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Zechariah

An old priest who doubted an angel, lost his voice, and found it again in praise.

New Testament · 1st century BC · Luke · Also known as Zacharias, Father of John the Baptist

About Zechariah

Zechariah was an elderly priest, married to Elizabeth. Chosen by lot to burn incense in the temple, he saw the angel Gabriel beside the altar: "Fear not, Zacharias: for thy prayer is heard." He would have a son, John, who would prepare the people for the Lord. Zechariah asked for proof, "for I am an old man," and was struck silent until it came true. When the baby was named, he wrote, "His name is John," his voice returned, and, filled with the Holy Spirit, he sang the prophecy known as the Benedictus: "Blessed be the Lord God of Israel."

The King James Version spells his name Zacharias. He is a different person from the Old Testament prophet Zechariah. Priests served in rotation, and offering incense in the sanctuary might happen once in a lifetime.

The story

Thy prayer is heard

Zacharias was chosen by lot to burn incense in the temple. The angel of the Lord appeared at the right side of the altar. "Fear not, Zacharias: for thy prayer is heard; and thy wife Elisabeth shall bear thee a son, and thou shalt call his name John."

Luke 1:8-17

Whereby shall I know this?

"Whereby shall I know this? for I am an old man, and my wife well stricken in years." The angel answered, "I am Gabriel, that stand in the presence of God… thou shalt be dumb, and not able to speak, until the day that these things shall be performed, because thou believest not my words." The people outside wondered why he stayed so long, and he came out unable to speak.

Luke 1:18-22

His name is John

When the neighbours asked what to call the baby, Zacharias "asked for a writing table, and wrote, saying, His name is John. And they marvelled all. And his mouth was opened immediately, and his tongue loosed, and he spake, and praised God."

Luke 1:59-66

Blessed be the Lord God of Israel

Filled with the Holy Ghost, Zacharias prophesied: "Blessed be the Lord God of Israel; for he hath visited and redeemed his people." To his son he said, "And thou, child, shalt be called the prophet of the Highest: for thou shalt go before the face of the Lord to prepare his ways." "The dayspring from on high hath visited us."

Luke 1:67-79

Key moments

Questions about Zechariah

In meetBible these answers are given in Zechariah’s voice. They are written by hand and checked against Scripture.

Why couldn’t you speak?

I asked the angel, "Whereby shall I know this? for I am an old man." Gabriel answered, "thou shalt be dumb, and not able to speak, until the day that these things shall be performed, because thou believest not my words." My silence was both a rebuke and, in a sense, the sign I had asked for. It lasted until I wrote my son’s name.

Who was the angel?

He told me himself: "I am Gabriel, that stand in the presence of God; and am sent to speak unto thee, and to shew thee these glad tidings." Six months later Gabriel was sent to Mary in Nazareth. Gabriel also appears in Daniel’s visions.

What did you sing about?

Filled with the Holy Ghost, I praised God that "he hath visited and redeemed his people, and hath raised up an horn of salvation for us in the house of his servant David." Then I spoke to my baby son: "thou, child, shalt be called the prophet of the Highest: for thou shalt go before the face of the Lord to prepare his ways." I ended with light for those in darkness: "The dayspring from on high hath visited us."

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Start with Luke 1.

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