Topical Bible: Unbelief: Zacharias

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Zacharias, a priest of the division of Abijah, is a significant biblical figure whose encounter with the angel Gabriel is recorded in the Gospel of Luke. His account is a poignant example of unbelief, even among the faithful, and serves as a lesson on the importance of trust in God's promises.

Background

Zacharias was married to Elizabeth, a descendant of Aaron, and both were described as righteous before God, walking blamelessly in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord (Luke 1:6). Despite their devout lives, they were childless, and Elizabeth was barren, which was a source of great personal sorrow and social reproach in their culture.

The Angelic Encounter

While Zacharias was serving as a priest before God, his division was on duty, and he was chosen by lot to enter the temple of the Lord and burn incense (Luke 1:8-9). During this sacred moment, the angel Gabriel appeared to him, standing at the right side of the altar of incense. Gabriel announced that Zacharias's prayer had been heard, and Elizabeth would bear a son, whom they were to name John. This child, later known as John the Baptist, was to be great in the sight of the Lord and would prepare the way for the coming Messiah (Luke 1:13-17).

Zacharias's Unbelief

Despite the angelic message, Zacharias responded with skepticism, questioning how this could be possible given his and Elizabeth's advanced age: "How can I be sure of this? I am an old man, and my wife is well along in years" (Luke 1:18). His doubt was met with a stern response from Gabriel, who identified himself as one who stands in the presence of God. As a consequence of his unbelief, Zacharias was rendered mute until the fulfillment of the angel's words (Luke 1:19-20).

The Fulfillment of God's Promise

The narrative continues with Elizabeth conceiving, just as Gabriel had foretold. When the time came for the child to be born, Zacharias's speech was restored upon his writing the name "John" on a tablet, in obedience to the angel's command (Luke 1:63-64). His first words were a song of praise and prophecy, known as the Benedictus, which extolled God's faithfulness and the role of his son in the divine plan (Luke 1:67-79).

Theological Implications

Zacharias's account highlights the human tendency toward unbelief, even among those who are devout and righteous. It underscores the importance of faith and trust in God's promises, regardless of human limitations or circumstances. His temporary muteness serves as a divine correction, reminding believers of the consequences of doubt and the necessity of aligning one's heart with God's will.

Legacy

Zacharias's experience is a testament to God's mercy and the fulfillment of His promises. Despite his initial unbelief, Zacharias ultimately participated in God's redemptive plan, becoming the father of John the Baptist, the forerunner of Christ. His account encourages believers to trust in God's word and remain faithful, even when circumstances seem insurmountable.

Nave's Topical Index

Luke 1:20
And, behold, you shall be dumb, and not able to speak, until the day that these things shall be performed, because you believe not my words, which shall be fulfilled in their season.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

The Judgment Upon Zacharias
... I do not think that had Zacharias been a mere babe in grace, or an inexperienced
stripling, his unbelief would have met with so stern a rebuke. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 62 1916/the judgment upon zacharias.htm

Annunciation to Zacharias of the Birth of John the Baptist.
... this? [In asking for a sign Zacharias showed his unbelief (Matthew 12:38,
39 ). His question in the original is in four words. Four ...
/.../mcgarvey/the four-fold gospel/v annunciation to zacharias of.htm

The Birth of John Foretold. Chs. 1:5-25
... majestic power and the glory of his mission and he granted to Zacharias a sign.
This sign was at once a rebuke and a blessing. It rebuked the unbelief of the ...
/.../erdman/the gospel of luke an exposition/a the birth of john.htm

D. The Birth of John, and the "Benedictus. " Ch. 1:57-80
... When the aged priest, Zacharias, had received from an angel the promise that he ...
prediction, he was smitten with dumbness as a rebuke for his unbelief and as a ...
/.../erdman/the gospel of luke an exposition/d the birth of john.htm

Proofs of the Foregoing, Drawn from the Gospels of Mark and Luke.
... our feet into the way of peace;" [3403] as Zacharias also, recovering from the state
of dumbness which he had suffered on account of unbelief, having been ...
/.../irenaeus/against heresies/chapter x proofs of the foregoing.htm

The Voice in the Wilderness
... The words of the angel to Zacharias had been often repeated to John by ... the desert
was a welcome escape from society in which suspicion, unbelief, and impurity ...
//christianbookshelf.org/white/the desire of ages/chapter 10 the voice in.htm

Second visit to Nazareth - the Mission of the Twelve.
... Upon their own showing their unbelief was most unwarrantable ... knew of His miraculous
Birth, except the Virgin-Mother, Joseph, Elizabeth, and probably Zacharias. ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter xxvii second visit to.htm

His Schools and Schoolmasters.
... Month succeeded month, but Zacharias neither heard nor spoke. His friends had to
make signs to him, for unbelief has the effect of shutting man out of the ...
/.../meyer/john the baptist/iii his schools and schoolmasters.htm

"The Tender Mercy of Our God"
... for his unbelief; and therefore he used his recovered speech to sing of pardoning
mercy. No salvation is possible without forgiveness, and so Zacharias says ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 32 1886/the tender mercy of our.htm

The Annunciation of St. John the Baptist
... though the sign, as it were the dumb child of the prayer of unbelief, was its ... multitude
in the Temple; a sign to Elisabeth; to all who knew Zacharias in the ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter iii the annunciation of.htm