The Promise to Zechariah and Elizabeth

Context & Setting

• Main Biblical Reference: Luke 1:5–25
• Historical Period: Herodian period, during the reign of Herod the Great
• Geographic Location: Jerusalem (the temple); later, the Judean hill country (their home region)
• Key Characters: Zechariah, Elizabeth, the angel Gabriel

The Narrative

The Beginning:
Zechariah, a priest, and his wife Elizabeth are described as righteous, yet they have no child because Elizabeth is barren and both are advanced in years. While Zechariah serves in the Jerusalem temple, he is chosen by lot to enter the sanctuary and burn incense. Outside, the people gather in prayer as the incense offering is made.

The Middle:
An angel, identified as Gabriel, appears to Zechariah at the right side of the incense altar and tells him not to be afraid. Gabriel announces that Elizabeth will bear a son to be named John, and that many will rejoice at his birth. The child will be set apart for God and will go before the Lord “in the spirit and power of Elijah,” turning hearts and preparing a people for God.

The End:
Zechariah questions how this can be, given their age, and Gabriel gives a sign: Zechariah will be unable to speak until the promise is fulfilled. When Zechariah comes out, he cannot speak, and the people realize he has seen a vision. After completing his service, he returns home, and Elizabeth conceives; she acknowledges that the Lord has shown favor by removing her disgrace.

Theological Meaning

This account highlights God’s faithfulness to act within Israel’s covenant story, bringing renewal at a moment of waiting and apparent impossibility. John’s promised role—preparing the way for the Lord—links God’s earlier prophetic promises to the coming events surrounding Jesus. Zechariah’s temporary muteness functions as a sober sign that God’s word is reliable and will be fulfilled, even when human understanding falters.

Historical & Cultural Insight

Casting lots for priestly duties reflects known Second Temple practice: priests were assigned specific tasks to ensure fairness and order in temple service. Burning incense in the sanctuary was a rare and honored assignment, and the gathered crowd praying outside matches the public, communal character of temple worship in this period.

Key Memory Verse

“Do not be afraid, Zechariah, for your prayer has been heard.” — Luke 1:13