Albert Barnes on Luke 1:63

He asked. That is, by signs.

A writing table. The table denoted by this word was usually made of wood and covered with wax. The ancients used to write on such tables, as they had not the use of paper. The instrument used for writing was an iron pen or style, by which they marked on the wax which covered the table. Sometimes the writing-table was made entirely of lead.

(g) "John" Lk 1:13