Hearing the angel’s word about Elizabeth, Mary did not delay in visiting Elizabeth. Her hurry shows her need to find comfort and support from a fellow believer. Her visit was unannounced. Elizabeth and her husband, both of the priestly line, did not know she was coming.
The priest lived close to Jerusalem, within a day’s walk. Mary lived in Galilee. The average Jew avoided Samaria when going back and forth from Galilee to Judea. They took the route along the Jordan River. The route took several days. This is the route that Mary probably took. A single woman would have much danger on the road, if not the protection of the Lord God. Another indication of Mary’s need to find the comfort of another believer.
When Elizabeth greeted Mary as she did in verses 42 and 43, the blessing that the angel proclaimed to her was confirmed. Mary could more fully accept it and praise God. Elizabeth spoke as a prophetess. Elizabeth believed that Mary’s son was the Messiah, the one her son would proceed. Mary was blessed because she believed. Jesus would tell Thomas, “Because you have seen me, you believed; blessed are those who have not seen, and yet have believed.” (John 20:29).
Sometimes, all saints need to find comfort and support from a fellow believer. I can remember times in my life when that was so. This is the reason why Jesus sent out his disciples two-by-two. Blessing others decision of faith is good and wise.
