Gen 18:14, Zec 8:6, Luk 1:37 | JFB

Genesis 18:14

Zechariah 8:6

6. However impossible these things just promised by Me seem to you, they are not so with God. The "remnant" that had returned from the captivity, beholding the city desolate and the walls and houses in ruins, could hardly believe what God promised. The expression "remnant" glances at their ingratitude in rating so low God's power, though they had experienced it so "marvellously" displayed in their restoration. A great source of unbelief is, men "limit" God's power by their own (Ps 78:19, 20, 41).

these days—"of small things" (Zec 4:10), when such great things promised seemed incredible. MAURER, after JEROME, translates, "in those days"; that is, if the thing which I promised to do in those days, seems "marvellous," &c.

Luke 1:37

37. For, &c.—referring to what was said by the angel to Abraham in like case (Ge 18:14), to strengthen her faith.