Topical Bible: Righteousness: Zacharias

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Zacharias, also known as Zechariah, is a prominent biblical figure recognized for his righteousness and faithfulness to God. He is primarily mentioned in the Gospel of Luke, where he is introduced as a priest of the division of Abijah, married to Elizabeth, a descendant of Aaron. Both Zacharias and Elizabeth are described as "righteous in the sight of God, walking blamelessly in all the commandments and decrees of the Lord" (Luke 1:6).

Priestly Lineage and Duties

Zacharias belonged to the priestly order, serving in the temple of the Lord. His role as a priest was significant, as he was responsible for performing sacred duties, including offering incense in the temple. The division of Abijah, to which he belonged, was one of the 24 divisions established by King David for the temple service (1 Chronicles 24:10). This lineage underscores his deep-rooted connection to the religious and spiritual heritage of Israel.

Divine Encounter and Prophecy

The narrative of Zacharias takes a pivotal turn when he is chosen by lot to enter the temple of the Lord and burn incense, a high honor and a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for a priest. During this sacred duty, the angel Gabriel appeared to him, announcing that his wife Elizabeth would bear a son, whom they were to name John. This child, John the Baptist, was prophesied to be great in the sight of the Lord and would prepare the way for the coming Messiah (Luke 1:13-17).

Despite his righteousness, Zacharias initially doubted the angel's message due to his and Elizabeth's advanced age. As a result, Gabriel declared that Zacharias would be mute until the fulfillment of the prophecy, as a sign of God's power and the truth of the message (Luke 1:18-20).

Fulfillment and Restoration

The prophecy was fulfilled when Elizabeth conceived and bore a son. On the eighth day, during the circumcision ceremony, Zacharias confirmed the name John, as instructed by the angel. Immediately, his speech was restored, and he praised God, filled with the Holy Spirit. Zacharias then prophesied about the role of his son, John, in preparing the way for the Lord and the coming salvation through the Messiah (Luke 1:59-79).

Legacy of Righteousness

Zacharias's account is a testament to the righteousness that comes from faith and obedience to God's commands. His life exemplifies the virtues of patience, humility, and trust in God's promises, even when faced with doubt and uncertainty. Through his lineage and the birth of John the Baptist, Zacharias played a crucial role in the unfolding of God's redemptive plan for humanity. His account serves as an enduring reminder of the blessings that accompany a life lived in righteousness before God.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

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

Library

Zacharias's Hymn
... and righteousness,' in consecration to God and discharge of all obligations; and
it is to be no interrupted or occasional service, like Zacharias's, which ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture e/zachariass hymn.htm

Paul Worthy to be the Prince of the Apostles, and yet a Sinner.
... from being true that we should, from the words in which Scripture describes them,
suppose that Zacharias and Elisabeth had a perfect righteousness without any ...
/.../augustine/anti-pelagian writings/chapter 20 paul worthy to be.htm

The Judgment Upon Zacharias
... and such was the righteousness of all the saints before the advent of our Redeemer.
Such, too, has been the standard ever since. Zacharias evidently was a real ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 62 1916/the judgment upon zacharias.htm

Zacharias and Elisabeth, Sinners.
... Scripture [534] that Zacharias was a man of eminent righteousness among the chief
priests, whose duty it was to offer up the sacrifices of the Old Testament? ...
/.../augustine/anti-pelagian writings/chapter 19 zacharias and elisabeth sinners.htm

In what Sense Some Men May be Said to Live Without Sin in the ...
... righteousness which is of the law;" [1916] and it was in respect of the same law
that Zacharias also lived a blameless life. This righteousness, however, the ...
/.../augustine/anti-pelagian writings/chapter 53 xlviii in what sense.htm

The Song of Zacharias.
... And his father Zacharias was filled with the Holy Spirit, and prophesied, saying ...
enemies Should serve him without fear, In holiness and righteousness before him ...
//christianbookshelf.org/barton/his life/the song of zacharias.htm

The Voice in the Wilderness
... The birth of a son to Zacharias, like the birth of the child of Abraham ... that spiritual
life is begotten, and we are enabled to do the works of righteousness. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/white/the desire of ages/chapter 10 the voice in.htm

Thoughts Upon the Appearance of Christ the Sun of Righteousness ...
... the word in all these places, appears from the Prophecy of Zacharias the Father ... the
Prophet here calls our Saviour Christ the sun of righteousness, he speaks ...
/.../private thoughts upon a christian life/thoughts upon the appearance of.htm

His Holy Covenant
... us now return to the prophecy of the Holy Spirit by Zacharias, of God's ... hearts
unblamable in holiness, that we should serve Him IN HOLINESS AND RIGHTEOUSNESS. ...
/.../murray/the two covenants/chapter xvii his holy covenant.htm

The Dayspring from on High
... As the dawn is ushered in by the notes of birds, so the rising of the Sun of
Righteousness was heralded by song, Mary and Zacharias brought their praises and ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture e/the dayspring from on high.htm