Luk 1:6-20 | TNotes

1:7 ^a Elizabeth was unable to conceive: Childbearing was viewed as the highest calling for a woman, and infertility brought social stigma and shame. God miraculously intervened in the lives of various Old Testament women so they could bear children (Gen 18:10-12 ^b; 25:21 ^c; 30:22-23 ^d; Judg 13 ^e; 1 Sam 1:1-28 ^f).
Summary for Luke 1:8-9: 1:8-9 ^g his order was on duty that week ... he was chosen by lot: It was common in Old Testament times to cast lots (similar to throwing dice) to determine God’s will (1 Chr 26:13-16 ^h; Neh 11:1 ⁱ; Prov 16:33 ^j; Jon 1:7 ^k). There were twenty-four orders of priests (1 Chr 24:1-19 ^l) that took turns in the Temple, and lots were cast to determine which priest would serve in the sanctuary. There were a large number of priests, so this privilege might come only once in a priest’s lifetime. The angel appeared at the most sacred moment of Zechariah’s life.

• to enter the sanctuary of the Lord and burn incense:. Luke uses the word here translated sanctuary (Greek naos) for the Temple building, not the whole Temple grounds, which he calls hieron (Luke 2:27 ^m). The Temple building included the Holy Place and the Most Holy Place (see Heb 9:1-5 ⁿ). The priests burned incense twice a day in the Holy Place.
Summary for Luke 1:12-13: 1:12-13 ^o Zechariah was shaken and overwhelmed with fear: Fear and awe are common reactions when someone sees an angel or experiences the presence of God (Judg 6:22-23 ^p; 13:22 ^q; Isa 6:5 ^r). The person is often reassured by a saying such as Don’t be afraid.

• you are to name him John: John means “the Lord has shown favor.” This favor came to Elizabeth and Zechariah through their son and to the Israelite nation through the Messiah, whose coming John would announce.
1:15 ^s He must never touch wine or other alcoholic drinks: In the Old Testament, abstaining from alcohol was part of the Nazirite vow of special dedication to God (see Num 6:1-21 ^t). This vow was usually temporary (see Acts 18:18 ^u; 21:23 ^v, 26 ^w); for some individuals such as Samson (Judg 13:4-7 ^x), Samuel (cp. 1 Sam 1:11 ^y), and John the Baptist, it was a lifelong commitment.

• filled with the Holy Spirit, even before his birth: See Luke 1:41 ^z, 44 ^aa.
1:17 ^ab He will be a man with the spirit and power of Elijah: The prophet Malachi predicted that God would send Elijah before the time of God’s salvation (see Mal 3:1 ^ac; 4:5-6 ^ad). John fulfilled this role by preparing the way for the Lord’s coming.
1:19 ^ae I am Gabriel! Two angels are named in Scripture: Gabriel (Dan 8:16 ^af; 9:21 ^ag) and Michael (Dan 10:13 ^ah; 12:1 ^ai; Jude 1:9 ^aj; Rev 12:7 ^ak).
1:20 ^al now ... you will be silent and unable to speak: This discipline for Zechariah’s lack of faith was also a sign that confirmed the prophecy. The Greek word translated silent in 1:22 ^am can also mean “deaf” (7:22 ^an; cp. 1:62 ^ao).

• Zechariah is contrasted with Mary, who responded with faith (1:38 ^ap).