is she that believed, for there shall be a performance of those things which were told her from the Lord. Then Mary said, My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit has rejoiced in God my Saving Health, for he has regarded the low estate of his handmaiden; for, behold, from now on all generations shall call me blessed. For he that is mighty has done great things unto me, and holy is his name. And his mercy is on those that fear him from generation to generation. He has shown strength with his arm; he has scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts. He has put down the mighty from their thrones and exalted the humble. He has filled the hungry with good things, and the rich he has sent empty away. He has received his servant Israel in remembrance of his mercy as he spoke to our fathers, to Abraham, and to his seed forever. And Mary abode with her about three months and then returned to her own house. Now Elisabeth's full time came that she should be delivered and she brought forth a son. And her neighbours and her relatives heard how the Lord had showed great mercy upon her, and they rejoiced with her. And it came to pass that on the eighth day they came to circumcise the child, and they called him Zacharias after the name of his father. And his mother answered and said, Not so, but he shall be called John. And they said unto her, There is none of thy kindred that is called by this name. And they communicated with signs to his father, asking how he would have him called. And he asked for a writing table and wrote, saying, His name is John. And they all marvelled. And his mouth was opened immediately, and his tongue loosed, and he spoke blessing God. And fear came on all that dwelt round about them, and all these things were spoken of throughout all the hill country of Judaea. And all those that heard them laid them up in their hearts, saying, Who shall this child be! And the hand of the Lord was with him. And his father Zacharias was filled with the Holy Spirit and prophesied, saying, Blessed be the Lord God of Israel, for he has visited and made redemption for his people And has raised up a horn of saving health for us in the house of his servant David, as he spoke by the mouth of the saints who from the beginning were his prophets; salvation from our enemies and from the hand of all that hate us; to fulfill mercy unto our fathers and remembering his holy covenant of the oath which he made to our father Abraham, that he would grant unto us, that without fear delivered out of the hand of our enemies, we might serve him in holiness and righteousness before him all the days of our life. And thou, child, shalt be called prophet of the Most High, for thou shalt go before the face of the Lord to prepare his ways, giving knowledge of saving health unto his people for the remission of their sins through the bowels of mercy of our God, whereby the dayspring from on high has visited us to give light to those that dwell in darkness and in the shadow of death, to direct our feet into the way of peace. And the child grew and was comforted of the Spirit and was in the deserts until the day of his showing unto Israel.
And when she saw him, she was troubled at his words and wondered in her mind what manner of salutation this should be. Then the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary, for thou hast found grace with God. And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb and bring forth a son and shalt call his name Jesus. He shall be great and shall be called the Son of the Highest, and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David; and he shall reign in the house of Jacob for ever, and of his kingdom there shall be no end. Then Mary said unto the angel, How shall this be, seeing I know not a man? And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Spirit shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee; therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God. And, behold, thy relative Elisabeth, she has also conceived a son in her old age; and this is the sixth month with her, who was called barren. For with God nothing is impossible. Then Mary said, Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word. And the angel departed from her. And Mary arose in those days and went into the hill country with haste into a city of Juda and entered into the house of Zacharias and saluted Elisabeth. And it came to pass that when Elisabeth heard the salutation of Mary, the babe leaped in her womb and Elisabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit; and she spoke out with a loud voice and said, Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb. And whence is this to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? For, behold, as soon as the voice of thy salutation sounded in my ears, the babe leaped in my womb for joy. And blessed is she that believed, for there shall be a performance of those things which were told her from the Lord. Then Mary said, My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit has rejoiced in God my Saving Health, for he has regarded the low estate of his handmaiden; for, behold, from now on all generations shall call me blessed. For he that is mighty has done great things unto me, and holy is his name. And his mercy is on those that fear him from generation to generation. He has shown strength with his arm; he has scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts. He has put down the mighty from their thrones and exalted the humble. He has filled the hungry with good things, and the rich he has sent empty away. He has received his servant Israel in remembrance of his mercy as he spoke to our fathers, to Abraham, and to his seed forever. And Mary abode with her about three months and then returned to her own house. Now Elisabeth's full time came that she should be delivered and she brought forth a son. And her neighbours and her relatives heard how the Lord had showed great mercy upon her, and they rejoiced with her. And it came to pass that on the eighth day they came to circumcise the child, and they called him Zacharias after the name of his father. And his mother answered and said, Not so, but he shall be called John. And they said unto her, There is none of thy kindred that is called by this name. And they communicated with signs to his father, asking how he would have him called. And he asked for a writing table and wrote, saying, His name is John. And they all marvelled. And his mouth was opened immediately, and his tongue loosed, and he spoke blessing God. And fear came on all that dwelt round about them, and all these things were spoken of throughout all the hill country of Judaea. And all those that heard them laid them up in their hearts, saying, Who shall this child be! And the hand of the Lord was with him. And his father Zacharias was filled with the Holy Spirit and prophesied, saying, Blessed be the Lord God of Israel, for he has visited and made redemption for his people And has raised up a horn of saving health for us in the house of his servant David, as he spoke by the mouth of the saints who from the beginning were his prophets; salvation from our enemies and from the hand of all that hate us; to fulfill mercy unto our fathers and remembering his holy covenant of the oath which he made to our father Abraham, that he would grant unto us, that without fear delivered out of the hand of our enemies, we might serve him in holiness and righteousness before him all the days of our life. And thou, child, shalt be called prophet of the Most High, for thou shalt go before the face of the Lord to prepare his ways, giving knowledge of saving health unto his people for the remission of their sins through the bowels of mercy of our God, whereby the dayspring from on high has visited us to give light to those that dwell in darkness and in the shadow of death, to direct our feet into the way of peace. And the child grew and was comforted of the Spirit and was in the deserts until the day of his showing unto Israel.
Oath » Attributed to God
For when God promised unto Abraham, because he could swear by no greater, he swore by himself, saying, Surely blessing I will bless thee and multiplying I will multiply thee.
The LORD of the hosts has sworn by himself, saying, Surely I will fill thee with men as with locusts; and they shall sing the song of the winepress against thee.
And to whom he swore that they should not enter into his rest, but to those that disobeyed?
The LORD of the hosts has sworn, saying, Surely as I have thought, so shall it come to pass; and as I have purposed, so shall it stand:
that I may confirm the oath which I have sworn unto your fathers, that I would give them a land flowing with milk and honey, as it is this day. Then I answered, and said, Amen, O LORD.
For I have sworn by myself, said the LORD, that Bozrah shall become a desolation, a reproach, a waste, and a curse; and all its cities shall be perpetual wastes.
For the law makes men high priests who have weakness; but the word of the oath, which was after the law, has made perfect a Son forever.
In which God, desiring to show more abundantly unto the heirs of promise the immutability of his counsel, confirmed it by an oath,
and said, By myself I have sworn, said the LORD, for because thou hast done this thing and hast not withheld thy son, thine only son;
which covenant he made with Abraham and his oath unto Isaac
(For we who have believed do enter into the rest) as he said, As I have sworn in my wrath, they shall not enter into my rest although the works were finished from the foundation of the world.
The LORD has sworn truth unto David; he will not turn from it; Of the fruit of thy body I will set upon thy throne.
and swore by him that lives for ever and ever, who created the heaven and the things that are therein, and the earth, and the things that are therein, and the sea and the things which are therein, that there should be time no longer;
I have sworn by myself; the word is gone out of my mouth in righteousness and shall not return, That unto me every knee shall bow; every tongue shall swear.
But if ye will not hear these words, I swear by myself, said the LORD, that this house shall become a desolation.
(for the others indeed without an oath were made priests, but this one with an oath by him that said unto him, The Lord swore and will not repent, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec);
Oaths » God's
The LORD has sworn by his right hand, and by the arm of his strength, Surely I will no longer give thy wheat to be food for thine enemies; and the sons of the stranger shall not drink thy wine, for which thou hast laboured:
The LORD of the hosts has sworn, saying, Surely as I have thought, so shall it come to pass; and as I have purposed, so shall it stand:
In which God, desiring to show more abundantly unto the heirs of promise the immutability of his counsel, confirmed it by an oath,
and said, By myself I have sworn, said the LORD, for because thou hast done this thing and hast not withheld thy son, thine only son;
Poetry » Lyrics, sacred » Of zacharias
Blessed be the Lord God of Israel, for he has visited and made redemption for his people And has raised up a horn of saving health for us in the house of his servant David, as he spoke by the mouth of the saints who from the beginning were his prophets; read more.
salvation from our enemies and from the hand of all that hate us; to fulfill mercy unto our fathers and remembering his holy covenant of the oath which he made to our father Abraham, that he would grant unto us, that without fear delivered out of the hand of our enemies, we might serve him in holiness and righteousness before him all the days of our life. And thou, child, shalt be called prophet of the Most High, for thou shalt go before the face of the Lord to prepare his ways, giving knowledge of saving health unto his people for the remission of their sins through the bowels of mercy of our God, whereby the dayspring from on high has visited us to give light to those that dwell in darkness and in the shadow of death, to direct our feet into the way of peace.
salvation from our enemies and from the hand of all that hate us; to fulfill mercy unto our fathers and remembering his holy covenant of the oath which he made to our father Abraham, that he would grant unto us, that without fear delivered out of the hand of our enemies, we might serve him in holiness and righteousness before him all the days of our life. And thou, child, shalt be called prophet of the Most High, for thou shalt go before the face of the Lord to prepare his ways, giving knowledge of saving health unto his people for the remission of their sins through the bowels of mercy of our God, whereby the dayspring from on high has visited us to give light to those that dwell in darkness and in the shadow of death, to direct our feet into the way of peace.
The promises of God » Are » Fulfilled in Christ
Of this man's seed has God according to his promise raised up Jesus as Saviour unto Israel:
And when thy days are fulfilled and thou shalt sleep with thy fathers, I will set up thy seed after thee, which shall proceed out of thy bowels, and I will establish his kingdom.
And has raised up a horn of saving health for us in the house of his servant David, as he spoke by the mouth of the saints who from the beginning were his prophets; salvation from our enemies and from the hand of all that hate us; read more.
to fulfill mercy unto our fathers and remembering his holy covenant of the oath which he made to our father Abraham,
to fulfill mercy unto our fathers and remembering his holy covenant of the oath which he made to our father Abraham,
Psalms » Zacharias
Blessed be the Lord God of Israel, for he has visited and made redemption for his people And has raised up a horn of saving health for us in the house of his servant David, as he spoke by the mouth of the saints who from the beginning were his prophets; read more.
salvation from our enemies and from the hand of all that hate us; to fulfill mercy unto our fathers and remembering his holy covenant of the oath which he made to our father Abraham, that he would grant unto us, that without fear delivered out of the hand of our enemies, we might serve him in holiness and righteousness before him all the days of our life. And thou, child, shalt be called prophet of the Most High, for thou shalt go before the face of the Lord to prepare his ways, giving knowledge of saving health unto his people for the remission of their sins through the bowels of mercy of our God, whereby the dayspring from on high has visited us to give light to those that dwell in darkness and in the shadow of death, to direct our feet into the way of peace.
salvation from our enemies and from the hand of all that hate us; to fulfill mercy unto our fathers and remembering his holy covenant of the oath which he made to our father Abraham, that he would grant unto us, that without fear delivered out of the hand of our enemies, we might serve him in holiness and righteousness before him all the days of our life. And thou, child, shalt be called prophet of the Most High, for thou shalt go before the face of the Lord to prepare his ways, giving knowledge of saving health unto his people for the remission of their sins through the bowels of mercy of our God, whereby the dayspring from on high has visited us to give light to those that dwell in darkness and in the shadow of death, to direct our feet into the way of peace.
Select readings » The prophetic blessing of zacharias
And his father Zacharias was filled with the Holy Spirit and prophesied, saying, Blessed be the Lord God of Israel, for he has visited and made redemption for his people And has raised up a horn of saving health for us in the house of his servant David, read more.
as he spoke by the mouth of the saints who from the beginning were his prophets; salvation from our enemies and from the hand of all that hate us; to fulfill mercy unto our fathers and remembering his holy covenant of the oath which he made to our father Abraham, that he would grant unto us, that without fear delivered out of the hand of our enemies, we might serve him in holiness and righteousness before him all the days of our life. And thou, child, shalt be called prophet of the Most High, for thou shalt go before the face of the Lord to prepare his ways, giving knowledge of saving health unto his people for the remission of their sins through the bowels of mercy of our God, whereby the dayspring from on high has visited us to give light to those that dwell in darkness and in the shadow of death, to direct our feet into the way of peace. And the child grew and was comforted of the Spirit and was in the deserts until the day of his showing unto Israel.
as he spoke by the mouth of the saints who from the beginning were his prophets; salvation from our enemies and from the hand of all that hate us; to fulfill mercy unto our fathers and remembering his holy covenant of the oath which he made to our father Abraham, that he would grant unto us, that without fear delivered out of the hand of our enemies, we might serve him in holiness and righteousness before him all the days of our life. And thou, child, shalt be called prophet of the Most High, for thou shalt go before the face of the Lord to prepare his ways, giving knowledge of saving health unto his people for the remission of their sins through the bowels of mercy of our God, whereby the dayspring from on high has visited us to give light to those that dwell in darkness and in the shadow of death, to direct our feet into the way of peace. And the child grew and was comforted of the Spirit and was in the deserts until the day of his showing unto Israel.
Religion » Instances of outstanding religious persons » Zacharias
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.
And his father Zacharias was filled with the Holy Spirit and prophesied, saying, Blessed be the Lord God of Israel, for he has visited and made redemption for his people And has raised up a horn of saving health for us in the house of his servant David, read more.
as he spoke by the mouth of the saints who from the beginning were his prophets; salvation from our enemies and from the hand of all that hate us; to fulfill mercy unto our fathers and remembering his holy covenant of the oath which he made to our father Abraham, that he would grant unto us, that without fear delivered out of the hand of our enemies, we might serve him in holiness and righteousness before him all the days of our life. And thou, child, shalt be called prophet of the Most High, for thou shalt go before the face of the Lord to prepare his ways, giving knowledge of saving health unto his people for the remission of their sins through the bowels of mercy of our God, whereby the dayspring from on high has visited us to give light to those that dwell in darkness and in the shadow of death, to direct our feet into the way of peace.
as he spoke by the mouth of the saints who from the beginning were his prophets; salvation from our enemies and from the hand of all that hate us; to fulfill mercy unto our fathers and remembering his holy covenant of the oath which he made to our father Abraham, that he would grant unto us, that without fear delivered out of the hand of our enemies, we might serve him in holiness and righteousness before him all the days of our life. And thou, child, shalt be called prophet of the Most High, for thou shalt go before the face of the Lord to prepare his ways, giving knowledge of saving health unto his people for the remission of their sins through the bowels of mercy of our God, whereby the dayspring from on high has visited us to give light to those that dwell in darkness and in the shadow of death, to direct our feet into the way of peace.
Zacharias (zechariah) » The father of john the baptist
Annas and Caiaphas being the high priests, the word of God came upon John the son of Zachariah in the wilderness.
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. And they were both righteous before God, walking in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord, blameless. And they had no child because Elisabeth was barren, and they both were now well advanced in years. read more.
And it came to pass that while he executed the priest's office before God in the order of his course, according to the custom of the priest's office, his lot was to burn incense entering into the temple of the Lord. And the whole multitude of the people were praying outside at the time of incense. And there appeared unto him an angel of the Lord standing on the right side of the altar of incense. And when Zacharias saw him, he was troubled, and fear fell upon him. 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. And thou shalt have joy and gladness; and many shall rejoice at his birth. For he shall be great in the sight of the Lord and shall drink neither wine nor strong drink; and he shall be filled with the Holy Spirit, even from his mother's womb. And he shall turn many of the sons of Israel to the Lord their God. And he shall go before him in the spirit and power of Elijah to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children and the rebellious to the prudence of the just, to make ready a prepared people for the Lord. And Zacharias said unto the angel, Whereby shall I know this? for I am an old man, and my wife is well advanced in years. And the angel answering said unto him, I am Gabriel, who stands in the presence of God, and am sent to speak unto thee and to show thee this gospel. And, behold, thou shalt be dumb and not able to speak until the day that these things shall be performed, because thou didst not believe my words, which shall be fulfilled in their season. And the people waited for Zacharias and marvelled that he tarried so long in the temple. And when he came out, he could not speak unto them; and they perceived that he had seen a vision in the temple, for he communicated with signs and remained speechless. And it came to pass that as soon as the days of his ministration were accomplished, he departed to his own house. And after those days his wife Elisabeth conceived and hid herself five months, saying, Thus hath the Lord dealt with me in the days wherein he looked on me, to take away my reproach among men. And in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God unto a city of Galilee named Nazareth to a virgin espoused to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David and the virgin's name was Mary. And the angel came in unto her and said, Hail, thou that art much graced, the Lord is with thee; blessed art thou among women. And when she saw him, she was troubled at his words and wondered in her mind what manner of salutation this should be. Then the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary, for thou hast found grace with God. And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb and bring forth a son and shalt call his name Jesus. He shall be great and shall be called the Son of the Highest, and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David; and he shall reign in the house of Jacob for ever, and of his kingdom there shall be no end. Then Mary said unto the angel, How shall this be, seeing I know not a man? And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Spirit shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee; therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God. And, behold, thy relative Elisabeth, she has also conceived a son in her old age; and this is the sixth month with her, who was called barren. For with God nothing is impossible. Then Mary said, Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word. And the angel departed from her. And Mary arose in those days and went into the hill country with haste into a city of Juda and entered into the house of Zacharias and saluted Elisabeth. And it came to pass that when Elisabeth heard the salutation of Mary, the babe leaped in her womb and Elisabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit; and she spoke out with a loud voice and said, Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb. And whence is this to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? For, behold, as soon as the voice of thy salutation sounded in my ears, the babe leaped in my womb for joy. And blessed is she that believed, for there shall be a performance of those things which were told her from the Lord. Then Mary said, My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit has rejoiced in God my Saving Health, for he has regarded the low estate of his handmaiden; for, behold, from now on all generations shall call me blessed. For he that is mighty has done great things unto me, and holy is his name. And his mercy is on those that fear him from generation to generation. He has shown strength with his arm; he has scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts. He has put down the mighty from their thrones and exalted the humble. He has filled the hungry with good things, and the rich he has sent empty away. He has received his servant Israel in remembrance of his mercy as he spoke to our fathers, to Abraham, and to his seed forever. And Mary abode with her about three months and then returned to her own house. Now Elisabeth's full time came that she should be delivered and she brought forth a son. And her neighbours and her relatives heard how the Lord had showed great mercy upon her, and they rejoiced with her. And it came to pass that on the eighth day they came to circumcise the child, and they called him Zacharias after the name of his father. And his mother answered and said, Not so, but he shall be called John. And they said unto her, There is none of thy kindred that is called by this name. And they communicated with signs to his father, asking how he would have him called. And he asked for a writing table and wrote, saying, His name is John. And they all marvelled. And his mouth was opened immediately, and his tongue loosed, and he spoke blessing God. And fear came on all that dwelt round about them, and all these things were spoken of throughout all the hill country of Judaea. And all those that heard them laid them up in their hearts, saying, Who shall this child be! And the hand of the Lord was with him. And his father Zacharias was filled with the Holy Spirit and prophesied, saying, Blessed be the Lord God of Israel, for he has visited and made redemption for his people And has raised up a horn of saving health for us in the house of his servant David, as he spoke by the mouth of the saints who from the beginning were his prophets; salvation from our enemies and from the hand of all that hate us; to fulfill mercy unto our fathers and remembering his holy covenant of the oath which he made to our father Abraham, that he would grant unto us, that without fear delivered out of the hand of our enemies, we might serve him in holiness and righteousness before him all the days of our life. And thou, child, shalt be called prophet of the Most High, for thou shalt go before the face of the Lord to prepare his ways, giving knowledge of saving health unto his people for the remission of their sins through the bowels of mercy of our God, whereby the dayspring from on high has visited us to give light to those that dwell in darkness and in the shadow of death, to direct our feet into the way of peace. And the child grew and was comforted of the Spirit and was in the deserts until the day of his showing unto Israel.
And it came to pass that while he executed the priest's office before God in the order of his course, according to the custom of the priest's office, his lot was to burn incense entering into the temple of the Lord. And the whole multitude of the people were praying outside at the time of incense. And there appeared unto him an angel of the Lord standing on the right side of the altar of incense. And when Zacharias saw him, he was troubled, and fear fell upon him. 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. And thou shalt have joy and gladness; and many shall rejoice at his birth. For he shall be great in the sight of the Lord and shall drink neither wine nor strong drink; and he shall be filled with the Holy Spirit, even from his mother's womb. And he shall turn many of the sons of Israel to the Lord their God. And he shall go before him in the spirit and power of Elijah to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children and the rebellious to the prudence of the just, to make ready a prepared people for the Lord. And Zacharias said unto the angel, Whereby shall I know this? for I am an old man, and my wife is well advanced in years. And the angel answering said unto him, I am Gabriel, who stands in the presence of God, and am sent to speak unto thee and to show thee this gospel. And, behold, thou shalt be dumb and not able to speak until the day that these things shall be performed, because thou didst not believe my words, which shall be fulfilled in their season. And the people waited for Zacharias and marvelled that he tarried so long in the temple. And when he came out, he could not speak unto them; and they perceived that he had seen a vision in the temple, for he communicated with signs and remained speechless. And it came to pass that as soon as the days of his ministration were accomplished, he departed to his own house. And after those days his wife Elisabeth conceived and hid herself five months, saying, Thus hath the Lord dealt with me in the days wherein he looked on me, to take away my reproach among men. And in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God unto a city of Galilee named Nazareth to a virgin espoused to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David and the virgin's name was Mary. And the angel came in unto her and said, Hail, thou that art much graced, the Lord is with thee; blessed art thou among women. And when she saw him, she was troubled at his words and wondered in her mind what manner of salutation this should be. Then the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary, for thou hast found grace with God. And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb and bring forth a son and shalt call his name Jesus. He shall be great and shall be called the Son of the Highest, and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David; and he shall reign in the house of Jacob for ever, and of his kingdom there shall be no end. Then Mary said unto the angel, How shall this be, seeing I know not a man? And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Spirit shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee; therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God. And, behold, thy relative Elisabeth, she has also conceived a son in her old age; and this is the sixth month with her, who was called barren. For with God nothing is impossible. Then Mary said, Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word. And the angel departed from her. And Mary arose in those days and went into the hill country with haste into a city of Juda and entered into the house of Zacharias and saluted Elisabeth. And it came to pass that when Elisabeth heard the salutation of Mary, the babe leaped in her womb and Elisabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit; and she spoke out with a loud voice and said, Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb. And whence is this to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? For, behold, as soon as the voice of thy salutation sounded in my ears, the babe leaped in my womb for joy. And blessed is she that believed, for there shall be a performance of those things which were told her from the Lord. Then Mary said, My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit has rejoiced in God my Saving Health, for he has regarded the low estate of his handmaiden; for, behold, from now on all generations shall call me blessed. For he that is mighty has done great things unto me, and holy is his name. And his mercy is on those that fear him from generation to generation. He has shown strength with his arm; he has scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts. He has put down the mighty from their thrones and exalted the humble. He has filled the hungry with good things, and the rich he has sent empty away. He has received his servant Israel in remembrance of his mercy as he spoke to our fathers, to Abraham, and to his seed forever. And Mary abode with her about three months and then returned to her own house. Now Elisabeth's full time came that she should be delivered and she brought forth a son. And her neighbours and her relatives heard how the Lord had showed great mercy upon her, and they rejoiced with her. And it came to pass that on the eighth day they came to circumcise the child, and they called him Zacharias after the name of his father. And his mother answered and said, Not so, but he shall be called John. And they said unto her, There is none of thy kindred that is called by this name. And they communicated with signs to his father, asking how he would have him called. And he asked for a writing table and wrote, saying, His name is John. And they all marvelled. And his mouth was opened immediately, and his tongue loosed, and he spoke blessing God. And fear came on all that dwelt round about them, and all these things were spoken of throughout all the hill country of Judaea. And all those that heard them laid them up in their hearts, saying, Who shall this child be! And the hand of the Lord was with him. And his father Zacharias was filled with the Holy Spirit and prophesied, saying, Blessed be the Lord God of Israel, for he has visited and made redemption for his people And has raised up a horn of saving health for us in the house of his servant David, as he spoke by the mouth of the saints who from the beginning were his prophets; salvation from our enemies and from the hand of all that hate us; to fulfill mercy unto our fathers and remembering his holy covenant of the oath which he made to our father Abraham, that he would grant unto us, that without fear delivered out of the hand of our enemies, we might serve him in holiness and righteousness before him all the days of our life. And thou, child, shalt be called prophet of the Most High, for thou shalt go before the face of the Lord to prepare his ways, giving knowledge of saving health unto his people for the remission of their sins through the bowels of mercy of our God, whereby the dayspring from on high has visited us to give light to those that dwell in darkness and in the shadow of death, to direct our feet into the way of peace. And the child grew and was comforted of the Spirit and was in the deserts until the day of his showing unto Israel.