Zechariah was a priest from the division of Abijah, one of the 24 priestly courses established by King David. Luke 1:5 introduces him,
“There was in the days of Herod, the king of Judea, a certain priest named Zacharias, of the division of Abijah. His wife was of the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elizabeth.”
Both Zechariah and Elizabeth were descendants of Aaron, making their son John the Baptist a full-blooded priestly descendant. This lineage rooted John in the heritage of service to God, though his calling would be that of a prophet.
His Character and Righteousness
Zechariah is described as a righteous man before God. Luke 1:6 says,
“And they were both righteous before God, walking in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blameless.”
His life was one of devotion and obedience. Even in old age, he continued in his priestly service faithfully. He and Elizabeth had no child, and this was seen as a reproach in their culture, yet they remained faithful to God.
The Angelic Encounter
While fulfilling his duties at the temple, Zechariah had a divine encounter. Luke 1:11–13 records,
“Then an angel of the Lord appeared to him… and said to him, ‘Do not be afraid, Zacharias, for your prayer is heard; and your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you shall call his name John.’”
This moment was profound, yet Zechariah struggled to believe. He questioned the angel because of their old age. Luke 1:18–20 details his doubt and the consequence:
“And Zacharias said… ‘How shall I know this? For I am an old man, and my wife is well advanced in years.’ … ‘But behold, you will be mute and not able to speak until the day these things take place.’”
His Silence and Restoration
Zechariah remained mute throughout Elizabeth’s pregnancy. When John was born and they brought him to be named, the people expected the child to be named after his father. But Zechariah wrote on a tablet, “His name is John.” Luke 1:63–64 records,
“Immediately his mouth was opened and his tongue loosed, and he spoke, praising God.”
His obedience released his voice, and he prophesied, filled with the Holy Spirit.
His Prophetic Praise
Zechariah’s song of prophecy is recorded in Luke 1:67–79. This section, often called the Benedictus, speaks of the coming Messiah and the role of John in preparing His way. Luke 1:76–77 says,
“And you, child, will be called the prophet of the Highest; for you will go before the face of the Lord to prepare His ways, to give knowledge of salvation to His people by the remission of their sins.”
Zechariah understood the magnitude of his son’s calling and the dawning of redemption.
My Final Thoughts
Zechariah was a man of faith, though imperfect. His life is a testimony of God’s faithfulness to answer prayer, of the power of prophecy, and of the grace that follows even after doubt. He served faithfully, and he witnessed the beginning of the fulfillment of God’s promises. His voice, once silenced in unbelief, was restored in praise. Zechariah’s life reminds us that obedience unlocks revelation, and worship is the right response to fulfilled prophecy.
