Directly beside the temple, which remained the focal point for the city and the entire region—including the diaspora of Jews—the ruling figure was Herod the Great. A usurper of David's throne, Herod ingratiated himself with the Romans, often disregarding the sentiments of his subjects, especially the most devout among them, by introducing Roman pagan customs and even theaters in Jerusalem. However, to quell the discontent of the people and to satisfy his ambition for monumental architecture, he undertook the reconstruction of the modest temple, which had been built by the impoverished returnees from Babylonian captivity. He erected a magnificent edifice that left onlookers in awe. Aspiring to eclipse Solomon, Herod invested immense effort and resources; thousands of laborers transported stones, and under the oversight of a thousand priests, the temple was crafted with the expertise of the finest artists and architects. The resulting structure was so grand that a Jewish saying emerged: “whoever has not seen Herod's temple does not know what beauty is.”
The temple's courtyards and porticoes were filled with a diverse throng. Hellenists from across the globe gathered at this national sanctuary, while Galileans with their spirited nature and distinct dialect mingled with Jews from surrounding villages, fashionable Jerusalemites, priests, and Levites adorned in white robes. Among them were authoritative Pharisees in their wide-brimmed garments showcasing their legalistic fringes and conspicuous phylacteries, as well as the refined Sadducees, who, with their cynical smiles, displayed their disbelief toward the showy piety of the Pharisees. Additionally, Gentiles congregated in the outer courts, drawn by mere curiosity about Jewish worship. Many in this varied assembly came to pray, offer sacrifices, or seek purification, while others gathered to reconnect with friends or discuss religious and civic affairs in the expansive colonnades surrounding the temple, which also hosted the Sanhedrin for judicial deliberations. In the Gentile courtyard and its porticoes, money changers operated stalls, exchanging foreign coins for sacred shekels, the only currency accepted by the temple, along with selling animals and birds permitted for sacrifice, as well as other items necessary for worship. Beggars and the disabled crowded at the temple's porticoes and walls, beseeching for alms. Among this eclectic crowd, the members of prominent priestly families or renowned scribes and lawyers appeared, often accompanied by their sycophantic disciples. These scribes would ascend to the temple's terrace on the Sabbath and feast days to instruct the masses in the law or to address inquiries regarding the intricacies of Jewish legal interpretations. Moreover, some, fueled by sincere religious and moral aspirations, visited the people's sanctuary to reflect on the past and future destinies of their nation under its shadow, praying for the swift arrival of the “consolation of Israel” that would restore the long-lost glory of the chosen people.
On one autumn day, the devout Zechariah navigated through the crowded temple grounds, heading to the designated room prepared for him. The following day, he was to commence his priestly service early in the morning, necessitating his preparation. The great gates of the temple swung open, and the sound of silver trumpets echoed throughout the city, signaling the moment of the morning sacrifice. The populace surged toward the temple, where the priests began distributing the intricate responsibilities of the day's rituals. A particularly sacred act was the burning of incense paired with prayers on behalf of the people gathered in the vestibule and courtyards, an esteemed duty assigned to a priest through a careful selection process since each priest could only perform this act once in a lifetime. The priest chosen by lot for this revered position was regarded as “the fortunate one,” due to the profound spiritual significance of the task and the privilege it held. This honor fell upon the righteous Zechariah that day, and one can only imagine the depth of feeling he experienced as he prepared for this momentous occasion, the most sacred duty bestowed upon a priest in close proximity to the Holy of Holies. A holy anticipation washed over him, and with a heart full of reverence, he readied himself for this esteemed act of worship. Two assisting priests aided him: one carefully cleared the altar of any remnants from prior rituals, offering a prayer before departing, while the other brought forth live coals, positioned them on the altar of incense, and subsequently left after offering his prayer, leaving Zechariah the sole priest in the sanctuary.
As the sound of a silver trumpet resonated through the temple, announcing the imminent sacred act, Zechariah approached the altar of incense, the golden censer in hand. He found himself before the veil that concealed the Holy of Holies, with the table of showbread to his right, the golden lampstand to his left, casting glimmers of enchanting light, and directly in front of him, the altar of incense, adorned with smoldering coals. Overwhelmed with awe in such a hallowed space, enveloped in the divine presence, Zechariah was filled with deep reverence, a sentiment shared by all the people who stood in respectful silence outside. At this moment, he cast incense upon the burning coals, allowing a fragrant cloud of smoke to rise, symbolizing the prayers offered for the faithful and for all Israel. This prayer, offered in unison with the sacred act, was typically for the forgiveness of the sins of the people, the priest, and his household. Yet, as a righteous man and one earnestly “longing for the consolation of Israel” and “expecting deliverance” (Luke 2:25, 38), Zechariah could fervently add a plea for the imminent fulfillment of Israel’s long-awaited hope and the advent of the Messiah foretold by the prophets.
THEOSIS