2 (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.) though not an independent kingdom (see on Matt. 2: 1), yet it was not taxed by the Romans; the tribute collected in the country was paid for the support of Herod's government. The design of Augustus, probably, was, to ascertain the amount of population in this appendage to his empire. The census thus ordered might perhaps be afterwards employed as a basis, to some extent, for taxation, should the government of the country undergo a change. Some years after, when Judea was reduced to the form of a Roman province, a tax was levied; and it occasioned much commotion among the Jews. See Acts 5: 37. But the present enrolling seems to have been quietly submitted to. 3 And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city. this enrolling was made, and might therefore be called by the title which is implied in the language of Luke We know from the testimony of Josephus, the Jewish historian, that Saturninus, previously to this time, had an associate in his office, named Volumnius, and that Josephus applies the same title both to Saturninus and to Volumnius. Now, we have only to suppose that Volumnius had been called away from this office, and that Cyrenius, who, it is also known, had become a distinguished man, had been associated with Saturninus in the government of Syria. But why should Cyrenius, the assistant, be named, rather than Saturninus, the real governor? Because when, ten years after, at the banishment of 2. This taxing; this enrolling of Archelaus from Judea, Judea was rethe inhabitants. Was first made, duced to the form of a Roman prov&c. There is an historical difficulty ince, this same Cyrenius became in this statement of the evangelist, governor of Syria, and was employed the entire removal of which requires in levying a tax on the province — a more accurate information of those measure which excited great indigtimes than has been handed down to nation among the people. The simius. Luke is here speaking of a de- larity of these two events, namely, the cree which was issued a short time census and the taxing, would natubefore the birth of Christ. Yet he rally lead to the associating of them seems to say, that the enrolling which both with the same man, even though this decree enjoined was performed Cyrenius was merely an assistant of when Cyrenius was governor of Saturninus when the first enrolling Syria. Now, it is the testimony of was made. Nor is it improbable that authentic history, that Cyrenius did this enrolling was performed under not become governor of Syria till his superintendence, rather than unJesus was about ten years of age. It der that of Saturninus. is also known that, at the time of our Lord's birth, the governor of Syria was Saturninus. He was succeeded by Quintus Varus, and Varus was succeeded by Cyrenius, or, according to his Roman name, Quirinus. How then does Luke say, that the enrolling was performed when Cyrenius was governor of Syria? Several explanations have been proposed, the most satisfactory of which appears to be the following: It is probable that Cyrenius was associated in office with Saturninus at the time when It should also be observed, as somewhat confirming the view just presented, that a literal rendering of the passage would be this: "This enrolment was the first while Cyrenius was governor of Syria." Thus it seems to be distinguished from the census and taxation which took place ten years afterwards, under Cyrenius, and to which, probably, allusion is made in Acts 5: 37. 3. All; that is, all the Jews. || To be taxed; or, in accordance with what is stated on v. 1, to enrol their names. 4 And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem (because he was of the house and lineage of David), 5 To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child. 6 And so it was, that while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. 7 And she brought forth her first-born son, and wrapped him in swaddling-clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn. She and her husband being of the family of David, they both went to the same town to regis ter their names. Into his own city. It was custom-inherited what property belonged to ary, among the Jews, to be enrolled the family. according to tribes and families. Hence there was a propriety in each one's repairing to the town which he regarded as his paternal residence, or the place where some distinguished ancestor was born, from whom he was in the habit of tracing his de scent. 4. Galilee. Nazareth. Judea. See on Matt. 2: 22, 23. || City of David; the town of David's birth and early residence. Compare 1 Sam. 16: 1, 11-13. || Bethlehem. See on Matt. 2:1. Of the house and lineage, &c.; of the family and from the line of David. 5. With Mary. It is doubtful 7. First-born son. See on Matt. 1: 25. || Wrapped him in swaddling clothes; that is, swathed him. It was customary to swathe new-born infants with bandages, so as to prevent distortion of the limbs. || In a manger. Some consider the word translated manger as signifying stable, or a small shed or hovel connected with the house, and as indicating the apartment in which the mother of Jesus, as well as the infant, was accommodated. The current opinion is, that the word manger means really a crib whether the sacred writer meant to intended for cattle to eat from. There say that Joseph went up (v. 4) with are not sufficient reasons for departMary, to register his name, that is, ing from this current opinion. Not went up accompanied by her; or only in this verse, but also in vs. 12 that Joseph went up to enrol his name and 16, the manger seems to be menwith Mary, that is, to have both their tioned particularly as employed for names enrolled. The language will placing the infant, just as a cradle admit either construction. It is most would be mentioned as containing a commonly thought, however, that babe. There is sufficient evidence, Luke intended to represent Mary as also, that in early times mangers were also going to give in her name. The employed in the East for the use of enrolling of the names of females horses, &c. | There was no room for was not usual among the Jews, unless them in the inn. The same reason in the case of those females who had that led Joseph and Mary to Bethlecome into the possession of an inher- hem, led many others at the same itance by reason of their fathers' dy- time to this place; and many would ing without sons. In that case, the of course seek accommodations at daughters inherited the property; and the public house. Bethlehem was they were required to marry within not a town of sufficient importance the tribe to which their father be to have several such establishments; longed. See Num. 36: 5-9. From and thus there was not opportunity to this circumstance it is concluded that select a suitable place for Mary's Mary had no brothers, and that she temporary residence. In many of 8 And there were in the same country shepherds abiding the public houses of the East, travellers and their beasts were all accommodated under the same roof; the space was partitioned off, the beasts having their appropriate place, and the travellers theirs. Other public houses were differently arranged, so as to be better adapted for the accommodation of travellers and strangers, without being specially fitted for the animals; yet, doubtless, this second sort would not be destitute of a place for beasts. The inn at Bethlehem was probably of this second kind; and, as it was now filled with company, the only alternative was, that Mary should repair to that part of the establishment which was usually appropriated to the cattle. Unsuitable, however, as such a place was, we yet must not judge of this account by our feelings respecting stables among ourselves. Tents and houses were, at that time, frequently so arranged as to give the domestic beasts a lodging under the same roof with the members of the family; and the servants particularly often lodged in the very same apartments with the cattle. The domestic beasts were also often objects of much endearment; so that it was by no means so repulsive to their feelings to be in the midst of cattle, by night or by day, as it would be to ours. Nor does it necessarily follow, from the brief account of Luke, that the mother of Jesus was treated with entire neglect, and was not at all favored with such conveniences and attendants as humanity, to say the least, would prompt. But, making all the abatements from the meanness of these accommodations that we can, there would undoubtedly have been made, in some way, more suitable provision, had Joseph and Mary been among the wealthy and the honored of the earth. It may be well to mention here, that, from very early times, a tradition has been handed down that Joseph and Mary repaired to a cave, and that Jesus was born in a cave, either in or in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. near Bethlehem. Caves, in Eastern parts of the world, both natural and artificial, were on various occasions resorted to; and it is supposed that, by the bounty of the benevolent and wealthy, some might be furnished with a few conveniences for travellers. In such a cave it has been supposed that Mary found a manger in which to lay her infant. But the tradition was, probably, like many other stories, devised to make the account more acceptable; it being thought somewhat romantic and dig nified that Jesus should be born in a cave. The story has a heathen air about it, and probably originated from some of the stories of heathen Greeks and Romans. REFLECTIONS. 1. In how remarkable a manner did God cause ancient prophecy to be fulfilled! The Messiah was to be born in Bethlehem; see Micah 5: 2. But, in all human probability, after the announcement to Mary, related by Luke (1: 26, &c.), he would be born in Nazareth. God, however, had so arranged the course of events that the ancient prediction would be literally fulfilled. Compare Matt. 2: 1-6. 2. The condition of Joseph and Mary, and of Jesus at the time of his birth, shows how unnecessary to true excellence, and to dignity in the sight of God, is earthly greatness. The highest worth of character, and the fullest enjoyment of the divine favor, may be possessed by those whose external circumstances are repulsive. Let us not place our affections on wealth, on fine houses, and furniture, and dress; but let us seek, as the one thing supremely worthy of our pursuit, the honor which cometh from God, and which will advance us to heavenly glory. Compare Luke 16: 20, 22. Í Šam. 16: 7. 1 Cor. 1: 2729. Col. 3: 2. 8. The same country; the same region, or district of country. Keep 9 And lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them; and they were sore afraid. 10 And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. 11 For unto you is born this ing watch by night; keeping the night-watches. The employment of the shepherds required them to be abroad in the fields by night as well as by day. They were doubtless in the habit of taking their turns of watching and sleeping; so that, during the whole night, some of the company would be awake. The shepherds were probably provided with tents or huts. 9. The angel. More properly, an angel. Came upon them; suddenly appeared to them. The glory of the Lord. God is represented as surrounded with splendor, an unspeakably bright effulgence. Compare Rev. 21: 23. 22: 5. Ps. 104: 2. When he is spoken of as appearing to men, he is sometimes represented as coming with that brightness. Compare Ex. 24: 16, 17. 40: 34. See also Acts 9: 3. 22: 6. Thus, in connection with the visit of the angel, there was such a splendor as indicated the presence of the Lord; so that the Lord might be said to have come down in his glory. Angels themselves also, and glorified saints, are described as appearing surrounded with a celestial splendor. Compare Rev. 18: 1. Luke 9: 31. It should also be observed, that the name of God is sometimes employed in the Scriptures in order to give intensity to an expression. In conformity with this remark, the phrase glory of the Lord may be a very strong expression for a very brilliant glory or splendor; such a splendor as must be referred to the Lord as its author, and such as day, in the city of David, a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. 12 And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling-clothes, lying in a manger. 13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, 14 Glory to God in the high was suitable to accompany an angelic visitant; a splendor which indicated that Jehovah was peculiarly near, either personally or by the agency of the angel. Sore afraid; greatly terrified. Feelings of terror would naturally be excited by such an appearance. Compare Judges 6: 22 13: 22. Dan. 10: 7, 8. . 10. To all people. More properly, to all the people, that is, to the whole Jewish nation. This nation was expecting the Messiah. The news of his having come would be "good tidings." But while this event would be a cause of joy to the Jewish nation, as being a fulfilment of promises made to them, and an accomplishing of their long-cherished expectations, it was the purpose of God, that ultimately every nation on earth should enjoy the benefits of the Messiah's reign. 11. The city of David. See on v. 4. Compare Matt. 2: 5. || Christ the Lord; Messiah, the Lord; or, the Lord Messiah. The word Messiah means primarily anointed one; and as the ceremony of anointing was used in designating kings among the Jews, the word was applied to kings. The King whose birth was now announced, was also to have a most extensive dominion. He was to be "Lord of all;" Acts 10: 36. He was to be "head over all things to the church;" Eph. 1:22. He was to be "King of kings and Lord of lords;" Rev. 19: 16. 13. Heavenly host; angels, the heavenly company. Compare Heb. 12: 22. 14. Glory; praise. In the high est, and on earth peace, good | wondered at those things which will toward men. 15 And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us. 16 And they came with haste, and found Mary and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger. 17 And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child. 18 And all they that heard it, est; on high, in the high heavens; or, in accordance with a manner of speaking prevalent at that time, the highest, the third heaven. See 2 Cor. 12: 2. The word heaven was applied to the region above the surface of the earth. The region of the air was called the first, or lowest heaven; the region which the heavenly bodies appear to occupy, the second; and the region beyond the visible firmament, was called the highest, or third heaven, as being the abode of God, of angels, and of the spirits of the just. Peace. This word, in the Scriptures, conveys very often the general idea of happiness, good of every sort, particularly spiritual good. The birth of the Messiah was a pledge of true bliss to be enjoyed on earth. Good will; the favor of God. The amount of the angels' doxology is, Glory be to God on high! Happiness will now bless the earth. God is propitious to men. REFLECTION. How deep an interest did angels manifest in the coming of Jesus Christ! And can we put too high an estimate on the blessings of the gospel, or too ardently seek those blessings? Compare 1 Pet. were told them by the shepherds. 19 But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart. 20 And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them. 21 And when eight days were accomplished for the circumcising of the child, his name was called JESUS, which was so named of the angel before he was conceived in the womb. 22 And when the days of her purification according to the law 1: 12. Luke 15: 7, 10. What power could the most exalted earthly greatness, or enjoyment, have in calling forth from angels expressions of admiration and delight? Let us, like angels, prize heavenly good. 19. 21. Kept; laid up in mind. Eight days, &c. See Gen. 17 12. Compare Luke 1: 59. His name was called JESUS, &c. Compare 1: 31. and Matt. 1: 21. 22. According to the law of Moses. See Lev. 12: 4. || To present him to the Lord. The first-born males among the Israelites, both of man and of beast, were claimed by the Lord as specially his, to be devoted to his service. This arrangement had a particular reference to the fact, that when the Israelites were about being delivered from Egypt, the first-born among the Egyptians were all slain by the special providence of God, as a punishment on Pharaoh and his people. tribe of Levi was afterwards specially set apart as the Lord's property, for attending to the religious service of the nation; and this tribe was thus set apart instead of the first-born males of all the people. Still, however, in order to keep in mind the The |