58. her neighbours and relatives heard how kind the Lord had been to her, and they too were glad.
59. Eight days later they did for the child what the Law of Moses commands. They were going to name him Zechariah, after his father.
60. But Elizabeth said, “No! His name is John.”
61. The people argued, “No one in your family has ever been named John.”
62. So they motioned to Zechariah to find out what he wanted to name his son.
63. Zechariah asked for a writing tablet. Then he wrote, “His name is John.” Everyone was amazed.
64. Straight away Zechariah started speaking and praising God.
65. All the neighbours were frightened because of what had happened, and everywhere in the hill country people kept talking about these things.
66. Everyone who heard about this wondered what this child would grow up to be. They knew that the Lord was with him.
67. The Holy Spirit came upon Zechariah, and he began to speak:
68. Praise the Lord,the God of Israel!He has cometo save his people.
69. Our God has given usa mighty Saviourfrom the familyof David his servant.
70. Long ago the Lord promisedby the wordsof his holy prophets