What manner of child ... - Such were the remarkable circumstances of his birth that they apprehended that he would be distinguished as a prophet, or that great events would result from his life.
The hand of the Lord was with him - The word “hand” is used to denote “aid, protection, favor.” We stretch out the hand to aid those whom we wish to help. The expression here means that God “aided” him, “protected” him, or showed him favor. Some think that these words are a part of the speech of the neighbors - “What manner of child shall this be? God is so evidently with him!”