Luke 1:23Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

It is important to note that Zechariah refrained from returning home until his period of ministry had concluded and chose instead to stay within the temple. The hill country was certainly distant from Jerusalem. Indeed, a priest, even if he resided in Jerusalem, was prohibited from leaving the temple courtyard during his time of service. How sadly we overlook the sacred duties! The fact that Zechariah was rendered mute and communicated through gestures reflects the unreasonable behavior of the Jewish people. By rejecting the Word, they are unable to account for either their actions or their words. Even when questioned about prophetic matters, they remain silent and unable to provide a response.

After completing his period of service, he went back home. In due time, his wife Elizabeth became pregnant. It is essential to note that the priest was required to refrain from any intimate relations with his wife during his term of ministry, as mandated by divine law. Once he had completed his duties, Zacharias reunited with his wife, inspired by the announcement of the forthcoming birth, having learned to trust the messages delivered by the angel after being rendered mute for five months. He felt a sense of shame regarding the delayed conception, especially in light of the Virgin's own miraculous pregnancy.

However, prior to the conclusion of the vigil, he found himself unable, or perhaps unwilling, to return home. This indicates his righteousness, as he lived according to the Lord's justifications without blame. There was nothing that stopped him from returning home after his vision; yet he chose to stay in the temple, likely engaging in some form of service, although he was unable to offer blessings. While reflecting on the Gospel narratives that describe the earthly life of Jesus Christ, we also consider the conception of John the Baptist.

After the completion of his week, he returned to his hometown. He might have communicated the miraculous occurrence to his wife through some sign. However, it is likely that he did not share the full details of this vision with her or anyone else. Out of gratitude for God's blessing or perhaps to maintain the confidentiality surrounding the reason for the silence imposed on her husband's speech, Elizabeth became pregnant. She remained discreet for five months to the extent that those around her were unaware of her condition.

Following a week of service at the temple, Zechariah returned home, and shortly after, his wife Elizabeth became pregnant. This brought her immense joy, as it signified the lifting of her societal shame (Genesis 30:23, 1 Samuel 1). However, she chose to keep her joy private for five months, believing that this remarkable blessing was the work of the most compassionate God, who looked upon her to alleviate her disgrace among people, especially during a time when, based on the natural course of childbirth, such an event seemed improbable. She decided that the revelation of this miracle should be revealed to others at the appointed time by the same wise God.

Zechariah stayed at the temple to fulfill his duties until the conclusion of his scheduled service and afterward made his way back home.

The period of his service came to completion. Despite his inability to speak, Zechariah continued in his duties until the conclusion of the week. In the Old Testament, the role of priests was not centered on spoken prayers and words but focused on physical actions, such as the offering of sacrifices and acts of atonement. Therefore, even though Zacharias was unable to verbalize, he could still fulfill his priestly duties. It is important to note that the timing of John the Baptist's conception is linked to the ministry of Abijah, which also helps to establish the timeline for the Annunciation to the Blessed Virgin and the birth of Jesus Christ.

Zechariah continued with his sacred duties in the temple throughout the week, remaining until the arrival of the next Sabbath, which marked the start of a new week. At the week's conclusion, he returned from Jerusalem to his hometown and joyfully shared the wonderful news with his beloved Elizabeth. To the couple's immense delight, the archangel’s promise quickly came to fruition. Elizabeth became pregnant, and for five months, she treasured this incredible blessing in her heart, joyfully proclaiming, "Thus hath the Lord done unto me in these days, in which He hath looked upon me, to remove from me the reproach of men." The profound mystery was drawing closer to its fulfillment.

When the days of service were concluded, signifying the completion of the week, Zechariah, despite his inability to move, continued to fulfill his duties in the temple until the appointed time. The act of burning incense at the altar did not necessitate verbal communication, and the devoted priest, motivated by profound reverence for the sacred task and the uniqueness of his experience, remained in the temple until the legally established moment. - "To his house": likely in Hebron or Jutta.

After the conclusion of his ministry, he went back to his home.

The announcement made by the angel astonished Zacharias, filling him with such wonder that his initial fear quickly transformed into skepticism and doubt. He expressed his confusion to the celestial messenger, questioning, "How can this be? I am advanced in years, and my wife is of an age well beyond childbearing." The angel’s response not only confirmed the veracity of the joyful tidings but also highlighted the consequences of his disbelief—a reaction that was indeed inappropriate for a priest in the presence of a divine envoy. "I am Gabriel, standing in the presence of God, sent to convey this message to you," the angel declared with authority.