Zacharias And Elizabeth

Zacharias and Elizabeth were a godly couple, advanced in years and childless. Zacharias was a member of one of 24 priestly divisions who rotated serving in the Temple for a week at a time. By the casting of lots, Zacharias was chosen to enter the Temple and offer the sacrifice at the altar. Because no one but the Priest may enter into the Holy of Holies, a rope was tied around his waist in order to pull him out in the event that he died performing his duties. While the priest was inside, the people gathered outside to pray that the offering would be acceptable to God. As Zacharias enters the Temple, he immediately became fearful. Why? An angel was standing by the altar, but even that did not fully explain his great fear.

Entering the Holy place always carried with it a sense of fear and anguish. Jewish tradition stated that if the priest entered the Holy Place and an angel appeared at the right side of the altar, God was displeased with the offering and the priest would die. On the other hand, a feast would immediately follow his exit to celebrate his safe return.

The angel tells Zacharias that he and Elizabeth will have a son who will be great in the sight of the Lord and filled with the Holy Spirit, even while in his mother's womb. He will prepare the way for the Messiah. This declaration was too much for Zacharias to process; his faith had never been tested at this level. Because of his unbelief, the angel Gabriel removes Zacharias' ability to speak. He emerges from the Temple deeply shaken and remains mute for the next nine months.

(From:When the Good News Gets even Better)