Zacharias, also spelled Zechariah, is a significant figure in the New Testament, known primarily as the father of John the Baptist. He was a priest of the division of Abijah, and his wife, Elizabeth, was a descendant of Aaron (Luke 1:5). Both Zacharias and Elizabeth were 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 both were advanced in years (Luke 1:7).

The Angelic Announcement

The pivotal moment in Zacharias's life occurred while he was serving as a priest in the temple. According to the Gospel of Luke, it was his turn to burn incense in the temple of the Lord, a significant duty that was determined by lot (Luke 1:8-9). As the multitude of people prayed outside, an angel of the Lord appeared to him, standing at the right side of the altar of incense (Luke 1:10-11). The angel, identified as Gabriel, brought a message of great joy: Zacharias and Elizabeth would have a son, and they were to name him John (Luke 1:13).

Gabriel's message was profound, detailing that John would be great in the sight of the Lord, would not drink wine or strong drink, and would be filled with the Holy Spirit even from his mother's womb (Luke 1:15). He would turn many of the children of Israel to the Lord their God and go before Him in the spirit and power of Elijah (Luke 1:16-17).

Zacharias's Doubt and Muteness

Despite the angelic visitation, Zacharias doubted the message due to his and Elizabeth's old age. He asked Gabriel, "How can I be sure of this? I am an old man, and my wife is well along in years" (Luke 1:18). Because of his disbelief, Gabriel declared that Zacharias would be mute and unable to speak until the day these things took place (Luke 1:20).

The Birth of John

True to the angel's words, Elizabeth conceived, and in due time, she gave birth to a son. On the eighth day, during the circumcision ceremony, there was a discussion about the child's name. Elizabeth insisted on the name John, and when Zacharias wrote, "His name is John," his speech was miraculously restored (Luke 1:63-64). Filled with the Holy Spirit, Zacharias prophesied, praising God and foretelling the role of his son as the prophet who would prepare the way for the Lord (Luke 1:67-79).

Zacharias's Prophecy

Zacharias's prophecy, often referred to as the Benedictus, is a profound declaration of God's faithfulness and mercy. He spoke of the redemption of His people, the fulfillment of the covenant with Abraham, and the role of John as the prophet of the Most High, who would go before the Lord to prepare His ways (Luke 1:68-79). This prophecy not only highlights the significance of John's mission but also underscores the coming of the Messiah, Jesus Christ.

Legacy

Zacharias's account is a testament to God's faithfulness and the fulfillment of His promises. His life and the miraculous birth of John the Baptist serve as a prelude to the coming of Jesus, the Savior. Zacharias's experience reminds believers of the importance of faith and the power of God's word, even when circumstances seem impossible.Luke 1:67
And his father Zacharias was filled with the Holy Ghost, and prophesied, saying,
Torrey's Topical Textbook

D. The Birth of John, and the "Benedictus. " Ch. 1:57-80
... a writing tablet, and wrote, saying, His name is John. ... 67 And his father Zacharias
was filled with the Holy Spirit ... by the mouth of his holy prophets that have ...
/.../erdman/the gospel of luke an exposition/d the birth of john.htm

The Birth and Early Life of John the Baptist.
... later when John entered upon his ministry"John 1:19 ... Lord was with him.67 And his
father Zacharias was filled ... Malachi, the last of the prophets, had been dead ...
/.../mcgarvey/the four-fold gospel/viii the birth and early.htm

Zacharias's Hymn
... He is the last of the Old Testament prophets, [Footnote: In the ... 11:9-11.) In the
same sense, Zacharias was the ... The father is forgotten in the devout Israelite. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture e/zachariass hymn.htm

"Woe unto You, Because Ye Build the Tombs of the Prophets, and ...
... what things your fathers suffered, when they slew the prophets; were they ... But who
is this Zacharias? Some say, the father of John; some, the prophet; some, a ...
/.../homilies on the gospel of saint matthew/homily lxxiv woe unto you.htm

Of the Birth of John, and of his Alleged Identity with Elijah. Of ...
... come, who shall restore the heart of the father to the ... angel of the Lord, too, who
appeared to Zacharias, as he ... as if He was one of the old prophets, and had ...
/.../origen/origens commentary on the gospel of john/7 of the birth of.htm

Different Conceptions of John the Baptist.
... to be not different from [5302] John whose father was Zacharias ... seen in the temple,
when Gabriel appeared to Zacharias. ... or that one of the old prophets had risen ...
/.../20 different conceptions of john.htm

In the Beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God...
... [68] [154] And Zacharias his father was filled with the Holy Spirit, and ... [71] [157]
(As he spake by the mouth of his holy prophets from eternity),. ...
/.../hogg/the diatessaron of tatian/section i in the beginning.htm

John is a Prophet, but not the Prophet.
... And he answered No." [4857] If the law and the prophets were until John, [4858]
what can we say that John was but a prophet? His father Zacharias, indeed, says ...
/.../origen/origens commentary on the gospel of john/8 john is a prophet.htm

The Story of the Angel by the Altar
... was promised by Malachi, the last of the old prophets. ... none of your family have ever
been named John!". They asked his father Zacharias, by signs, what name he ...
/.../marshall/the wonder book of bible stories/the story of the angel.htm

The Sender and the Sent Equal. Why the Son is Said to be Sent by ...
... not given before, wherewith were the prophets who spoke ... Whereas, also, it is said
of John the Baptist ... from his mother's womb." And his father Zacharias is found ...
/.../augustine/on the holy trinity/chapter 20 the sender and the.htm

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