Elizabeth in the Bible: Faith, Humility, and Divine Purpose

Elizabeth in the Bible is a figure of great faith and significance, known for her role as the mother of John (Yochanan) the Baptist. Her life, marked by miraculous intervention and unwavering trust in God’s promises, not only prepares the way for the Messiah but also provides timeless lessons in faith, humility, and perseverance.

Introduction

The story of Elizabeth, found primarily in the first chapter of Luke, is a testament to faith, patience, and the fulfillment of divine promises. As the wife of Zechariah, a priest, Elizabeth's life intertwines with the miraculous birth of her son, John the Baptist, who was called to be the forerunner of the Messiah, preaching repentance and baptizing people in preparation for Yeshua’s ministry. Her story is one of unwavering trust in God, even in the face of seemingly impossible circumstances.

Elizabeth: Lineage and Meaning of Her Name

Elizabeth, Elisheva in Hebrew, came from the priestly line of Aaron, and her husband Zechariah served as a priest in the division of Abijah. The meaning of Elizabeth’s name, “God keeps His oath,” underscores the faithfulness and reliability of God in fulfilling His promises.

The Divine Encounter and John's Birth

The story of Elizabeth and Zechariah is marked by a divine encounter during Zechariah’s service in the temple. According to Luke 1:8-23, Zechariah was serving in the Temple when an angel appeared to Zechariah, announcing that they would have a son who would play a pivotal role in preparing the way for the Lord. The timing of John’s birth is closely tied to the Jewish priestly service schedule, which followed a structured rotation as outlined in 1 Chronicles 24. The priestly divisions were set into 24 courses, each serving in the Temple for one week, twice a year, plus during major festivals. After finishing his duties, he returned home, and soon afterward, Elizabeth conceived (Luke 1:23-24).

If we estimate that Zechariah’s service took place around Shavuot (Pentecost)-a common scholarly assumption-Elizabeth’s conception would have occurred shortly after. This potential Passover birth carries deep symbolism. Jewish tradition expected Elijah to return at Passover to announce the coming of the Messiah (Malachi 4:5-6). If John was born at Passover, and Yeshua was born six months later, this supports the view that Yeshua’s birth occurred around Sukkot (Feast of Tabernacles), a festival associated with God dwelling among His people (John 1:14).

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When the angel Gabriel told Zechariah that he and Elizabeth would have a son, he doubted the message. As a result of his doubt, Zechariah became speechless and would remain so until after John’s birth.

John the Baptist: The Elijah to Come

John the Baptist is often associated with the prophet Elijah, fulfilling the prophecy in Malachi 4:5-6, which foretells Elijah’s return before the “great and terrible day of the Lord.” This association is further confirmed by Yeshua in Matthew 11:14, identifying John as the Elijah who was to come. John’s mission was to call Israel to repentance and prepare the people for the Messiah’s arrival.

Elizabeth and Mary: A Blessed Encounter

Elizabeth’s relationship with Mary (Miriam in Hebrew) is central to the Besorah or Gospel narrative. When Elizabeth was six months pregnant, her young relative Mary came to visit. Luke tells us that after Mary’s encounter with Gabriel and the Holy Spirit, she went to visit her relative Elizabeth. It is unclear how well Mary and Elizabeth knew one another before this meeting recorded in Luke 1:39-56. Presumably Mary lived near Nazareth, and Elizabeth lived near Jerusalem where her husband worked in the temple. But whether they are close or more distant relatives, their shared experience seems to quickly draw them together.

As Mary greeted Elizabeth, the baby John leaped in his mother’s womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. Elizabeth, filled with the Holy Spirit, recognized Mary’s unborn child as the Messiah, and the baby John leaped in her womb at the presence of Yeshua. I love how in verse 42 it says that Elizabeth exclaimed in a loud voice, “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb!” Not only is Elizabeth aware that Mary is pregnant, but she realizes that Mary is carrying the Messiah child. Then we see how humble and righteous Elizabeth is when she asks why Mary, the mother of her Lord, is coming to see her. Elizabeth blesses Mary with the same blessing Deborah, the judge and prophet, once pronounced of the brave and bold Jael (Judges 5). Mary is blessed for believing the Lord’s promises. In this way, Elizabeth’s words anticipate Jesus’s blessing of those who hear the word of the Lord and obey (Luke 11:28).

In the same breath, Elizabeth speaks of the child still in Mary’s womb as “Lord”-the Bible’s first Christological confession! Before any of his miracles or teaching (or even seeing Jesus in the flesh), Elizabeth responds to the question he will later ask his disciples: “who do you say that I am?” (Luke 9:20). She calls him “Lord,” the same word she has just used to speak of God.

Elizabeth’s prophetic exclamation of the truth about Mary and her son seems to further encourage Mary who is preparing to be the “servant of the Lord” (1:38). Others who have held this honorary title include Moses, Joshua, Abraham, David, and many prophets, including Hannah. (According to Jewish teaching, Hannah is considered one of the seven prophetesses of the Hebrew Bible, that is, the Old Testament.) And, in response to Elizabeth’s words, Mary speaks in poetic verses (as so many prophets do), a song reminiscent of Hannah’s prayer in 1 Samuel 2:1-10. We often refer to this song/prayer as “The Magnificat” because it begins with the words, “My soul magnifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior” (Luke 1:46-47).

Mary stayed with Elizabeth for three months, returning home just before Elizabeth’s time came to be delivered. I’ve often wondered what went on during those three months. These two women decades apart in age, shared a common experience of uncommon pregnancies. No one else could truly understand what they were going through, but together, they could find comfort and joy as they endured morning sickness, food cravings, and emotional outbursts. Imagine the hours they spent talking and asking each other questions, probably pouring over scripture, trying to find everything they could to prepare them for their sons’ arrival. I imagine they spent a lot of time in prayer together, praying for each other, for their husbands, and for their sons.

Lessons from Elizabeth's Life

The life and experience of Elizabeth in the Bible imparts some valuable lessons, closely aligned with the traits emphasized in Mussar-a Jewish tradition that focuses on character development and ethical conduct. Elizabeth’s story, marked by faith, patience, humility, and a deep connection to the divine, offers timeless lessons for living a life aligned with God’s will.

Faith Amid Uncertainty: Elizabeth’s steadfast faith, despite years of barrenness, mirrors the Mussar trait of Emunah (faith). Her story teaches us to trust in God’s promises and timing, even when our circumstances seem uncertain or challenging.
Patience and Perseverance: The Mussar trait of Savlanut (patience) is embodied in Elizabeth’s long wait for a child. Her patience serves as a powerful example of perseverance, reminding us that God’s timing is perfect, even if it requires waiting.
Joy in Others’ Blessings: Elizabeth’s joyful response to Mary’s news exemplifies Nedivut (generosity) and Anavah (humility). Instead of envying Mary, Elizabeth celebrates her cousin’s divine role. Elizabeth gave a glad cry and exclaimed to Mary, “God has blessed you above all women, and your child is blessed. Why am I so honored, that the mother of my Lord should visit with me? When I heard your greeting, the baby in my womb jumped for joy. There was no jealousy at the fact that her little cousin was chosen to be the Mother of the Lord, there was no questioning why Mary had been chosen instead of herself, and there was no second guessing God’s choice.
Supporting Others in Their Journey: The traits of Chesed (loving-kindness) and Bitzaron (encouragement) are reflected in Elizabeth’s support for Mary. Providing emotional and spiritual support, especially during challenging times, is a vital aspect of building strong, compassionate relationships. Elizabeth’s confession of Jesus as Lord must have been an encouragement to Mary who had just had her encounter with Gabriel and the Holy Spirit. Her first words to Mary were words of affirmation and encouragement. She herself had experienced a blessing from God in being pregnant in her older years. She speaks of her baby leaping for joy but in the context of encouraging Mary as she began her journey of faith. Elizabeth’s words lead to Mary’s song of praise or the Magnificat. Mary’s song did not come following her encounter with the angel, but following Elizabeth’s confession of Jesus as Lord.
Obedience and Faithfulness: Elizabeth’s adherence to God’s commandments and her faithfulness to His will reflect the Mussar trait of Yirat Shamayim (reverence for God). Her life encourages us to live with integrity, adhering to our values and beliefs, even in the face of societal pressures.
Recognizing Divine Moments: The traits of Hitlahavut (enthusiasm) and Kedushah (holiness) are evident in Elizabeth’s recognition of the divine nature of Mary’s child. Being attuned to divine moments and responding to them appropriately enhances our spiritual journey and deepens our relationship with God.
Order and Discipline: Elizabeth’s life, as well as her adherence to God’s commandments, reflect the trait of Seder (order). Her disciplined lifestyle and commitment to her faith, despite societal challenges and personal hardships, demonstrate the importance of maintaining order and structure in one’s life. This orderliness helps in fostering a strong spiritual foundation and moral clarity.
Perseverance in Faithfulness: Despite societal expectations and the stigma of being childless, Elizabeth remained faithful to God’s commandments and promises. Living with Purpose: Elizabeth’s life exemplifies living with a sense of divine purpose. Her acceptance of her role in God’s plan, despite her old age, reflects a profound understanding of Tiferet (beauty and balance) in Mussar.
Trust in God’s Plan: Elizabeth’s story underscores the importance of trusting in God’s larger plan, even when it’s not immediately clear.

Elizabeth boldly stood up and proclaimed her son's name, John, despite societal expectations, because she knew it was God's will.

The Significance of Elizabeth's Pregnancy

Elizabeth’s pregnancy was a fulfillment of God’s promise, demonstrating His power and faithfulness. Old Testament Law plainly states that those who are obedient to God’s ordinances would not be barren (Deut. 7:12-14). So, infertility was seen as a sign of divine disfavour and a great deal of shame was attached to being childless. This shame was felt more acutely by women, as childbearing was considered to be the primary function of women in Bible times. Moreover, infertility was typically believed to be the woman’s failing and not the husband’s.” (Mowczko, 2017). Undoubtedly, it had been Elizabeth’s dream and desire to become a mother to a son. It is likely that she and Zechariah had prayed for a son for most of their married life.

We’re told that she hid herself for the first five months, thanking the Lord for looking on her and taking away her reproach among the people. For we know that in those days, if a woman was barren, it was assumed that it was due to unrepentant sin in her life.

Elizabeth also said, “Blessed is she who believed the Lord would fulfill her promises to her.” Was she talking only about Mary or was she also talking about herself? Elizabeth was speaking the Word of the Lord into Mary’s heart from her own heart. As we encounter others, do we speak words of encouragement for what God is doing in another’s life or are our words something else?

The Naming of John

When it was time for the son’s dedication on the eighth day, she stated clearly that his name was to be John just as the angel Gabriel had told her husband. She obeyed the words that Gabriel had given to Zechariah in the naming of their son. Until the writing on the tablet and the return of Zechariah’s voice, she had not heard him speak since he went to perform his service in the Temple. She did not know if his speech would return. She must have wanted to praise God with her husband for the miracle that had happened in their lives. Not only were they awaiting the birth of their son, they were waiting for the forerunner of the long awaited Messiah to be born.

Lessons in Encouragement

Elizabeth and Mary, two iconic women of the New Testament, were destined for extraordinary roles. Mary became the mother of Jesus Christ, the Savior of the world, while Elizabeth was privileged to be the mother of John the Baptist, the forerunner of Jesus.

Elizabeth and Mary both experienced miracles and each one had their own path to follow. One was no better than the other in the Lord’s eyes for each were chosen for individual assignments by Him. Elizabeth’s humility and acceptance of God’s will are evident in her reaction to Mary’s visit. Instead of feeling overshadowed by the magnitude of Mary’s role, she rejoices in the blessings bestowed upon her cousin.

This story reminds us that encouragement is a Spirit-inspired gift we can offer others.

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