Topical Bible: Prayer: Answered: Zacharias, for a Son

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Biblical Context:

The account of Zacharias, a priest of the division of Abijah, and his wife Elizabeth is found in the Gospel of Luke. Both were righteous before God, walking blamelessly in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord. However, they were childless, as Elizabeth was barren, and both were advanced in years (Luke 1:5-7).

The Prayer:

Though the specific words of Zacharias' prayer are not recorded, it is evident from the narrative that he and Elizabeth had long desired a child. Their prayers for a son were likely fervent and persistent, reflecting a deep longing for the blessing of offspring, which was considered a sign of divine favor and a source of great joy in Jewish culture.

Divine Encounter:

While Zacharias was serving as a priest before God, he was chosen by lot to enter the temple of the Lord and burn incense. During this sacred duty, an angel of the Lord appeared to him, standing at the right side of the altar of incense. Zacharias was troubled and fear fell upon him (Luke 1:8-12).

The Angelic Message:

The angel, identified as Gabriel, delivered a message of hope and fulfillment: "Do not be afraid, Zacharias, because your prayer has been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you are to give him the name John" (Luke 1:13). This announcement was not only an answer to Zacharias' personal prayers but also a significant event in the unfolding of God's redemptive plan, as John would become the forerunner of the Messiah.

Zacharias' Response:

Despite the angelic assurance, Zacharias questioned the possibility of such a miracle, given his and Elizabeth's advanced age. His doubt led to a temporary consequence: "And behold, you will be silent and unable to speak until the day this happens, because you did not believe my words, which will be fulfilled at their proper time" (Luke 1:20).

Fulfillment of the Promise:

In due time, Elizabeth conceived and gave birth to a son. When it was time to name the child, Zacharias, in obedience to the angel's command, wrote on a tablet, "His name is John." Immediately, his mouth was opened, and he began to speak, praising God (Luke 1:57-64).

Significance:

The answered prayer of Zacharias for a son underscores the faithfulness of God in fulfilling His promises. It highlights the importance of persistent prayer and trust in God's timing, even when circumstances seem impossible. The birth of John the Baptist, as a result of this answered prayer, played a crucial role in preparing the way for Jesus Christ, the Savior of the world.

Nave's Topical Index

Luke 1:13
But the angel said to him, Fear not, Zacharias: for your prayer is heard; and your wife Elisabeth shall bear you a son, and you shall call his name John.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

The Judgment Upon Zacharias
... basks a natural question, and that being answered, she replies ... shall I know whether
he does hear prayer or not ... The Lord did not say, "Well, Zacharias, as you don ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 62 1916/the judgment upon zacharias.htm

In the Beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God...
... [89] But the angel said unto him, Be not agitated, [90] Zacharias, for thy prayer
is heard ... [19] [97] And Zacharias said unto ... 98] And the angel answered and said ...
/.../hogg/the diatessaron of tatian/section i in the beginning.htm

Bear up the Hands that Hang Down, by Faith and Prayer...
... The joy of answered prayer is the joy of a ... as she was, in answer to the prayer of
Zacharias. ... and thunderings, and lightnings, and an earthquake." Prayer is the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bounds/purpose in prayer/chapter ix bear up the.htm

His Schools and Schoolmasters.
... was any likelihood of their prayer being answered, and nature ... in her heart, in the
belief and prayer that her ... we not have given to hear Zacharias quote Isaiah ...
/.../meyer/john the baptist/iii his schools and schoolmasters.htm

Elijah, the Praying Prophet
... the man are found in the words, "Before whom I stand." We are here reminded of
Gabriel's words to Zacharias in informing ... God answered Elijah's prayer. ...
/.../bounds/prayer and praying men/v elijah the praying prophet.htm

One Argument which Has Been Much Relied Upon but not More than Its ...
... into the temple, at the hour of prayer, being the ... "And the chief captain answered,
with a ... blood of righteous Abel unto the blood of Zacharias, son of Barachias ...
/.../paley/evidences of christianity/chapter vi one argument which.htm

Letter v. Prayer and Fasting.
... It was in answer to the prayer of Zacharias, that the angel Gabriel was ... by this means
our Lord had sufficiently tried her faith, he answered her prayer. ...
/.../letter v prayer and fasting.htm

A People Prepared for the Lord
... But the angel said unto him, Fear not, Zacharias: for thy ... The best quietus to fear
is answered prayer. ... And thy wife Elisabeth shall bear thee a son, and thou ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 41 1895/a people prepared for the.htm

The Birth of Mary the Holy Mother of God, and Very Glorious Mother ...
... and what prayer shall I make about this maiden? ... And she answered and said unto me:
Art thou of ... searched for John, and sent officers to Zacharias, saying: Where ...
/.../unknown/the protevangelium of james/the birth of mary the.htm

The Voice in the Wilderness
... to announce that these prayers were about to be answered; but the ... he was greeted
with the joyful assurance: "Fear not, Zacharias: for thy prayer is heard ...
//christianbookshelf.org/white/the desire of ages/chapter 10 the voice in.htm