Luke 1:21

Luke 1:21 captures a moment of public anticipation and growing confusion outside the temple, as the people waited for the priest Zacharias (also known as Zechariah) to emerge from his sacred duties. This seemingly ordinary delay sets the stage for a profound divine revelation and the unfolding of God's redemptive plan.

Context

This verse immediately follows Zacharias's extraordinary encounter with the angel Gabriel inside the temple's Holy Place. As a priest of the course of Abijah, Zacharias had been chosen by lot to perform the sacred duty of burning incense, a rare and deeply revered privilege. While inside, the angel Gabriel appeared to him, announcing that his barren wife, Elisabeth, would conceive and bear a son named John, who would prepare the way for the Lord. Because Zacharias expressed doubt, Gabriel declared that the priest would be struck mute until these things came to pass (Luke 1:20). The people outside, unaware of this supernatural event, were accustomed to the priest emerging relatively quickly to pronounce the traditional priestly blessing, often based on the blessing found in Numbers 6:24-26. His prolonged absence, therefore, caused them to wonder and be greatly concerned.

Key Themes

• Divine Intervention and Revelation: Zacharias's unexpected delay was not due to earthly reasons but to a profound, heaven-sent interaction. God was actively intervening in human history to prepare the way for Jesus Christ through John the Baptist, highlighting that God's plans often unfold in mysterious ways.
• Public Expectation vs. Private Experience: The verse highlights the contrast between the people's outward anticipation of a routine priestly blessing and Zacharias's dramatic, private encounter with the divine. This tension underscores how God's work can be hidden from public view until its appointed time.
• Signs and Wonders: Zacharias's muteness, which directly caused his delay and the surprise among the people, served as a powerful sign of God's word being fulfilled. It was a tangible, visible consequence of his doubt and a confirmation of Gabriel's message that would become clear to the people shortly after.
• The Sacredness of Temple Service: The people's patient waiting and subsequent marveling emphasize the deep reverence they held for the temple and the priestly duties performed within it, viewing it as a place where God's presence was manifested and blessings were bestowed.

Linguistic Insights

The King James Version's word "tarried" translates the Greek verb chronizō (χρονίζω), which means "to delay," "to linger," or "to spend time." This word perfectly conveys the unusual length of Zacharias's stay inside the temple, which was highly uncharacteristic of the priestly service and thus prompted the people's concern. The term "marvelled" comes from thaumazō (θαυμάζω), meaning "to wonder," "to be astonished," or "to be amazed." This signifies their surprise and perhaps a growing sense of unease or curiosity regarding the priest's uncharacteristic delay.

Practical Application

Luke 1:21 offers a timeless reminder that God's timing is often different from our own. What appears to be a delay, an unexpected turn of events, or even a period of silence from our perspective may, in fact, be a crucial moment of divine activity and preparation. This verse encourages us to cultivate patience and discernment, recognizing that God is at work even when we don't immediately understand the circumstances. It also highlights the importance of attentiveness to the signs God provides, even if they are unusual, as they often point to His greater purposes unfolding. We are called to wait on God with expectant hearts, trusting in His sovereign plan, even when it involves periods of patient waiting.