Elisabeth(elizabeth)
“God is her oath, or she swears by God (Greek form of Elisheba)”
Summary
The wife of the priest Zacharias and mother of John the Baptist, described as righteous and blameless before God, who was filled with the Holy Spirit when visited by Mary.
☩Character and Family
Elisabeth was a descendant of Aaron, of the priestly family, and wife of Zacharias the priest. Like her husband, she was 'righteous before God, walking in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blameless.' She was barren and advanced in years when the angel Gabriel announced to Zacharias that she would bear a son who would prepare the way for the Lord. Her pregnancy was hidden for five months until Mary's visit revealed her joy.
☩The Visitation
Elisabeth was related to Mary, the mother of Jesus. When the pregnant Mary came to visit her, the baby leaped in Elisabeth's womb, and she was filled with the Holy Spirit. She pronounced a blessing on Mary, calling her 'the mother of my Lord'—the first human to acknowledge Jesus' divine identity. Her exclamation 'Blessed is she who believed' affirmed Mary's faith in receiving the angelic announcement. Elisabeth was part of the godly remnant in Israel, those faithful ones glimpsed in the early chapters of Luke's Gospel who were awaiting the consolation of Israel.