In the days of Herod, king of Judea, there was a priest named Zechariah, of the division of Abijah. And he had a wife from the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elizabeth. 6 And they were both righteous before God, walking blamelessly in all the commandments and statutes of the Lord. 7 But they had no child, because Elizabeth was barren, and both were advanced in years.
8 Now while he was serving as priest before God when his division was on duty, 9 according to the custom of the priesthood, he was chosen by lot to enter the temple of the Lord and burn incense. 10 And the whole multitude of the people were praying outside at the hour of incense. 11 And there appeared to him an angel of the Lord standing on the right side of the altar of incense. 12 And Zechariah was troubled when he saw him, and fear fell upon him. 13 But the angel said to him, “Do not be afraid, Zechariah, for your prayer has been heard, and your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you shall call his name John. 14 And you will have joy and gladness, and many will rejoice at his birth, 15 for he will be great before the Lord. And he must not drink wine or strong drink, and he will be filled with the Holy Spirit, even from his mother's womb. 16 And he will turn many of the children of Israel to the Lord their God, 17 and he will go before him in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just, to make ready for the Lord a people prepared.”
18 And Zechariah said to the angel, “How shall I know this? For I am an old man, and my wife is advanced in years.” 19 And the angel answered him, “I am Gabriel. I stand in the presence of God, and I was sent to speak to you and to bring you this good news. 20 And behold, you will be silent and unable to speak until the day that these things take place, because you did not believe my words, which will be fulfilled in their time.” 21 And the people were waiting for Zechariah, and they were wondering at his delay in the temple. 22 And when he came out, he was unable to speak to them, and they realized that he had seen a vision in the temple. And he kept making signs to them and remained mute. 23 And when his time of service was ended, he went to his home.
24 After these days his wife Elizabeth conceived, and for five months she kept herself hidden, saying, 25 “Thus the Lord has done for me in the days when he looked on me, to take away my reproach among people.” Luke 1: 5-25 ESV
Luke 1: 5-25 Zechariah and Elizabeth
…7And Aaron is to burn fragrant incense on it every morning when he tends the lamps. 8When Aaron sets up the lamps at twilight, he must burn the incense perpetually before the LORD for the generations to come. 9On this altar you must not offer unauthorized incense or a burnt offering or grain offering; nor are you to pour a drink offering on it.… Exodus 30: 7-9
…17Then Azariah the priest, along with eighty brave priests of the LORD, went in after him. 18They took their stand against King Uzziah and said, “Uzziah, you have no right to offer incense to the LORD. Only the priests, the descendants of Aaron, are consecrated to burn incense. Leave the sanctuary, for you have acted unfaithfully; you will not receive honor from the LORD God.” 19Uzziah, with a censer in his hand to offer incense, was enraged. But while he raged against the priests in their presence in the house of the LORD before the altar of incense, leprosy broke out on his forehead.… 2 Chronicles 26: 17-19
In the days of Herod - This would be the historical figure Herod the Great, an Edomite from the line of Esau. He was a paranoid tyrant who even killed members of his own family. It was a dynasty marked by fornication, adultery, murder and incest. At the hearing of the Magi regarding the birth of Jesus Herod will send out his soldiers on a mission of genocide, trying to eradicate the Son of David. His son will later have John the Baptist killed for speaking out against his immoral and incestuous relationship with Herodius, his brother Philip's wife.
There was a priest named Zechariah - His name means "God remembers".
He had a wife from the daughters of Aaron - This means she was of the same tribe of Levi, the tribe from where the priests came. I'm probably the only one that finds this notable, but it is interesting to me that both of John the Baptist's parents are from the priestly tribe, and both of Jesus' earthly parents are from the kingly tribe of Judah.
Her name was Elizabeth, and they were both righteous before God - We will soon find out that she was barren, and there is a stigma with this, but those who would believe that it is a judgment against a sinful life would be wrong here. Job's friends thought much the same way, and were certain that all he suffered was for some hidden and most heinous sin. Many people back then believed that of the poor, and many even still today think that wealth and prosperity is a sign of strength and holiness, that God is blessing them because they deserve it. Some don't believe there even is a God, but they hold themselves up to be little gods, and think that their riches are a wall of power against all else, yet how quickly kingdoms can crumble. Elizabeth is actually a humble servant of the Lord.
Both were advanced in years - This was the state of Abraham and his wife Sarah, yet God willed so to open up the barren womb, the womb of Sarah, a woman who was passed the time of menstruating. God likes to deal with the impossible, so that men are not so confused as to Who did it. This is a beautiful illustration of what it is to be born again as well, so is everyone who is born of the Spirit. The Spirit breathes life into the barren place, it raises those who are dead in trespasses and sins, brings the spiritually still born to life.
…11And Abraham and Sarah were already old and well along in years; Sarah had passed the age of childbearing. 12So she laughed to herself, saying, “After I am worn out and my master is old, will I now have this pleasure?” 13And the LORD asked Abraham, “Why did Sarah laugh and say, ‘Can I really bear a child when I am old?’… Genesis 18: 11-13
He was chosen by lot to enter the temple and burn incense - The tribe of Levi was broken up into divisions and each did service in it's turn. Since everyone born to this tribe was apportioned to the Lord there were a lot of priest and so they chose their positions by lot. This was one of the greatest honors and the incense represented the prayers of the people. The people prayed outside the tent, but our communion with God is dependent upon the offering, which is ultimately filled by our great High Priest, Jesus Christ, whom these Levites foreshadow. God accepts the prayers on behalf of His Son, and we can come before the Father because Christ once came before Him as us, and He now sits at the right hand of God as our advocate.
1My little children, I am writing these things to you so that you will not sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate before the Father—Jesus Christ, the Righteous One. 2 He Himself is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world. 3By this we can be sure that we have come to know Him: if we keep His commandments.… 1 John 2: 1-3
According to the custom of the priesthood, his lot fell to burn incense: Only priests from a particular lineage could serve in the temple. Over the years the number of priests multiplied, (there were said to be as many as 20,000 priests in the time of Jesus) so they used the lot to determine which priests would serve when. The lot to serve might fall to a priest only once in his life.
i. To a godly man like Zacharias, this was probably the biggest event of his life, a tremendous privilege, a-once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Surely he wondered what it would be like to enter the holy place, and if God had something special to speak to him in this special event of his life. - E Word
Do not be afraid - Again, pay attention, people's encounters with holy beings are overwhelming.
Your prayer has been heard - These were God fearing people who had long prayed for the childless condition of their home. They longed for children. Children are a blessing from the Lord.
You shall call his name John - The Lord picked his name and sent it by His messenger. His name means "Yahweh has been gracious".
He must not drink wine or strong drink - This is similar to the Nazarite vow, but with no mention of not cutting the locks of his hair like the direction given to Samson's parents.
And the Lord spoke to Moses, saying, 2 “Speak to the people of Israel and say to them, When either a man or a woman makes a special vow, the vow of a Nazirite, to separate himself to the Lord, 3 he shall separate himself from wine and strong drink. He shall drink no vinegar made from wine or strong drink and shall not drink any juice of grapes or eat grapes, fresh or dried. 4 All the days of his separation he shall eat nothing that is produced by the grapevine, not even the seeds or the skins.
5 “All the days of his vow of separation, no razor shall touch his head. Until the time is completed for which he separates himself to the Lord, he shall be holy. He shall let the locks of hair of his head grow long.
6 “All the days that he separates himself to the Lord he shall not go near a dead body. 7 Not even for his father or for his mother, for brother or sister, if they die, shall he make himself unclean, because his separation to God is on his head. 8 All the days of his separation he is holy to the Lord. Numbers 6: 1-8
He will be filled with the Holy Spirit even from his mother's womb - This speaks much about salvation and God's sovereignty in it. John will walk in the Spirit from a young age, even recognizing the Savior while both are in their respective wombs.
Most of the uses of this verb are by Luke (22/24) and most are used with in a figurative sense. Most describe persons filled with something (Spirit or an emotion) and are wholly affected, controlled or influenced by what fills them.
One of my favorite uses of this verb (other than being filled with the Spirit) is found in the prophecy in Habakkuk 2:14+ "For the earth will be filled (Hebrew = male= to be full; Lxx = pimplemi) with the knowledge of the glory of the LORD, As the waters cover the sea." And another verse that speaks of the glorious hope we have at Messiah's Second Coming and establishment of His Millennium (Messianic) Kingdom. "I will shake all the nations; and they will come with the wealth of all nations, and I will fill this house (Millennial Temple - read Ezek 43:2-4, 5) with glory,' says the LORD of hosts." (Haggai 2:7) And all God's children shout "Hallelujah-Praise the Lord!" - Precept Austin
Turn many children of Israel to the Lord their God - He comes preaching repentance and to point people to Christ. To turn to God is to acknowledge one's state, that they are a sinner in need of mercy, that is the change of mind, and to start to hate that which is called sin and walk away from it, that is the fruit of a changed heart. This is repentance.
…25asked him, “Why then do you baptize, if you are not the Christ, nor Elijah, nor the Prophet?” 26“I baptize with water,” John replied, “but among you stands One you do not know. 27He is the One who comes after me, the straps of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie.”… John 1: 25-27
And he will go before Him in the spirit of Elijah - Before Who? Before Christ, Who is the Lord their God. Elijah was an Old Testament prophet who stood before kings and challenged them. He mocked the rule of men and God allowed Him to call down fire to reveal Who the true God is. Elijah killed 400 prophets of Baal, and had a student named Elisha, who asked a double portion of Elijah's spirit before Elijah was taken up into heaven on a fiery chariot.
To make ready for the Lord a people prepared - John had an amazing ministry as a preacher of righteousness, and many came in repentance, but in the end he was confused as to his own understanding of when the kingdom would begin. He even sends his disciples to ask Jesus if He is the Messiah or do we look for another. Most of Israel ends up rejecting the Messiah as the prophet Isaiah foretold. Jesus will become the Lamb that was slain, the Ram in the thicket that allows Isaac to go free. At the end of the age there will be two prophets very similar in ministry to Elijah, who we learn about in Revelation 11. They will in that same spirit stand up to the present rulers of that darkness, to the antichrist and his false prophets. These two will be killed by the antichrist and this is in no way figurative, for it is marked by a future historical celebration, where the people on the earth look on the deaths of these prophets as a great defeat, a point of victory, a new holiday. It says they will send each other gifts while they, the whole earth, watches and celebrates their demise. But in three days God will call them up. We are also told that in the end all Israel will be saved, so this will be the remnant that believes the preaching of the prophet and the angel. This will be for the Lord, Jesus Christ, a people prepared for His second coming.
13Behold, My Servant will prosper; He will be raised and lifted up and highly exalted. 14Just as many were appalled at Him— His appearance was disfigured beyond that of any man, and His form was marred beyond human likeness — 15so He will sprinkle many nations. Kings will shut their mouths because of Him. For they will see what they have not been told, and they will understand what they have not heard.… Isaiah 52: 13-15
1Who has believed our message? And to whom has the arm of the LORD been revealed? 2He grew up before Him like a tender shoot, and like a root out of dry ground. He had no stately form or majesty to attract us, no beauty that we should desire Him. 3He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows, acquainted with grief. Like one from whom men hide their faces, He was despised, and we esteemed Him not.… Isaiah 53: 1-3
25I do not want you to be ignorant of this mystery, brothers, so that you will not be conceited: A hardening in part has come to Israel, until the full number of the Gentiles has come in. 26And so all Israel will be saved, as it is written: “The Deliverer will come from Zion; He will remove godlessness from Jacob. 27And this is My covenant with them when I take away their sins.”… Romans 11: 25-27
How shall I know this - This is doubt asking for a sign, as if Scripture and an angelic being weren't enough. He is a priest, and so he would be familiar with God's workings in such cases like that of Sarah.
I am Gabriel - This is the angel (messenger) that stands before the Lord. He is the first sign.
20While I was speaking, praying, confessing my sin and that of my people Israel, and presenting my petition before the LORD my God concerning His holy mountain— 21while I was still praying, Gabriel, the man I had seen in the earlier vision, came to me in swift flight about the time of the evening sacrifice. 22He instructed me and spoke with me, saying: “O Daniel, I have come now to give you insight and understanding.… Daniel 9: 20-22
Silent and unable to speak - This is the sign given to him for his unbelief, and what a harsh one considering where Zechariah is at the moment.
And they were wondering at his delay in the temple - Zechariah was supposed to come out and bring the Lord's blessing to the people. It's a scary thing too because priests had made mistakes in the past and died by God's hand.
After the incense priest finished, he came out of the holy place through the great doors of the temple and met the other two priests right outside the doors. Then the incense priest raised his hands and blessed the people with the blessing from Numbers 6:24-26. The hundreds of gathered worshippers knew what to do; they responded by saying, “Blessed be the Lord God, the God of Israel, from everlasting to everlasting.” - E Word
1Now Aaron’s sons Nadab and Abihu took their censers, put fire in them and added incense, and offered unauthorized fire before the LORD, contrary to His command. 2So fire came out from the presence of the LORD and consumed them, and they died in the presence of the LORD. 3Then Moses said to Aaron, “This is what the LORD meant when He said: ‘To those who come near Me I will show My holiness, and in the sight of all the people I will reveal My glory.’ ” But Aaron remained silent.… Leviticus 10: 1-3
He was unable to speak to them - This is like the Benediction prayer at the end of worship service. "May the Lord bless you and keep you." But there is no voice, as though the lead in the play has forgot his lines, but he is motioning to them so they realize he is unable to speak. He has probably rehearsed this his whole life, and this is his one chance to do this, but nothing comes out. I'm sure this was a scenario that had never before played out in his practice for this day.
To take away my reproach among people - Now what can they say. It is foolish to see others lack or suffering as always self inflicted. For those that come to love God they always find it a blessing that has instead brought them to the sanity of humility. Let the proud mock and revel in their riches and health. It will all come to not.
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