(4.) A Levite, one of the sons of Asaph (Neh. 11 : 17) ; probably the same as Zichri (1 Chr. 9 : 15), and Zaccnr (Neh. 12 : 35).
Zaib'diel—gift of God. (1.) The father of Jashobeam, who was one of David's officers (1 Chr. 27 : 2).
(2.) An overseer of the priests after the Captivity (Neh. 11 : 14).
Za'bud — gift — the son of Nathan, who was "king's friend " in - the court of Solo- mon (1 Kings 4 : 5).
Zab'ulon (Matt. 4:13, 15; Rev. 7:8). See Zebulun.
Zac'cai pure — one whose "sons" re- turned with Zerubbabel to Jerusalem (Ezra 2:9; Neh. 7 : 14). (See Zabbai. )
Zacchae'us — pure — a superintendent of 7 customs ; a chief tax-gatherer (publicanus) at Jericho (Luke 19:1-10). "The collec- tion of customs at Jericho, which at this time produced and exported a considerable quantity of balsam, was undoubtedly an important post, and would account for Zacchasus being a rich man." Being short of stature, he hastened on before the mtil- titude who were thronging about Christ as he passed through Jericho on his way to Jerusalem, and climbed up a sycamore tree that he might be able to see him. When our Lord reached the spot he looked up to the publican among the branches, and addressing him by name, told him to make haste and come down, as he intended that day to abide at his house. This led to the remarkable interview recorded by the evangelist, and to the striking parable of the ten pounds (Luke 19 : 12-27). From that day forth Zacchseus doubtless became a disciple of Christ, but of his subsequent history we have no record.
Zac'cur — mindful. (1.) Father of Sham- mua, who was one of the spies sent out by Moses (Niim. 13 : 4).
(2.) A Merarite Levite (1 Chr. 24 : 27).
(3. ) A son of Asaph, and chief of one of the courses of singers as arranged by David (1 Chr. 25 : 2, 10).
(4.) Son of Imri (Neh. 3:2).
(5.) A Levite (Neh. 10:12).
(6.) The son of Mattaniah (Neh. 13 : 13).
Zachari'ah — remembered by the Lord.
(1.) Son of Jeroboam II., king of Israel. On the death of his father there was an interregnum of ten years, at the end of which he succeeded to the throne, which he occupied only six months, having been put to death by Shallum, who usurped the throne. "He did that which was evil in the sight of the Lord, as his fathers had done " (2 Kings 14 : 29 ; 15 : 8-12). In him the dynasty of Jehu came to an end.
(2.) The father of Abi, who was the mother of Hezekiah (2 Kings 18 : 2).
Zachari'as. (1.) A priest of the course of Abia, the eighth of the twenty-four courses into which the priests had been originally divided by David (1 Chr. 23 : 1-19). Only four of these courses or ' ' families " of the priests returned from the Exile (Ezra 2 : 36-39) ; but they were then re-distributed under the old designations. The priests served at the temple twice each year, and only for a week each time. Zacharias's time had come for this service. During this period his home would be one of the chambers set apart for the priests on the sides of the temple ground. The offering of incense was one of the most solemn parts of the daily worship of the temple, and lots were drawn each day to determine who should have this great honour — an honour which no priest could enjoy more than once during his life-time.
While Zacharias ministered at the golden altar of incense in the holy place, it was announced to him by the angel Gabriel that his wife Elisabeth, who was also of a priestly family, now stricken in years, would give birth to a son who was to be called John, and that he would be the forerunner of the long-expected Messiah (Luke 1 : 12-17). As a punishment for his refusing to believe this message, he was struck dumb and "not able to speak till the day that these things should be per- formed " (20). Nine months passed away, and Elisabeth's child was born, and when in answer to their inquiry Zacharias wrote on a " writing tablet," " His name is John," his mouth was opened, and he praised God (60-79). The child (John the Baptist), thus "born out of due time," "waxed strong in spirit " (1 : 80).
