Matthew Poole and continuators on Luke 1:25

25 Thus hath the Lord dealt with me, in the days wherein he looked on me, to take away my reproach among men.

How long after those Days the Scripture saith not, but it is probable it was soon after, as in the Case of Abraham. And in the Case of Manoahs Wife, Iud. 13.3. who conceived presently after the Revelation, and hid her self under ground, not that she hid her self from seeing any Person, but she concealed from those whom she saw, the hopes that she had of her being with Child, and perhaps what her Husband had let her know by Writing of the Revelation he had from the Angel, not that she her self doubted the thing, that were unreasonable to presume▪ after the seeing of her Husband made Dumb for a Sign of it, and her next Word will let us know the contrary, but to avoid the Discourse of People upon so unusual a thing, who might possibly think her too Vain in speaking of a thing so improbable, and unlikely as this was. In the mean time she did not Conceal her self from God, but said, Thus hath the Lord dealt with me, Ascribing it all to the Power of God, who keepeth the Key of the Womb in his Hand, and maketh the Fruit of it his Reward, In the Days wherein he looked upon me, it is the same with, v. 48. he hath regarded the low Estate of his Hand-maid. The Favour of God to his Creatures is oft expressed under this Notion, Psal. 25.18. and 84.9. and 119.132. To take away my Reproach amongst Men. Barrenness is no more then a Reproach amongst Men, it was more especially a Reproach to Iewish Women, not only in regard of the Expectation of being the Mother of the Messias (for none could expect that but a Virgin, Isaiah 7.14. and she of the Tribe of Judah, to which the Messiah was promised, and one of the House of David, to whose Family he was promised as a Branch) but in regard of the special promise to Abraham, to whom a Seed was promised, numerous as the Dust, and as the Stars, to which the Barren Woman, could contribute nothing. It is a great Mercy when God favoureth his People with any Providences, which take away their Reproach amongst Men, and a just cause for his Peoples thankful acknowledgment.

Marginal references: Gen. 30.23. Isa. 4.1.