Bible Figure
Zechariah (priest)
Zechariah was a priest of the division of Abijah, husband of Elizabeth, and father of John the Baptist. While serving in the Temple he received an angelic announcement of John's birth, initially doubted the promise, and was unable to speak until the child was born and named.
Biography
Luke 1 describes Zechariah and Elizabeth as righteous before God yet childless and advanced in years. While Zechariah's priestly division was serving, he was chosen by lot to enter the Temple and burn incense. The angel Gabriel appeared and announced that Elizabeth would bear a son named John, who would be great before the Lord and prepare a people for Him in the spirit and power of Elijah. Zechariah asked for assurance because of their age. Gabriel declared that because Zechariah had not believed the message, he would be silent until its fulfillment. Elizabeth conceived. At John's circumcision relatives expected the child to be named after his father, but Elizabeth insisted on John. Zechariah wrote, 'His name is John,' and immediately regained his speech. Filled with the Holy Spirit, he prophesied in the song traditionally called the Benedictus, praising God's visitation and describing John as prophet of the Most High who would prepare the Lord's ways.
Biblical Significance
Zechariah's story introduces Luke's Gospel with themes of fulfilled promise, prayer, prophetic expectation, and God's faithfulness. His Spirit-filled prophecy connects John's ministry and the coming of Jesus with God's covenant promises to Israel.