Luke 1:9

“According to the custom of the priest’s office, his lot was to burn incense when he went into the temple of the Lord.”

Certainly! Here’s a Bible study on Luke 1:9 (KJV) says, “According to the custom of the priest’s office, his lot was to burn incense when he went into the temple of the Lord.”

Historical Context:Luke 1:9 is a verse that describes a specific event in the life of Zechariah, the father of John the Baptist. During this time, Zechariah was serving as a priest in the temple of the Lord. It is important to understand the significance of the priestly duties and the practice of burning incense in the temple during this period.

In the Old Testament, the priestly office was established by God to mediate between God and the people of Israel. Priests were responsible for performing various rituals and sacrifices, maintaining the sanctity of the temple, and leading the people in worship. They were chosen by God and belonged to the tribe of Levi.

The Custom of Burning Incense:The burning of incense was a significant part of the worship in the temple. The incense was made from a special blend of spices and was burned on the golden altar of incense, which stood in the holy place. It symbolized the prayers of the people rising up to God.

Zechariah’s Duty:According to the custom, Zechariah’s duty as a priest was to burn incense when he entered the temple. This was an honorable task that was assigned to him by casting lots, which was a way of seeking God’s guidance and determining the assignment.

• Faithfulness in Service:Zechariah faithfully carried out his priestly duties, even though he and his wife, Elizabeth, were childless and advanced in age. This demonstrates the importance of faithfulness in the tasks that God has given us, regardless of our circumstances.
• Prayer and Worship:The burning of incense in the temple symbolizes the importance of prayer and worship. Just as the incense rose up as a fragrant offering, our prayers are a sweet aroma to God. It reminds us of the need to maintain a consistent and fervent prayer life.
• God’s Sovereignty:The casting of lots to determine Zechariah’s duty highlights God’s sovereignty in orchestrating events. Even though it may seem like chance or luck, it was ultimately God who determined Zechariah’s assignment. This reminds us that God is in control of our lives, and He has a purpose for every task He assigns to us.
• Preparation for John the Baptist:Zechariah’s duty of burning incense in the temple was a significant event that led to the announcement of the birth of his son, John the Baptist. It was during this time that the angel Gabriel appeared to Zechariah and foretold the birth of John, who would prepare the way for the coming of Jesus Christ.

In conclusion, Luke 1:9 provides a glimpse into the life of Zechariah, the priest who faithfully carried out his duties in the temple. This verse reminds us of the importance of faithfulness in our service, the significance of prayer and worship, and God’s sovereignty in our lives. It also foreshadows the birth of John the Baptist, who would play a pivotal role in preparing the way for Jesus.