Luke 2:7
Verse
Context
Sermons






Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Laid him in a manger - Wetstein has shown, from a multitude of instances, that φατνη means not merely the manger, but the whole stable, and this I think is its proper meaning in this place. The Latins use praesepe, a manger, in the same sense. So Virgil, Aen. vii. p. 275. Stabant ter centum nitidi in praesepibus altis "Three hundred sleek horses stood in lofty stables." Many have thought that this was a full proof of the meanness and poverty of the holy family, that they were obliged to take up their lodging in a stable; but such people overlook the reason given by the inspired penman, because there was no room for them in the inn. As multitudes were going now to be enrolled, all the lodgings in the inn had been occupied before Joseph and Mary arrived. An honest man who had worked diligently at his business, under the peculiar blessing of God, as Joseph undoubtedly had, could not have been so destitute of money as not to be able to procure himself and wife a comfortable lodging for a night; and, had he been so ill fitted for the journey as some unwarrantably imagine, we may take it for granted he would not have brought his wife with him, who was in such a state as not to be exposed to any inconveniences of this kind without imminent danger. There was no room for them in the inn - In ancient times, inns were as respectable as they were useful, being fitted up for the reception of travelers alone: - now, they are frequently haunts for the idle and the profligate, the drunkard and the infidel; - in short, for any kind of guests except Jesus and his genuine followers. To this day there is little room for such in most inns; nor indeed have they, in general, any business in such places. As the Hindoos travel in large companies to holy places and to festivals, it often happens that the inns (suraies) are so crowded that there is not room for one half of them: some lie at the door, others in the porch. These inns, or lodging-houses, are kept by Mohammedans, and Mussulmans obtain prepared food at them; but the Hindoos purchase rice, etc., and cook it, paying about a halfpenny a night for their lodging. Ward's Customs.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
first-born--So Mat 1:25; yet the law, in speaking of the first-born, regardeth not whether any were born after or no, but only that none were born before [LIGHTFOOT]. wrapt him . . . laid him--The mother herself did so. Had she then none to help her? It would seem so (Co2 8:9). a manger--the manger, the bench to which the horses' heads were tied, on which their food could rest [WEBSTER and WILKINSON]. no room in the inn--a square erection, open inside, where travellers put up, and whose rear parts were used as stables. The ancient tradition, that our Lord was born in a grotto or cave, is quite consistent with this, the country being rocky. In Mary's condition the journey would be a slow one, and ere they arrived, the inn would be fully occupied--affecting anticipation of the reception He was throughout to meet with (Joh 1:11). Wrapt in His swaddling--bands, And in His manger laid, The hope and glory of all lands Is come to the world's aid. No peaceful home upon His cradle smiled, Guests rudely went and came where slept the royal Child. KEBLE But some "guests went and came" not "rudely," but reverently. God sent visitors of His own to pay court to the new-born King.
John Gill Bible Commentary
And she brought forth her firstborn son,.... At Bethlehem, as was predicted; and the Jews themselves own, that the Messiah is already born, and born at Bethlehem. They have a tradition, that an Arabian should say to a Jew (k). "Lo! the king Messiah is born; he said to him, what is his name? Menachem: he asked him, what is his father's name? he replied to him, Hezekiah; he said unto him, from whence is he? he answered, from the palace of the king of Bethlehem. Which is elsewhere (l) reported, with some little variation; the Arabian said to the Jew, "the Redeemer of the Jews is born; he said unto him, what is his name? he replied, Menachem is his name: and what is his father's name? he answered, Hezekiah: he said unto him, and where do they dwell? he replied, in Birath Arba, in Bethlehem. And the Jewish chronologer affirms (m), that "Jesus the Nazarene, was born at Bethlehem Judah, a "parsa" and a half from Jerusalem. And even the author of the blasphemous book of the life of Christ owns (n), that "Bethlehem Judah was the place of his nativity. Jesus is called Mary's firstborn, because she had none before him; though she might not have any after him; for the first that opened the matrix, was called the firstborn, though none followed after, and was holy to the Lord, Exo 13:2. Christ, as to his human nature; was Mary's firstborn; and as to his divine nature, God's firstborn: and wrapped him in swaddling clothes; which shows, that he was in all things made like unto us, sin only excepted. This is one of the first things done to a new born infant, after that it is washed, and its navel cut; see Eze 16:4 and which Mary did herself, having neither midwife nor nurse with her; from whence it has been concluded, that the birth of Jesus was easy, and that she brought him forth without pain, and not in that sorrow women usually do, and laid him in a manger. The Persic version serves for a comment; "she put him into the middle of the manger, in the place in which they gave food to beasts; because in the place whither they came, they had no cradle": this shows the meanness of our Lord's birth, and into what a low estate he came; and that now, as afterwards, though Lord of all, yet had not where to lay his head in a proper place; and expresses his amazing grace, in that he was rich, yet for our sakes became poor: and the reason of his being here laid was, because there was no room for them in the inn. It seems that Joseph had no house of his own to go into, nor any relation and friend to receive him: and it may be, both his own father and Mary's father were dead, and therefore were obliged to put up at an inn; and in this there was no room for them, because of the multitude that were come thither to be enrolled: and this shows their poverty and meanness, and the little account that was made of them; for had they been rich, and made any considerable figure, they would have been regarded, and room made for them; especially since Mary was in the circumstances she was; and it was brutish in them to turn them into a stable, when such was her case, (k) T. Hieros. Berncot, fol. 5. 1. (l) Echa Rabbati, fol. 50. 1. (m) David Ganz, ut supra. (par. 2. fol. 14. 2.) (n) Toldos Jesu, p. 7.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
2:7 wrapped him snugly in strips of cloth: This common practice showed motherly love and care (see Ezek 16:4). • A manger was a feeding trough for animals. • no lodging available for them: This is a more accurate translation than the traditional “no room in the inn.” The word translated lodging does not mean an inn (there were no inns in tiny Bethlehem), but either a guest room in a private house or a public shelter for travelers. Since there was no normal lodging, Joseph and Mary moved to an area reserved for animals.
Luke 2:7
The Birth of Jesus
6While they were there, the time came for her Child to be born.7And she gave birth to her firstborn, a Son. She wrapped Him in swaddling cloths and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
The Two Mysteries - the Mystery of Church
By Zac Poonen2.2K57:08MysteryMAT 6:33MRK 6:3LUK 2:7JHN 3:16JHN 6:381CO 12:12PHP 2:5In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of understanding Jesus' purpose on earth and how it relates to the calling of the church. He highlights the significance of money and how it should not be a focus for church leaders. The speaker shares his personal experience of serving in his church for 27 years without taking any money from it, and how their workers in India follow the same principle. He also mentions the growth of their churches in India by pushing people to rely on Christ rather than on themselves. The sermon concludes by stating that our calling as the spiritual body of Christ is similar to Jesus' calling when he came to earth, and the speaker presents John 6:38 as a verse that summarizes Jesus' ministry.
Christmas Talk
By Hans R. Waldvogel2.1K14:18ChristmasPSA 34:6ISA 53:2LUK 2:7LUK 11:13JHN 1:12ROM 8:321JN 3:2In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the simplicity of receiving Jesus into one's heart. He compares it to the busy Christmas season, where people are focused on material things. The preacher highlights that Jesus came to earth in a humble manner, in a manger, which was unexpected. The sermon also mentions the presence of angels and Satan during gatherings, emphasizing the importance of accepting Jesus and not turning him aside. The preacher encourages the audience to realize their worth as God's creation and to seek understanding of their purpose in life.
The King and the Kingdom
By Stephen Kaung2.0K1:02:12Kingdom Of GodNUM 23:19ISA 9:6MAT 16:18MAT 24:14LUK 2:7LUK 3:3ROM 9:23In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of understanding the nature of the kingdom of God by knowing the character of the king. The character of the king is demonstrated through the beatitudes, showing his humility, meekness, thirst for righteousness, mercy, purity, and peacemaking. The speaker also highlights the significance of the cross as a demonstration of the character of the kingdom. The sermon references Matthew 24:14, where it is stated that the gospel of the kingdom will be preached throughout the world before the end comes.
A Sure Way to an Open Heaven
By Carter Conlon1.7K41:09MAT 25:35LUK 2:7JAS 1:22REV 3:15REV 3:20This sermon from Revelation chapter 3 emphasizes the need for an open heaven and a vision of God. It highlights the danger of being lukewarm in faith and the importance of being passionate for truth and obedience. The message calls for a willingness to open our hearts to the needs of others, especially the marginalized, and to be vessels of God's compassion in a generation filled with challenges and distractions.
Gospel of Luke Ii
By Stephen Kaung1.4K1:11:57LukePSA 16:3MAT 5:3MRK 10:45LUK 2:7JHN 5:19PHP 2:6HEB 10:7In this sermon, Robert Stephen Kahl discusses the different aspects of the gospel of Jesus Christ. He explains that the gospel according to Matthew presents Christ as the King, emphasizing the importance of submitting to his authority. The gospel according to Mark portrays Christ as the servant of the Lord, teaching the lesson of service. The gospel according to Luke presents Christ as the Son of Man, highlighting his compassion for humanity. Kahl also mentions the significance of Christ's birth, growth, ministry, death, resurrection, and ascension in the gospel narratives.
Who Is He in Yonder Stall?
By Don Courville1.4K41:54NativityLUK 1:35LUK 2:7LUK 2:11LUK 2:15LUK 2:17LUK 2:21LUK 2:26LUK 2:30LUK 2:32LUK 2:38In this sermon, the preacher shares a story about a man who broke the rules of a prison and went down to pray for the inmates individually. He wept and prayed for each person he encountered. Later, the governor of the prison, on a cold Christmas Eve, encounters a little girl waiting for him outside the prison walls. She presents him with a lock of hair from her deceased brother, which breaks the governor's heart. The preacher emphasizes that just as the governor was broken by the lock of hair, God sent His Son Jesus to break us from our sins and ourselves.
Dead With Christ and Risen With Him
By Erlo Stegen1.3K30:24Dead With ChristMAT 6:33LUK 2:7ROM 6:1ROM 6:6ROM 6:11In this sermon, the preacher reflects on the allure of the world and its influence on young people. He uses a personal anecdote about a past fashion trend to illustrate the transient nature of worldly attractions. The preacher then emphasizes the significance of Jesus' crucifixion and resurrection, explaining that believers are united with Christ in his death and resurrection. He warns against refusing room for Jesus in our lives, as the innkeepers did, and urges listeners to worship and submit to Jesus as the judge of all. The preacher concludes by acknowledging the temptation of the world and encourages the congregation to seek understanding and guidance from God's word.
The Happy Pilgrim
By Jim Cymbala1.2K26:57PilgrimsPSA 84:5PSA 84:10MAT 26:28MAT 28:1LUK 2:7JHN 19:17ACT 2:1In this sermon, the speaker addresses the challenge of getting people to come to church in a world filled with distractions. He emphasizes the importance of people wanting to be in church and suggests seeking guidance from God on how to address this issue. The speaker highlights the significance of experiencing God's presence and how it can transform individuals. He also references Psalm 84, which speaks about the desire to be in God's presence and the blessings that come from it.
Elijah
By Major Ian Thomas1.1K1:04:22Elijah1KI 17:1MAT 7:25MAT 26:31MAT 26:38LUK 2:7PHP 2:5In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of living a life that reflects the presence of God within us. He encourages Christians to be a living testimony of Christ, not just through words, but through their actions and behavior. The speaker highlights that the message we communicate to the world is not just through sermons or speeches, but through the person we are and the quality of our lives. He reminds listeners that God can work through them to bring about miraculous and impactful moments when they align themselves with His will. The speaker also acknowledges that living out this calling may come with risks and misunderstandings, but it is a privilege and vocation for every believer.
On Eagles' Wings Pt 317
By Don Courville32436:15Radio ShowMAT 6:33MRK 10:17LUK 2:7JHN 3:16ACT 20:35REV 2:1In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes how God can transform a worthless and sinful life into something beautiful and valuable. He compares this transformation to an artist turning a cheap canvas into a valuable painting. The preacher also shares a story about a man with tongue cancer who had his last opportunity to speak before surgery. This story serves as a reminder of the importance of using our time, talents, and resources to serve God. The sermon concludes with a reminder of the ultimate act of giving - God giving His only Son for the salvation of the world - and encourages listeners to share the message of Jesus with others.
The Cure for Chaos
By Shane Idleman1828:19Peace in ChristCure for ChaosISA 9:6MAT 11:28LUK 2:7Shane Idleman emphasizes that amidst the chaos of life, especially during the Christmas season, Jesus Christ is the only solid foundation that offers true peace and rest. He draws parallels between the anticipation of the Messiah in the Old Testament and the fulfillment of that promise in the birth of Christ, highlighting the importance of accepting or rejecting Him. Idleman stresses that true transformation comes from a relationship with Jesus, not mere religion, and that surrendering to Him is essential for overcoming life's burdens. He encourages believers to cast their cares upon Christ, who offers a yoke that is easy and light, and to embrace the gift of salvation through faith and repentance. Ultimately, he calls for a recognition of the urgency to accept Jesus, as refusing to surrender prolongs inner conflict and chaos.
Luke 2:1
By Chuck Smith0The Love of GodMaking Room for ChristISA 9:6MAT 11:28LUK 2:7JHN 3:16PHP 2:7REV 3:20Chuck Smith emphasizes the profound love story of God sending His Son into a world that has become a prodigal, highlighting humanity's failure to govern itself and the resulting entanglement in sin. He reflects on the tragic irony of Christ, the Creator, being born in a manger due to a lack of room in the inn, paralleling how many today still exclude Him from their lives. Smith urges listeners to consider what is more important than Christ, especially during the Christmas season when He is often overshadowed by commercialism. The sermon calls for introspection on whether we have made room for Christ in our hearts amidst life's distractions.
Day 2, Matthew 2
By David Servant0ISA 9:6MAT 2:9MAT 2:16LUK 2:7EPH 2:10David Servant preaches on the importance of continuously seeking God's guidance without making assumptions, using the examples of the wise men following the star to find Jesus and Joseph obeying God's instructions step by step. He emphasizes the need to trust God and walk by faith, even when the entire plan is not revealed upfront. The sermon also highlights the uniqueness and value of Jesus, emphasizing His divinity and the importance of worshiping Him as God.
The Message of the Manger
By James Blaine Chapman0GEN 3:15PSA 51:7MAT 1:21LUK 2:7JHN 3:16ROM 5:1HEB 2:1James Blaine Chapman preaches on the significance of Jesus Christ's birth, emphasizing how His coming is the central date and most important event in history. The birth of Jesus fulfilled numerous prophecies, showcasing God's faithfulness and wisdom in bringing about His promise. The manger where Jesus was laid symbolizes the hope and joy of humanity, as without His birth, there would be no redemption, forgiveness, or salvation. The message of the manger includes themes of faithfulness, knowledge of God, love, salvation, regeneration, cleansing from sin, divine fullness, peace, good will, and hope for final victory and glory.
That Baby in the Manger
By A.W. Tozer0Vulnerability of ChristIncarnationISA 53:2MAT 1:23LUK 2:7JHN 1:14PHP 2:7A.W. Tozer reflects on the profound imagery of Jesus as a tender shoot from Isaiah 53, emphasizing His vulnerability and dependence as a newborn in the manger. He draws parallels between the fragility of a young plant and the helplessness of a newborn, highlighting the divine mystery of Christ's incarnation. Tozer reminds us that while Jesus appeared weak and fragile, He is both fully human and fully divine, coming into the world not from nonexistence but from eternal existence. This duality of Christ as the tender plant and the root from dry ground encapsulates the essence of His mission and identity.
Matthew 2:9-11. the Wise Men's Journey to Bethlehem.
By Favell Lee Mortimer0PSA 37:4MAT 2:1LUK 2:7Favell Lee Mortimer preaches about the wise men who diligently sought and worshiped Jesus, following the star that led them to the Savior in Bethlehem. Despite the humble surroundings, they joyfully presented their treasures to the infant Jesus, showing that true satisfaction and joy come from being in the presence of the Lord. Their example of earnestness in seeking the Savior serves as a rebuke to those who are indifferent to knowing Christ better, highlighting the importance of actively pursuing a relationship with Him.
Follow the Footsteps of the Lord — Extract From an Open Letter From Brother Song to Pastor Schubert
By John Sung0Following ChristSufferingMAT 4:1MAT 8:20LUK 2:7John Sung emphasizes the importance of following the footsteps of the Lord through trials and suffering, reflecting on his own experiences of grace during difficult times. He encourages believers to embrace the various aspects of Jesus' journey, including poverty, solitude, and being misunderstood, as essential parts of spiritual growth. Sung highlights that through these challenges, one can gain profound insights and draw closer to God. He reminds the congregation that following Christ's example leads to spiritual advancement and ultimately to the power of resurrection. Sung concludes with a call to remain steadfast in faith, especially in the face of adversity.
Epistle 320 - Part 2
By George Fox0Women in MinistryFaith and ActionMAT 15:22MRK 5:25MRK 16:6LUK 1:38LUK 2:7LUK 2:19JHN 20:12ROM 16:1GAL 3:28George Fox emphasizes the significant roles of women in the early Christian church, highlighting their faith and actions as examples for all believers. He discusses Mary, the mother of Jesus, and her acceptance of God's word, as well as the faith of women like Elizabeth, Anna, and the Canaanite woman, who all played crucial roles in proclaiming Christ. Fox points out that women were not only witnesses to Jesus' life and resurrection but also active participants in spreading the gospel, challenging the notion that women should be silent in the church. He encourages women to embrace their calling and serve God with their gifts, as seen in the examples of Dorcas and Lydia. Ultimately, Fox calls for recognition of women's contributions to the faith and their equal standing in Christ.
Luke 2:6
By Chuck Smith0Making Room for JesusThe True Meaning of ChristmasMAT 2:1LUK 2:7JHN 1:14Chuck Smith reflects on the profound irony and tragedy of the birth of Jesus, emphasizing that despite being the Creator of the universe, there was 'no room in the inn' for Him. He highlights the plight of Mary and Joseph, who, while carrying the Son of God, found no place to stay in Bethlehem, illustrating how busy lives and celebrations can overshadow the true meaning of Christmas. The innkeeper, though initially indifferent, ultimately offered them a stable, symbolizing the small sacrifices made for Christ. Smith challenges listeners to consider how they celebrate Christmas and whether they make room for Jesus amidst their holiday preparations.
The Word Made Flesh
By A.W. Tozer0The Nature of ChristIncarnationLUK 2:7JHN 1:14PHP 2:7COL 1:16HEB 1:3A.W. Tozer reflects on the profound mystery of the Incarnation, emphasizing that Jesus, the Eternal One, humbled Himself to become flesh and dwell among humanity. He expresses a longing to have witnessed the baby Jesus, while also recognizing that this humble child was the Creator of all things, including the very manger that held Him. Tozer highlights the significance of Jesus coming into His own world, reminding us that everything we experience belongs to Him. This revelation leads to a deep love, adoration, and honor for Christ, who is both the glorified Savior and the humble infant of Bethlehem.
The Gospel of the Infancy
By J.R. Miller0The IncarnationThe Significance of ChildhoodMAT 2:1LUK 2:7J.R. Miller emphasizes the profound significance of Jesus' infancy, arguing that His birth represents the ultimate act of love and grace, as the Son of God chose to enter the world in the vulnerability of a child. He contrasts the humble reception of Jesus with the grandeur of His divine nature, noting that while the world largely overlooked His arrival, the Magi recognized His royalty and honored Him with gifts. Miller highlights the transformative impact of Christ's birth on childhood and the sacredness it brings to every child's life, urging us to revere and cherish the blessing of children. He concludes by affirming that true devotion to Christ leads to a deep and fulfilling relationship with Him, where every promise is realized. The message of the Incarnation, he argues, is as glorious as the message of the Cross.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Laid him in a manger - Wetstein has shown, from a multitude of instances, that φατνη means not merely the manger, but the whole stable, and this I think is its proper meaning in this place. The Latins use praesepe, a manger, in the same sense. So Virgil, Aen. vii. p. 275. Stabant ter centum nitidi in praesepibus altis "Three hundred sleek horses stood in lofty stables." Many have thought that this was a full proof of the meanness and poverty of the holy family, that they were obliged to take up their lodging in a stable; but such people overlook the reason given by the inspired penman, because there was no room for them in the inn. As multitudes were going now to be enrolled, all the lodgings in the inn had been occupied before Joseph and Mary arrived. An honest man who had worked diligently at his business, under the peculiar blessing of God, as Joseph undoubtedly had, could not have been so destitute of money as not to be able to procure himself and wife a comfortable lodging for a night; and, had he been so ill fitted for the journey as some unwarrantably imagine, we may take it for granted he would not have brought his wife with him, who was in such a state as not to be exposed to any inconveniences of this kind without imminent danger. There was no room for them in the inn - In ancient times, inns were as respectable as they were useful, being fitted up for the reception of travelers alone: - now, they are frequently haunts for the idle and the profligate, the drunkard and the infidel; - in short, for any kind of guests except Jesus and his genuine followers. To this day there is little room for such in most inns; nor indeed have they, in general, any business in such places. As the Hindoos travel in large companies to holy places and to festivals, it often happens that the inns (suraies) are so crowded that there is not room for one half of them: some lie at the door, others in the porch. These inns, or lodging-houses, are kept by Mohammedans, and Mussulmans obtain prepared food at them; but the Hindoos purchase rice, etc., and cook it, paying about a halfpenny a night for their lodging. Ward's Customs.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
first-born--So Mat 1:25; yet the law, in speaking of the first-born, regardeth not whether any were born after or no, but only that none were born before [LIGHTFOOT]. wrapt him . . . laid him--The mother herself did so. Had she then none to help her? It would seem so (Co2 8:9). a manger--the manger, the bench to which the horses' heads were tied, on which their food could rest [WEBSTER and WILKINSON]. no room in the inn--a square erection, open inside, where travellers put up, and whose rear parts were used as stables. The ancient tradition, that our Lord was born in a grotto or cave, is quite consistent with this, the country being rocky. In Mary's condition the journey would be a slow one, and ere they arrived, the inn would be fully occupied--affecting anticipation of the reception He was throughout to meet with (Joh 1:11). Wrapt in His swaddling--bands, And in His manger laid, The hope and glory of all lands Is come to the world's aid. No peaceful home upon His cradle smiled, Guests rudely went and came where slept the royal Child. KEBLE But some "guests went and came" not "rudely," but reverently. God sent visitors of His own to pay court to the new-born King.
John Gill Bible Commentary
And she brought forth her firstborn son,.... At Bethlehem, as was predicted; and the Jews themselves own, that the Messiah is already born, and born at Bethlehem. They have a tradition, that an Arabian should say to a Jew (k). "Lo! the king Messiah is born; he said to him, what is his name? Menachem: he asked him, what is his father's name? he replied to him, Hezekiah; he said unto him, from whence is he? he answered, from the palace of the king of Bethlehem. Which is elsewhere (l) reported, with some little variation; the Arabian said to the Jew, "the Redeemer of the Jews is born; he said unto him, what is his name? he replied, Menachem is his name: and what is his father's name? he answered, Hezekiah: he said unto him, and where do they dwell? he replied, in Birath Arba, in Bethlehem. And the Jewish chronologer affirms (m), that "Jesus the Nazarene, was born at Bethlehem Judah, a "parsa" and a half from Jerusalem. And even the author of the blasphemous book of the life of Christ owns (n), that "Bethlehem Judah was the place of his nativity. Jesus is called Mary's firstborn, because she had none before him; though she might not have any after him; for the first that opened the matrix, was called the firstborn, though none followed after, and was holy to the Lord, Exo 13:2. Christ, as to his human nature; was Mary's firstborn; and as to his divine nature, God's firstborn: and wrapped him in swaddling clothes; which shows, that he was in all things made like unto us, sin only excepted. This is one of the first things done to a new born infant, after that it is washed, and its navel cut; see Eze 16:4 and which Mary did herself, having neither midwife nor nurse with her; from whence it has been concluded, that the birth of Jesus was easy, and that she brought him forth without pain, and not in that sorrow women usually do, and laid him in a manger. The Persic version serves for a comment; "she put him into the middle of the manger, in the place in which they gave food to beasts; because in the place whither they came, they had no cradle": this shows the meanness of our Lord's birth, and into what a low estate he came; and that now, as afterwards, though Lord of all, yet had not where to lay his head in a proper place; and expresses his amazing grace, in that he was rich, yet for our sakes became poor: and the reason of his being here laid was, because there was no room for them in the inn. It seems that Joseph had no house of his own to go into, nor any relation and friend to receive him: and it may be, both his own father and Mary's father were dead, and therefore were obliged to put up at an inn; and in this there was no room for them, because of the multitude that were come thither to be enrolled: and this shows their poverty and meanness, and the little account that was made of them; for had they been rich, and made any considerable figure, they would have been regarded, and room made for them; especially since Mary was in the circumstances she was; and it was brutish in them to turn them into a stable, when such was her case, (k) T. Hieros. Berncot, fol. 5. 1. (l) Echa Rabbati, fol. 50. 1. (m) David Ganz, ut supra. (par. 2. fol. 14. 2.) (n) Toldos Jesu, p. 7.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
2:7 wrapped him snugly in strips of cloth: This common practice showed motherly love and care (see Ezek 16:4). • A manger was a feeding trough for animals. • no lodging available for them: This is a more accurate translation than the traditional “no room in the inn.” The word translated lodging does not mean an inn (there were no inns in tiny Bethlehem), but either a guest room in a private house or a public shelter for travelers. Since there was no normal lodging, Joseph and Mary moved to an area reserved for animals.