Why did Elizabeth hide herself for five months? Luke 1:24-25

[MichaelP71]

Can anyone help me to understand why it is that Elizabeth hid herself for five months (Luke 1:24-25)? I have the Catholic Scripture Study bible RSV-CE (It’s a gift and brand new so I am boasting, maybe a little )

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year!

Michael

 

[Todd_Easton]

I suspect that Elizabeth secluded herself so she wouldn’t be treated like a circus sideshow freak by idle curiosity-seekers. Step right up see the amazing pregnant old woman!

A Commentary on the New Testament, prepared by the Catholic Biblical Association, 1942, page 234, says, in part, on Luke 1:24:
Since Elizabeth’s sterility had been a reproach to her, we might expect her to glory in the fact that she had conceived; but on the contrary she secluded herself, perhaps “in order to prevent comments on the part of her neighbors” (Lagrange).

 

[Trishie]

Michael, I would also imagine that having such a precious gift as pregnancy after a lifetime of being ‘barren’ and unable to carry a child, Elizabeth did not seek a social life but rested quietly as much as possible so as not to risk loss of the child. A miscarriage is most likely to occur in the first four months and I imagine Elizabeth would have taken every precaution, including living a very quiet life. And after so long, such a miracle…a woman would scarcely believe it was possible that at last she was pregnant. ‘Barrenness’ was considered a ‘punishment’. In her situation I’d keep hidden also, until it was absolutely clear that I was pregnant and that all was well. It’s hard to believe and the child’s fluttering movements are not felt in the first months. As a mother I understand her reticence. You know it happens to other people, but when you find out you personally are having a child…!
(There could also be something relating to Jewish customs?)