Soon Elizabeth gave birth to her son.

Her neighbors and relatives heard how God had blessed her, and
all of them shared her happiness. Rejoiced with her is a partial fulfillment of verse 14 where it stated
“and you will have joy and gladness, and many will rejoice at his birth.” When the old baby was one
week old, they came to Elizabeth’s home to circumcise him, according to the custom of the Jews.
Circumcision during this time is a commandment in Gen. 17:12-14 whereas on the eight day the child
should be circumcised. The neighbors wanted t o call the baby Zechariah, after his father. But Elizabeth
said, “No! his name will be John.” Elizabeth names her son John as the angel instructed (v. 13), but the
choice was questioned (v. 61). Then they made signs to Zechariah, asking him what he wanted to name
his son. Zechariah requested a writing pad and wrote his answer. They made signs to his father indicates
that Zechariah was deaf as well as mute, or else they would simply have spoken him (v. 22). This is
confirmed by the people’s amusement (v. 63) that he chose the same name as Elizabeth chose,
something would not have been surprising if he had been able to hear her, Zechariah, using writing
tablet, affirms Elizabeth’s choice. In verses 65 – 66 fear comes upon all neighbors of Zechariah and
Elizabeth for they suddenly realize that God is working among them. Luke emphasizes the greatness of
John’s fame by his expressions all their neighbors, all the hill country of Judea, and all who heard.