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.
Luke 1:9 (KJV)
Context
Luke 1:9 places Zechariah, a priest of the division of Abijah, in the temple at Jerusalem during his scheduled period of service. The priesthood, established by God in the Old Testament, belonged to the tribe of Levi and was responsible for the rituals, sacrifices, and worship of Israel. By the time of Zechariah, the number of priests was so large that specific duties were assigned by casting lots, a customary practice rather than a direct command of the Law. This lot determined that Zechariah would enter the holy place to burn incense, a task considered both sacred and honorable.
Meaning
The burning of incense was a central act of temple worship. The incense, made from a special blend of spices, was burned on the golden altar in the holy place, and its rising smoke symbolized the prayers of the people ascending to God. For Zechariah, this was not a random event but a divinely orchestrated moment. Though the lot seemed to be chance, God sovereignly directed the outcome, bringing Zechariah into the temple at the exact time when the angel Gabriel would appear to him. This underscores that God works through ordinary routines and faithful service to accomplish His purposes.
Biblical connections
The custom of burning incense is rooted in the Old Testament, where God commanded the priests to burn incense before Him (Exodus 30:7-8). The psalmist also connects incense with prayer, saying, “Let my prayer be set forth before thee as incense” (Psalm 141:2). In Luke 1:9, this symbolism is fulfilled as Zechariah’s service becomes the setting for Gabriel’s announcement of John the Baptist’s birth, who would prepare the way for the Messiah. The event also echoes the faithfulness of God in remembering His people, as He did for Zechariah and Elizabeth in their old age.
Application
Faithfulness in service: Zechariah faithfully carried out his priestly duties despite his personal circumstances of childlessness and advanced age. His example encourages believers to remain faithful in the tasks God assigns, even when life feels discouraging or unfulfilled.
Prayer and worship: The incense rising in the temple reminds us that our prayers are a sweet aroma to God. Just as the incense was offered daily, believers are called to maintain a consistent and fervent prayer life, trusting that God hears and values every prayer.
God’s sovereignty: The casting of lots highlights that God is in control of every detail, including the ordinary and seemingly random events of life. Zechariah’s selection was not luck but divine providence, reminding us that God has a purpose for every task He assigns and every season He ordains.
Reflection
Zechariah’s moment in the temple was both a routine duty and a pivotal encounter with God. His faithful service in the ordinary prepared him for an extraordinary revelation. This verse invites readers to consider how God may be working through their own daily routines and responsibilities, and to remain watchful for His intervention, knowing that He is faithful to those who serve Him.
