Luke 1:25 - Clarke's commentary and critical notes on the Bible

Thus hath the Lord dealt with me in the days wherein he looked on me, to take away my reproach among men. To take away my reproach - As fruitfulness was a part of the promise of God to his people, Genesis 17:6, and children, on this account, being considered as a particular blessing from heaven, Exodus 23:20; Leviticus 26:9 : Psalms 127:3; so barrenness was considered among the Jews as a reproach, and a token of the disapprobation of the Lord. 1 Samuel 1:6. But see Luke 1:36.