Luke 1:10

And the whole multitude of the people were praying without at the time of incense.

And {G2532} the whole {G3956} multitude {G4128} of the people {G2992} were {G2258} praying {G4336} without {G1854} at the time {G5610} of incense {G2368}.

All the people were outside, praying, at the time of the incense burning,

And at the hour of the incense offering, the whole congregation was praying outside.

And the whole multitude of the people were praying without at the hour of incense.

Commentary

Context of Luke 1:10

Luke 1:10 provides a vivid scene from the Jerusalem Temple during a pivotal moment in biblical history. This verse immediately follows the description of Zechariah, a priest, entering the Holy Place to burn incense, a rare and highly esteemed duty granted by lot. While Zechariah was ministering inside, the verse highlights the activity occurring outside: "And the whole multitude of the people were praying without at the time of incense." This setting underscores the solemnity and expectation surrounding the temple worship, as the people waited for the priest to emerge and pronounce the blessing.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Corporate Prayer: The phrase "the whole multitude of the people were praying" emphasizes the communal aspect of worship and prayer in ancient Israel. It was a time when the entire community collectively sought God, often with specific petitions or in anticipation of divine intervention. This highlights the power and significance of unified prayer.
  • The Temple as a Center of Worship: The Temple in Jerusalem was the heart of Jewish spiritual life. The daily rituals, including the burning of incense, were central to their covenant relationship with God. This verse paints a picture of devout people engaged in their established forms of worship.
  • Expectation and Anticipation: The "time of incense" was a moment of deep reverence and spiritual expectation. The people gathered outside, praying, perhaps for the Messiah's coming or for God's blessings upon Israel. This sets the stage for the miraculous events about to unfold with the announcement of John the Baptist's birth.

Linguistic Insights

  • "without": In KJV English, "without" means "outside." This clearly indicates that the multitude of people were gathered in the outer courts of the Temple, separated from the Holy Place where Zechariah was ministering. This physical separation underscored the sacredness of the inner sanctuary.
  • "time of incense": This refers to a specific, highly symbolic moment in the daily Temple liturgy. The burning of incense was considered an offering whose smoke ascended to God, symbolizing the prayers of the people rising before Him. It was a moment for intense prayer and spiritual communion, as seen in Psalm 141:2: "Let my prayer be set forth before thee as incense."

Practical Application

Luke 1:10 reminds us of several timeless truths about faith and prayer:

  1. The Importance of Consistent Prayer: Just as the people had a dedicated time for prayer, believers today are encouraged to cultivate consistent habits of prayer, both individually and corporately.
  2. Community in Worship: The "multitude" praying together highlights the value of corporate worship and the power of unified prayer within a community of believers.
  3. Expectant Faith: The people's prayers were filled with anticipation. This encourages us to approach God with expectant faith, believing that He hears and responds to the prayers of His people, often in ways we don't immediately perceive, as was the case with Zechariah's divine encounter inside.
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Cross-References

  • Leviticus 16:17

    And there shall be no man in the tabernacle of the congregation when he goeth in to make an atonement in the holy [place], until he come out, and have made an atonement for himself, and for his household, and for all the congregation of Israel.

  • Revelation 8:3

    And another angel came and stood at the altar, having a golden censer; and there was given unto him much incense, that he should offer [it] with the prayers of all saints upon the golden altar which was before the throne.

  • Hebrews 9:24

    For Christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands, [which are] the figures of the true; but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us:

  • Hebrews 4:14

    Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast [our] profession.
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