Zacharias, also known as Zechariah, is a significant biblical figure whose account is primarily found in the Gospel of Luke. He was a priest of the division of Abijah and the husband of Elizabeth, a descendant of Aaron. The narrative of Zacharias provides a profound example of obedience to God, intertwined with moments of doubt and divine correction.

Priestly Duties and Divine Encounter

Zacharias was a righteous man, living blamelessly according to the commandments and ordinances of the Lord (Luke 1:6). His life was marked by faithful service in the temple, where he performed his priestly duties. It was during one of these duties, while burning incense in the temple, that Zacharias encountered the angel Gabriel. The angel announced that his wife Elizabeth would bear a son, who was to be named John. This child would be filled with the Holy Spirit from the womb and would prepare the way for the Lord (Luke 1:13-17).

Doubt and Consequence

Despite his righteousness, Zacharias exhibited a moment of doubt when he questioned the angel's message due to 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," he asked (Luke 1:18). This doubt led to a temporary consequence; Gabriel declared that Zacharias would be mute until the fulfillment of the prophecy, as a sign of God's power and a reminder of the importance of faith (Luke 1:19-20).

Restoration and Obedience

Zacharias' obedience is ultimately demonstrated in his acceptance of God's will. After the birth of his son, when asked what the child's name should be, Zacharias wrote, "His name is John" (Luke 1:63). This act of obedience, in alignment with the angel's instruction, resulted in the immediate restoration of his speech. Filled with the Holy Spirit, Zacharias praised God and prophesied about the future ministry of his son, John the Baptist (Luke 1:64-79).

Legacy of Faithfulness

Zacharias' account is a testament to the complexities of faith and obedience. His initial doubt serves as a reminder of human frailty, yet his ultimate compliance with God's command highlights the transformative power of obedience. Through Zacharias, believers are encouraged to trust in God's promises, even when circumstances seem insurmountable. His life exemplifies the blessings that follow when one aligns with divine will, underscoring the importance of steadfast faith and obedience in the Christian walk.Luke 1:6
And they were both righteous before God, walking in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blameless.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Obedience to God the Way to Faith in Christ.
... Zacharias and Elisabeth, to whom the approach of Christ's kingdom was first ... stranger
and rarer than the mere obvious duty of obedience to God; we are loth ...
/.../newman/parochial and plain sermons vol viii/sermon xiv obedience to god.htm

Elijah Come Again
... 'Him' is enough. Zacharias knew who 'He' was. ... True wisdom cannot be divorced from
rectitude. Real rectitude cannot live apart from obedience to God. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture e/elijah come again.htm

Woes on the Pharisees
... these very persons stifle their convictions, and refuse obedience. ... They knew how
the prophet Zacharias had been slain. ... the words of warning from God were upon ...
//christianbookshelf.org/white/the desire of ages/chapter 67 woes on the.htm

His Holy Covenant
... the day, as the unceasing security of our obedience and our ... I pray you, my Brother,
do believe that God's word is true, and say with Zacharias, "Blessed be ...
/.../murray/the two covenants/chapter xvii his holy covenant.htm

"The Kingdom of God is at Hand"
... of the forerunner had been foretold to Zacharias as he ... declare the plain teaching
of the word of God. ... church of their fathers, that they may render obedience. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/white/the desire of ages/chapter 23 the kingdom of.htm

Thoughts Upon the Knowledge of G0D.
... in that he doth it not in obedience to God ... But now one that would serve God indeed,
hath respect to ... Ordinances of the Lord blameless, as Zacharias and Elizabeth ...
/.../private thoughts upon a christian life/thoughts upon the knowledge of.htm

Of Justification by Faith. Both the Name and the Reality Defined.
... Accordingly, Zacharias, the father of John the Baptist ... place our righteousness in
the obedience of Christ ... attestation of righteousness from the presence of God. ...
/.../the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 11 of justification by.htm

Exhortation to Abandon the Impious Mysteries of Idolatry for the ...
... In obedience to the apostolic injunction, therefore, let us ... ready against the coming
of the Christ of God. ... signified by the dumbness of Zacharias, which waited ...
/.../clement/exhortation to the heathen/chapter i exhortation to abandon the.htm

A Treatise of the Fear of God;
... that esteem the words and things of men more than the words of God, as those do
who are drawn from their respect of, and obedience to, the Word of God, by the ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/a treatise of the fear.htm

The Magnificat
... in the Incarnation the hymns of Mary and Zacharias are, of ... Note the double name of
God"Lord and Saviour ... Mary bows in lowly obedience, and looks up in as lowly ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture e/the magnificat.htm

What does it mean that Jesus learned obedience by the things He suffered (Hebrews 5:8)? | GotQuestions.org

Why is obedience better than sacrifice? | GotQuestions.org

What are the blessings God promised Israel for obedience? | GotQuestions.org

Obedience: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus