Matthew Poole and continuators on Luke 1:66

66 And all they that had heard them, laid them up in their hearts, saying, What manner of child shall this be? And the hand of the Lord was with him.

By fear here is to be understood, an awe, and Religious reverence of God caused by these miraculous operations, Acts 2.43. Fear came upon every soul, and many Wonders, and Signs were done by the Apostles, [these sayings] [non-Latin text not transcribed]. It is an Hebraism, these doings, or matters, or things were published throughout all the Parts of Iudea, adjacent to the City, where Zacharias dwelt v. 39. And those serious People that heard them, pondered on them, considering the work of the Lord, and did think. That this Child would prove no ordinary Person. And the hand of the Lord was with him. By the hand of the Lord is meant, the Power of the Lord, his Providence, Love, favour, thus the Lord is said to have been with Samuel, 1 Sam. 3.19. The hand of the Lord oft signifieth the Power, help, and assistance of the Lord 1 Chron. 28.19. Psal. 80.17. The hand of the Lord upon a Person, sometimes signifieth the Spirit of Prophecy Ezek ▪ 1.3. &. 40.1. but this is a different Phrase, denoting only Gods special favour to Iohn, watching over and protecting him, using him to grow up and thrive to improve in knowledge, &c.