Meanwhile the people without in the Temple were expecting [1] Zachary, and wondered at his long delay[2]. When he at length appeared, he could not speak to them, except by signs; and the people knew[3] that he had seen a vision in the Temple. After the days of his ministry were accomplished, Zachary departed to his own house.
COMMENTARY.
The promise of the Redeemer. By announcing to Zachary that his holy son should precede the Redeemer, the angel foretold the speedy advent of the Messias.
The Divinity of Jesus Christ. The words of the angel testified that the Redeemer was God: "He shall”, said Gabriel, alluding to the son of Zachary, "convert many of the children of Israel to the Lord their God, and he shall go before Him.” Now, who is meant by "Him”? The Lord God is meant; and therefore the Redeemer, before whom John was to go, must be the Lord God Himself.
The power of persevering prayer. Zachary and Elizabeth had probably prayed for many years that they might have a son. Their prayers seemed to be offered up in vain, but nevertheless they persevered in laying the great desire of their hearts before God. At last they were heard, and received from God much more than they had asked for. They had asked for a son who might succeed his father in the priestly office, and they received a son who was to become a great Saint, a prophet of God, and the precursor of the Divine Redeemer. This was the rich reward of their perseverance in prayer.
Steadfastness. Zachary and Elizabeth are models of steadfastness in what is right. They lived in an evil time when most of the Israelites, and even most of the priests, had grown lax in the service of God, and no longer worshipped Him in their hearts. But in spite of the evil example of those around them, Zachary and Elizabeth remained true to God, and faithfully observed His commandments.
True justice. Zachary and Elizabeth were not only just in the eyes of men, as were the hypocritical Pharisees, but were "just before God”. Many people think it is enough to appear righteous in the eyes of the world. This may be sufficient to save us from being put into prison, but it will not prove enough to obtain for us an entrance into heaven.
- ↑ Expecting. Because the priest, after offering incense, solemnly blessed the people.
- ↑ Delay. Longer than was necessary for doing what he had to do. It was considered a mark of irreverence to remain longer than necessary in the Sanctuary.
- ↑ Knew. They knew this, first, because he was dumb, and secondly, because his countenance was illuminated with a holy joy.
