What manner of child ... - Such were the remarkable circumstances of his birth that they apprehended that he would be distinguished as a prophet, or that great events would result from his life.

The hand of the Lord was with him - The word "hand" is used to denote "aid, protection, favor." We stretch out the hand to aid those whom we wish to help. The expression here means that God "aided" him, "protected" him, or showed him favor. Some think that these words are a part of the speech of the neighbors - "What manner of child shall this be? God is so evidently with him!"

What manner of child shall this be! - As there have been so many extraordinary things in his conception and birth, surely God has designed him for some extraordinary purpose. These things they laid up in their heart, patiently waiting to see what God would work.

The hand of the Lord was with him - God defended and prospered him in all things, and the prophetic spirit began to rest upon him.

And all they that heard them,.... The above things, laid them up in their hearts; treasured them up in their memories, and often thought of them in their minds, what should be the meaning, and what would be the issue of them:

saying, what manner of child shall this be? what will he be, or come to? and what is it that he shall do? surely he must be designed in providence to be put into some high station, and some eminent work and service; since so many, and such great things, have gone before, and attended his birth:

and the hand of the Lord was with him; which may intend the special care, and peculiar providence of God in preserving his life, giving him health, causing him to grow strong and robust, and in stature of body, and in endowments of mind; and also the communications of grace unto him, and the gracious presence of God with him, so soon as he was capable of enjoying them; as likewise a spirit of prophecy, which is sometimes signified by the hand of the Lord; and the extraordinary gifts of the Spirit, which, in process of time, appeared in him, qualifying him for his high office and work: the hand of the Lord, with the Jews, is the Holy Ghost: thus they interpret 1 Chronicles 28:19 "all in writing", this is the "Masora"; "from the hand of the Lord", , "this is the Holy Ghost". (w).

(w) T. Hieros. Megilla, fol. 70. 1.

And all they that heard them {e} laid them up in their hearts, saying, What manner of child shall this be! And the {f} hand of the Lord was with him.

(e) Thought upon them diligently and earnestly, and as it were, printed them in their hearts.

(f) That is, the present favour of God, and a singular type of virtue appeared in him.

1:66 The hand of the Lord - The peculiar power and blessing of God.

66. hand of the Lord was with him-by special tokens marking him out as one destined to some great work (1Ki 18:46; 2Ki 3:15; Ac 11:21).

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.