Luke 1:9

KJV

According to the custom of the priest's office, his lot was to burn incense when he went into the temple of the Lord.

KJV (with Strong's)

According {G2596} to the custom {G1485} of the priest's office {G2405}, his lot {G2975} was to burn incense {G2370} when he went {G1525} into {G1519} the temple {G3485} of the Lord {G2962}.

Complete Jewish Bible

he was chosen by lot (according to the custom among the cohanim) to enter the Temple and burn incense.

Berean Standard Bible

he was chosen by lot, according to the custom of the priesthood, to enter the temple of the Lord and burn incense.

American Standard Version

according to the custom of the priest’s office, his lot was to enter into the temple of the Lord and burn incense.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Luke 1:9 details a significant moment in the life of Zechariah, a priest of the division of Abijah, as he faithfully performed his assigned duty in the Jerusalem Temple. According to the established customs of the priesthood, Zechariah was chosen by lot for the esteemed task of burning incense on the golden altar within the Holy Place, a sacred act that symbolized the prayers of the people ascending to God and set the stage for the miraculous divine encounter that would soon unfold.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated early in Luke's Gospel, following the introduction of Zechariah and his wife Elizabeth, both righteous and advanced in years without children. Luke 1:5-8 establishes their character and the setting of Zechariah's priestly service "in the order of his course." Verse 9 then narrows the focus to the specific, highly privileged duty Zechariah was performing. This precise detail is crucial, as the subsequent verses (Luke 1:10-23) describe the appearance of the angel Gabriel to Zechariah while he was alone in the Holy Place, announcing the miraculous birth of John the Baptist. Thus, Luke 1:9 serves as the immediate narrative setup for this pivotal divine revelation, highlighting the exact circumstances under which God chose to intervene in human history.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The "custom of the priest's office" refers to the highly organized system of temple service in Second Temple Judaism. Descendants of Aaron, who served as priests, were numerous, necessitating a structured rotation. King David had divided the priests into 24 courses, as documented in [1 Chronicles 24:1-19](/1_chronicles/24-1-19 "1 Chronicles 24 - Division of Priestly Courses"), with each course serving for one week, twice a year, in the Jerusalem Temple. Within each daily service, specific duties, such as offering the morning or evening sacrifice, trimming the lamps, or burning incense, were assigned by lot to ensure fairness and prevent disputes, as well as to acknowledge divine providence. Burning incense on the golden altar in the Holy Place was considered one of the most prestigious and rare duties, often a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for a priest, as it brought him into the closest proximity to the Holy of Holies. This act coincided with the prayers of the people gathered in the outer courts, symbolizing their supplications ascending to God.
* **Key Themes:** Luke 1:9 contributes to several key themes within Luke's Gospel and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Divine Sovereignty and Timing**. Zechariah's selection by lot was not mere chance but a divinely orchestrated appointment, placing him precisely where God intended to initiate the fulfillment of His redemptive plan. Secondly, the verse highlights the **Significance of Temple Worship and Prayer**. The act of burning incense was intrinsically linked to the prayers of the people, emphasizing the temple as a place of communion with God and the efficacy of corporate prayer, a theme echoed in [Psalm 141:2](/psalms/141-2 "Psalm 141:2 - Incense as Prayer") and [Revelation 8:3-4](/revelation/8-3-4 "Revelation 8:3-4 - Incense and Prayers of the Saints"). Thirdly, it sets the stage for the **Preparation for the Messiah**. This seemingly routine priestly duty becomes the prelude to the extraordinary announcement of John the Baptist's birth, who would prepare the way for Jesus Christ, the long-awaited Messiah. The ordinary context of faithful service is transformed into the setting for divine revelation, demonstrating God's ability to work through the mundane to accomplish the miraculous.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **custom (Greek, _éthos_):** This term refers to an established usage, practice, or tradition, often prescribed by habit or law. In this context, it denotes the well-defined, long-standing, and divinely sanctioned procedures for temple service that governed the priests' duties. It highlights the orderly and prescribed nature of worship in ancient Israel.
* **lot (Greek, _lanchánō_):** This verb means "to obtain by lot" or "to have as one's lot." It describes the ancient practice of casting lots to determine an outcome or assign a task, often believed to reveal divine will or ensure impartiality, especially when distributing duties among many. For Zechariah, it signifies that his specific, highly coveted duty was not chosen by him but assigned through a customary, yet divinely guided, process.
* **burn incense (Greek, _thymiáō_)::** Derived from a root meaning "to smoke" or "to offer aromatic fumes," this verb specifically denotes the act of offering incense. In the temple, this involved placing burning coals on the golden altar of incense and sprinkling fragrant incense upon them, creating a cloud of smoke that ascended before God. This act was deeply symbolic, representing the prayers of the people rising to God, a sacred ritual performed daily in the Holy Place.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"According to the custom of the priest's office":** This phrase establishes that Zechariah's actions were not arbitrary but were in strict adherence to the long-established and highly organized liturgical practices of the Jewish priesthood. It underscores the order, tradition, and divine regulation that governed the temple service, ensuring that every duty was performed according to prescribed norms.
* **"his lot was to burn incense":** This clause specifies the particular, highly esteemed duty assigned to Zechariah. The "lot" indicates a method of selection, often seen as divinely directed, by which a priest was chosen for a specific task on a given day. Burning incense was a rare privilege, performed on the golden altar within the Holy Place, signifying a unique proximity to God's presence.
* **"when he went into the temple of the Lord":** This final clause clarifies the location of Zechariah's service. "The temple" (Greek: _naós_) here specifically refers to the Holy Place, the inner sanctuary of the Temple building, where the golden altar of incense, the table of showbread, and the golden lampstand were located. This was a restricted area, accessible only to priests, further emphasizing the sacredness and exclusivity of Zechariah's duty and the solemnity of the moment.

#### Literary Devices
Luke 1:9 employs several literary devices to enhance its meaning and prepare the reader for the subsequent narrative. **Foreshadowing** is evident, as the seemingly ordinary act of priestly service subtly hints at the extraordinary divine intervention about to occur. The mundane routine of the temple sets the stage for a miraculous encounter. **Symbolism** is also prominent, particularly in the act of burning incense, which universally represented the prayers of the people ascending to God. The "temple of the Lord" itself is a symbol of God's dwelling place and the locus of divine-human interaction. Furthermore, there is a subtle **Irony** at play: Zechariah, a priest faithfully performing a routine duty, is about to experience a life-altering, world-changing revelation, highlighting how God often chooses to manifest His power and purpose in the midst of ordinary human faithfulness.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Luke 1:9 provides a profound theological insight into God's sovereign working through human faithfulness and established religious practices. Zechariah's diligent performance of his priestly duty, though routine, placed him in the precise position for a divine encounter. This illustrates that God often meets us not in our extraordinary pursuits, but in our consistent obedience and service within the ordinary rhythms of life. The act of burning incense, intrinsically linked to prayer, underscores the deep biblical truth that God hears and responds to the supplications of His people, even when those prayers seem to go unanswered for a long time, as was the case with Zechariah and Elizabeth's desire for a child. This moment in the temple, therefore, becomes a powerful testament to God's perfect timing and His active engagement in the lives of those who serve Him.

* [Psalm 141:2](/psalms/141-2 "Psalm 141:2 - Incense as Prayer")
* [Revelation 8:3-4](/revelation/8-3-4 "Revelation 8:3-4 - Incense and Prayers of the Saints")
* [1 Chronicles 24:1-19](/1_chronicles/24-1-19 "1 Chronicles 24 - Division of Priestly Courses")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Luke 1:9 offers a powerful reminder that God often works in the midst of our ordinary routines and faithful service. Zechariah was simply fulfilling his priestly obligation, a duty assigned by lot, yet it became the precise moment of a life-altering, world-changing encounter with the divine. This encourages us to approach our daily responsibilities, no matter how mundane they may seem, with diligence and faithfulness, recognizing that God can use any circumstance for His purposes and that our obedience can open doors to divine revelation. The symbolism of incense as prayer also profoundly emphasizes the importance and power of prayer in our lives. Just as Zechariah's incense ascended before God, our supplications, whether individual or corporate, rise before Him, and He hears and responds in His perfect timing. We are called to be attentive and expectant, even in the most familiar settings, for God delights in revealing Himself to those who faithfully seek Him.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Zechariah's faithfulness in his ordinary priestly duty challenge or encourage your approach to your daily responsibilities?**
* **In what ways can you cultivate a greater sense of expectation for God's work in the seemingly mundane aspects of your life?**
* **Considering the symbolism of incense as prayer, how might this verse deepen your understanding of the power and significance of your own prayers?**

### FAQ
**What was the "custom of the priest's office" mentioned in Luke 1:9?**

Answer: The "custom of the priest's office" refers to the highly organized system of temple service in ancient Judaism. Due to the large number of priests (descendants of Aaron), they were divided into 24 courses, each serving in the Jerusalem Temple for one week, twice a year. Within each daily service, specific duties, such as offering the morning or evening sacrifice, were assigned by lot to ensure fairness and prevent disputes. This system, established by King David (as detailed in [1 Chronicles 24](/1_chronicles/24 "1 Chronicles 24 - Division of Priestly Courses")), ensured an orderly and equitable distribution of the demanding temple responsibilities among the thousands of priests.

**Why was burning incense considered such a significant duty for a priest?**

Answer: Burning incense on the golden altar in the Holy Place was one of the most prestigious and rare duties for a priest. It was performed daily, morning and evening, coinciding with the offering of the burnt sacrifices and the prayers of the people gathered in the outer courts. This act was deeply symbolic: the rising smoke represented the prayers of the people ascending to God, creating a sacred atmosphere for divine interaction. Because it brought the priest into the closest proximity to the Holy of Holies (the innermost sanctuary where God's presence was believed to dwell), it was often a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for a priest, making Zechariah's selection particularly noteworthy. The connection between incense and prayer is explicitly seen in passages like [Psalm 141:2](/psalms/141-2 "Psalm 141:2 - Incense as Prayer") and [Revelation 8:3-4](/revelation/8-3-4 "Revelation 8:3-4 - Incense and Prayers of the Saints").

**How was Zechariah chosen for this specific task of burning incense?**

Answer: Zechariah was chosen for the duty of burning incense "by lot." In ancient times, casting lots was a common practice to determine outcomes, often believed to reveal divine will or ensure impartiality, especially when assigning duties among many individuals. For the priests, this method prevented favoritism and ensured that even the most coveted tasks were distributed fairly. In Zechariah's case, while it appeared to be a random drawing, Luke's narrative implies a divine orchestration, positioning Zechariah precisely where God intended to initiate the announcement of John the Baptist's miraculous birth (Luke 1:11-13).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Luke 1:9, describing Zechariah's priestly duty of burning incense in the temple, finds its profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Zechariah, as a priest, served in a temple made with hands, offering symbolic prayers through incense. This entire system, however, pointed forward to Christ, who is the ultimate and perfect High Priest (as extensively detailed in [Hebrews 4:14-16](/hebrews/4-14-16 "Hebrews 4:14-16 - Jesus Our Great High Priest") and [Hebrews 7:23-28](/hebrews/7-23-28 "Hebrews 7:23-28 - A Superior Priesthood")). Unlike Zechariah, who entered an earthly temple, Jesus entered "heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us" ([Hebrews 9:24](/hebrews/9-24 "Hebrews 9:24 - Christ's Heavenly Ministry")). The incense, symbolizing the prayers of the people, finds its truest efficacy in Christ's intercession. Our prayers now ascend to God not through the smoke of an earthly altar, but through the perfect advocacy of our High Priest, Jesus, who "always lives to intercede for them" ([Hebrews 7:25](/hebrews/7-25 "Hebrews 7:25 - Christ's Eternal Intercession")). Furthermore, the temple itself, where Zechariah served, ultimately points to Christ, for He declared, "Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up," referring to "the temple of his body" ([John 2:19-21](/john/2-19-21 "John 2:19-21 - Jesus and the Temple")). Thus, Zechariah's service, while significant in its time, was a shadow of the greater reality found in Jesus Christ, who is both our perfect sacrifice and our eternal intercessor, making direct access to God possible for all who believe.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

2 Chronicles 29:11

My sons, be not now negligent: for the LORD hath chosen you to stand before him, to serve him, and that ye should minister unto him, and burn incense.

1 Chronicles 23:13

The sons of Amram; Aaron and Moses: and Aaron was separated, that he should sanctify the most holy things, he and his sons for ever, to burn incense before the LORD, to minister unto him, and to bless in his name for ever.

Exodus 30:7

And Aaron shall burn thereon sweet incense every morning: when he dresseth the lamps, he shall burn incense upon it.

Exodus 30:8

And when Aaron lighteth the lamps at even, he shall burn incense upon it, a perpetual incense before the LORD throughout your generations.

Numbers 16:40

[To be] a memorial unto the children of Israel, that no stranger, which [is] not of the seed of Aaron, come near to offer incense before the LORD; that he be not as Korah, and as his company: as the LORD said to him by the hand of Moses.

1 Samuel 2:28

And did I choose him out of all the tribes of Israel [to be] my priest, to offer upon mine altar, to burn incense, to wear an ephod before me? and did I give unto the house of thy father all the offerings made by fire of the children of Israel?

2 Chronicles 26:16

¶ But when he was strong, his heart was lifted up to [his] destruction: for he transgressed against the LORD his God, and went into the temple of the LORD to burn incense upon the altar of incense.