Luke 1:39
In those days Mary arose and went with haste into the hill country, to a town in Judah,
English Standard Version (ESV)
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Mary’s "haste" here isn't just about speed; it signifies her eager heart, driven by a profound desire to connect with Elizabeth and confirm the miracle she herself had just experienced. This journey, over seventy miles into the hilly terrain, shows a faith that immediately seeks out tangible signs of God's work and community.
Just after the angel Gabriel announced she would conceive the Son of God, Mary immediately traveled a long distance to visit her relative Elizabeth, who was also miraculously pregnant. This journey to the hill country of Judah and her subsequent encounter with Elizabeth and her unborn son John the Baptist are pivotal in understanding the unfolding divine plan.
Mary didn't wait. The moment she heard the angel’s news and learned about her cousin Elizabeth, she set out.
The word 'haste' here isn't just about moving quickly; it paints a picture of Mary's inner state. She was propelled by a powerful mix of awe, perhaps a touch of wonder, and a deep desire to connect with her cousin who was also experiencing a miraculous pregnancy.
Mary traveled from Nazareth to a town in Judah, a significant distance that was far from easy.
The journey itself speaks volumes. Mary traveled 'into the hill country, to a town in Judah.' This region was mountainous and would have been a challenging trek, likely over 70 miles from Nazareth.
Mary's journey to Elizabeth's home in the hill country of Judah wasn't just a social visit; it was a crucial step in confirming her faith and understanding the miraculous events unfolding. The immediate, Spirit-led recognition by Elizabeth and the prophetic pronouncements validated the angel's message, solidifying Mary's belief before she returned home to face her unique situation.
c. 2 BC— this verse
Angel Gabriel's Annunciation
The angel Gabriel appears to Mary, announcing she will conceive a son through the Holy Spirit, who will be called Jesus. Gabriel also informs Mary that her relative Elizabeth is pregnant in her old age.
c. 2 BC
Mary Travels to Judah
Mary travels with haste from Nazareth in Galilee to the hill country of Judah, likely to visit Elizabeth and Zechariah. This journey would have taken several days.
c. 2 BC
The Visitation and Magnificat
Upon Mary's arrival and greeting, Elizabeth's unborn child leaps in her womb. Filled with the Holy Spirit, Elizabeth recognizes Mary as the mother of the Lord and proclaims her blessed.
c. 2 BC
Mary's Song of Praise
Mary responds to Elizabeth's greeting with her famous song, the Magnificat, praising God for His mercy and the fulfillment of His promises to Israel.
This passage shows a similar strong emotional pull and immediate departure, with Ruth 'clinging' to Naomi, mirroring Mary's 'haste' driven by her inner experience and news from Elizabeth.
1 Samuel 1:24This verse describes Hannah bringing her child Samuel to the temple after he was weaned, illustrating a journey undertaken out of deep personal devotion and fulfillment of a vow, much like Mary's motivated visit.
Psalm 110:3This Psalm speaks of the people offering themselves willingly in the day of God's power, which echoes Mary's willing and immediate response to God's call and the subsequent journey to visit Elizabeth, a pivotal moment in salvation history.
Matthew 1:20This verse, describing the angel's message to Joseph about Mary's conception, directly relates to the context of Luke 1:39 by explaining the miraculous circumstances that spurred Mary's journey.
barnesLuke 1:39: "And Mary arose in those days, and went into the hill country with haste, into a city of Juda;"
And Mary arose - The word "arose" here is equivalent to "setting out," or starting on a journey. The hill country - The region in the vicinity of Jerusalem, commonly called the hill country of Judea. City of Juda - What city is meant is not known. Some have supposed it to be Jerusalem, others Hebron; but all is conjecture. It was probably a Levitical city, and the residence of Zechariah wh…
bensonLuke 1:39: "And Mary arose in those days, and went into the hill country with haste, into a city of Juda;"
Luke 1:39-45 . Mary arose in those days — That is, soon after the time that she had received the extraordinary message mentioned above; and went into the hill-country — Where Elisabeth dwelt, although it was at least seventy miles distant from Nazareth. It is probable she was eager to know the certainty of her cousin’s pregnancy, which the angel had mentioned, to show her the possibility o…
Mary’s "haste" here isn't just about speed; it signifies her eager heart, driven by a profound desire to connect with Elizabeth and confirm the miracle she herself had just experienced. This journey, over seventy miles into the hilly terrain, shows a faith that immediately seeks out tangible signs of God's work and community.
Just after the angel Gabriel announced she would conceive the Son of God, Mary immediately traveled a long distance to visit her relative Elizabeth, who was also miraculously pregnant. This journey to the hill country of Judah and her subsequent encounter with Elizabeth and her unborn son John the Baptist are pivotal in understanding the unfolding divine plan.
Just after the angel Gabriel announced she would conceive the Son of God, Mary immediately traveled a long distance to visit her relative Elizabeth, who was also miraculously pregnant. This journey to the hill country of Judah and her subsequent encounter with Elizabeth and her unborn son John the Baptist are pivotal in understanding the unfolding divine plan.
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c. 2 BC
Mary Stays in Judah
Mary stays with Elizabeth for approximately three months, during which time the conception of John the Baptist would have become more apparent.
c. 1 BC
Birth of John the Baptist
John the Baptist is born to Elizabeth and Zechariah. This event occurs shortly before Mary returns to Nazareth.
c. 1 BC
Mary Returns Home
After the birth of John the Baptist, Mary returns to her home in Nazareth, now carrying the child Jesus.
"In those days Mary arose and went with haste into the hill country, to a town in Judah," — Mary’s "haste" here isn't just about speed; it signifies her eager heart, driven by a profound desire to connect with Elizabeth and confirm the miracle she herself had just experienced. This journey,…
