Zechariah - Word Foundations

What is it like to be righteous before God, yet for many to look upon you with reproach? Meet a couple for whom this was all too true. A priest of the division of Abijah named Zechariah lived during the days when King Herod ruled over Judea. He was married to a woman named Elizabeth, a descendant of Aaron—so she also came from priestly line (see Luke 1:5). Luke, the Gospel writer, stated, “Both were righteous in God’s sight”; then he reinforced this idea, saying the couple lived “without blame according to all the commands and requirements of the Lord.” However, they “had no children…, and both of them were well along in years” (vv. 6-7). In Palestine at the dawn of the New Testament era, childlessness was disgraceful. God is unfazed by human assessments and opinions, however.

One day, having been chosen by lot, Zechariah was performing his priestly duties in the temple. He received a visit (here I suggest linking to the article on “John the Baptist”) from Gabriel, an angel of the Lord. Zechariah responded initially with fear. From Gabriel’s words we learn several significant things.

Gabriel was not bringing terrifying news, for he told Zechariah not to be afraid (see v. 13).
Zechariah and Elizabeth had been praying for a child, and the Lord had heard and was responding to their prayers (see v. 13).
Their son, who would be named John, would be a source of joy to his parents and to many others (see v. 14).
God would use John in a powerful way to draw people to Himself and His ways (see vv. 15-17).

Zechariah expressed doubt regarding the news and for his lack of faith was rendered speechless until after John’s birth (see vv. 18-20). Yet in the end, the entire experience must have reinforced his faith. After the birth, when family and friends kept insisting the baby ought not to be named John, Zechariah followed God’s instructions and indicated that John would indeed be his son’s name. Then Zechariah, “filled with the Holy Spirit” and now able to speak, “prophesied” (v. 67). His prophecy (see vv. 68-79), focused on God’s activity to save and His faithfulness to keep His word. It also included insight regarding the role Zechariah’s own son would fill in God’s great plan.

Interestingly, Zechariah himself played a significant role in God’s plan, despite all that conventional human wisdom would assume. But God specializes in defying conventional human wisdom, doesn’t He? (See Isa. 55:8-11; 1 Cor. 1:24-31).

photo credit: www.lumoproject.com

Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture quotations in this article are taken from the Holman Christian Standard Bible®, Copyright © 1999, 2000, 2002, 2003, 2009 by Holman Bible Publishers. Used by permission. Holman Christian Standard Bible®, Holman CSB®, and HCSB® are federally registered trademarks of Holman Bible Publishers.