Paul are very solemn : " They could not enter in because of unbeKef." (Heb. Hi. 19.)
Let us watch and pray daily against this soul-ruining sin. Concessions to it rob believers of their inward peace, — ^weaken their hands in the day of battle, — bring clouds oyer their hopes, — ^make their chariot wheels drive heavily. According to the degree of our faith will be our enjoyment of Christ's salvation, — our patience in the day of trial, — our victory over the world. Un- belief, in short, is the true cause of a thousand spiritual diseases, and once allowed to nestle in our hearts, will eat as doth a canker. " If ye will not believe, ye shall not be established/' (Isaiah vii. 9.) In all that respects the pardon of our sins, and the acceptance of our souls, — ^the duties of our peculiar station and the trials of our daQy life, — ^let it be a settled maxim in our religion, to trust every word of God implicitly, and to beware of imbelief .
Notes. Lukb I. IS— 25.
18. — [Whereby ehall I know tftw.] Let us note that there is a wide distinction between this question asked by Zacharias, and that asked by the Virgin Mary, at verse 34. The question of Zacharias implies a doubt of the whole thing anoounced by the angel. The question of Mary implies no doubt of the event, but is only directed to the manner of its accomplishment
19. — [Oabriel.'] The word Gabriel means " God is my strength,** or '*Man of God/' or "strength of God." (Cruden.) It is the only clear example of an angel's name in the Bible. ** Michael," in Dan. x. 21, and xii. 1, probably signifies the Lord Jesus, when compared with Bev. xii. 7.
20. — [Dumb.'] By comparing this expression with verse 62, it would appear highly probable that Zacharias became deaf as well as dumb. Else, why should his Mends communicate with him by signs?