Luke chapter 1

vs 51

This could be a reference to any number actions of God - the tower of Babel, the scattering and destruction of the Caananites, or of the Assyrians or Bablylonians. Regardless, it seems a fairly reasonable thing to say that this is a characteristic of God - scatterer of the proud.

vs 52

Sounds like the last verse was possible about the various ex-enemies of Israel. But one of the other of God's characteristics is that he exalts the humble. Again, this could be a reference to any number of occasions - the blessing going to Jacob, the use of Joseph, the call of Moses (Prince of Egypt doesn't show just how pathetic he was), the call of David to kingship and so on.

vs 53

Not sure what this is referring to. I mean, we know from Ecclesiastes (not to mention reality) that this statement is not a universal truth - the rich very often have plenty to eat, and the hungry don't - that's why they're hungry. So that makes you think it refers to an act or series of acts of God. But one where the rich go hungry is hard to think of.

vs 54-55

And God's faithfulness to his covenant is stressed here. And that is expressed constantly throughout the whole Bible. Even when God's letting Israel get smacked down by foreign armies, that's still part of him being faithful to his covenant.

vs 56

She would have been well and truly preggers by then.

vs 57

So now, 6 months before Jesus is born, we have the birth of Elizabeth and Zechariah's son, which was given to them by God earlier in the chapter.

vs 58

This was obviously going to be a time of great celebrating - I'll bet they even threw a party. Parties are pretty common in the culture. Should we throw more parties? If you don't know my feeling about parties yet, then you need to read harder.

vs 59

I assume that was traditional, especially consider later when they argue because no one in the family was called John.

vs 60

Now, how did Elizabeth know to call the kid John? Perhaps we (I) underestimated Zechariah's ability to communicate with his wife after being struck dumb. I mean, we know afterwards he can write, and if we assume Elizabeth can read, or that she at least has someone to read for her, then they could communicate like that.

Otherwise, it could just be that the Holy Spirit told her.