to announce the Messiah Himself, one who says of his own name and position, “I am Gabriel, that stand in the presence of God, and I was sent to speak unto thee and to bring thee these good tidings.” The angel not merely announces the birth of the child, but gives orders from heaven as to the name by which he is to be known. This is an honour which the child receives in common with only five of the men of Scripture, the others being our Lord Himself, Ishmael, Isaac, Josiah, and the son of Isaiah.