Luke 1:5-7
In the days of Herod, king of Judea, there was a priest named Zechariah, of the division of Abijah. And he had a wife from the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elizabeth. And they were both righteous before God, walking blamelessly in all the commandments and statutes of the Lord. But they had no child, because Elizabeth was barren, and both were advanced in years.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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Luke’s meticulous detail in mentioning Zechariah’s priestly "course of Abijah" and Elizabeth’s lineage from Aaron isn't just historical accuracy; it emphasizes that their righteous lives weren't accidental but rooted in a sacred heritage. This highlights how God often chooses to work through those deeply connected to His covenant, even when they feel forgotten.
This passage introduces us to a devout priest named Zechariah and his wife Elizabeth, who are of priestly lineage and live righteously but are childless. Their story is set in the time of King Herod the Great, marking a period when Jewish self-rule was diminished under Roman influence. This introduces the narrative's focus on the miraculous births that herald the coming of the Messiah, beginning with John the Baptist.
Why begin the story of Jesus with King Herod? This wasn't just any king, and his reign marked a crucial turning point. Discover what made this era so significant.
Luke 1:5 introduces us to a world on the cusp of massive change. Herod the Great, though king of Judea, was not of Jewish lineage; he was an Idumean imposed by Roman power. This political reality fulfilled ancient prophecies, like Jacob's declaration that the scepter would depart from Judah.
This foreign rule and the general sense of a fading national identity created a unique atmosphere. It was a time when the expectation for a true Messiah, a deliverer, was perhaps more keenly felt than ever. The 'fullness of time' wasn't just a random moment; it was a period where historical, political, and spiritual conditions converged, making humanity ripe for God's intervention.
Zechariah and Elizabeth were more than just names; they represented a legacy of devotion. What does their background tell us about their calling?
Luke 1:5 highlights Zechariah's priestly role and Elizabeth's lineage from Aaron. This wasn't just about social standing; it was deeply spiritual. The priestly division of Abia, to which Zechariah belonged, was one of twenty-four orders that served in the Temple, each taking their turn. This structured service, ordained by David, ensured orderly worship.
That Elizabeth was 'from the daughters of Aaron' meant she too was connected to the sacred lineage. This meant their future child, John the Baptist, would have impeccable priestly credentials on both sides, a significant detail for his role as a forerunner. Their combined heritage pointed to a deep connection with God's covenant and His people's worship.
They were 'righteous before God,' yet childless. What does this contrast reveal about true faith?
Luke 1:6 doesn't just state that Zechariah and Elizabeth were good people; it declares they were 'both righteous before God, walking in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blameless.' This wasn't a superficial religiosity. 'Commandments' refers to God's moral law, while 'ordinances' points to the ceremonial and worship practices. They sought to live out their faith in its entirety, not just outwardly, but with a sincere heart and conscience.
Understand the original words
hiereus · Greek Noun
A mediator between God and people, tasked with performing sacrificial rites, intercession, and teaching the Law. In the New Testament, the role points toward the ultimate high priesthood of Jesus Christ.
dikaios · Greek Adjective
Refers to one who is in a right relationship with God, characterized by conformity to His law and moral integrity. In a biblical context, it implies a person whose life aligns with God's character and requirements.
amemptos · Greek Adjective
Relates to a lifestyle that is without recognized fault or defect in conduct before God. It describes a heart and life genuinely devoted to keeping God's commandments, though not implying sinless perfection.
entolē · Greek Noun
The New Testament opens in a period of political subjugation under Herod the Great, a time when the prophetic voice had been silent for centuries. This context highlights the extraordinary nature of God's intervention with the births of John the Baptist and Jesus, signaling a new era of divine communication and hope.
c. 400 BC
End of Prophetic Voice
The Old Testament canon closes with the prophet Malachi, marking the beginning of approximately 400 years of prophetic silence from God to Israel.
63 BC
Roman Conquest of Judea
Roman general Pompey conquers Judea, ending the Hasmonean dynasty and establishing Roman dominance over the region. This marks a significant shift in political power.
40 BC - 4 BC— this verse
Reign of Herod the Great
Herod the Great, an Idumean appointed by Rome, rules Judea. His reign is characterized by both impressive building projects and brutal political maneuvering.
c. 6 BC
Birth of John the Baptist
Zechariah, a priest of the division of Abijah, and his wife Elizabeth, are miraculously given a son, John, in their old age, fulfilling divine promises.
This passage details the establishment of the twenty-four priestly courses by King David, providing the historical and administrative background for Zechariah's specific 'course of Abijah' mentioned in Luke.
Malachi 4:5-6This prophecy foretells the coming of Elijah to turn the hearts of fathers to their children and children to their fathers before the great day of the Lord, directly paralleling the mission of John the Baptist, the son of Zechariah and Elizabeth.
Isaiah 6:1-8This passage describes Isaiah's vision of God in the temple and his commission as a prophet, which echoes Zechariah's encounter with an angel in the Holy Place and his own prophetic calling to announce a coming salvation.
Genesis 17:15-17Here, God changes Abram's name to Abraham and blesses him and Sarah with a son in their old age, mirroring the miraculous birth of John to the aged and barren Elizabeth and Zechariah, highlighting God's power to bring life where it seems impossible.
Exodus 30:7-8This describes the daily ritual of burning incense in the sanctuary, which is the specific priestly duty Zechariah was performing when the angel appeared to him, linking the physical act of worship to the spiritual revelation.
barnesLuke 1:5: "There was in the days of Herod, the king of Judaea, a certain priest named Zacharias, of the course of Abia: and his wife was of the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elisabeth."
In the days of Herod - See the notes at Matthew 2:1 . Of the course of Abia - When the priests became so numerous that they could not at once minister at the altar, David divided them into 24 classes or courses, each one of which officiated for a week, 1 Chronicles 24. The class or course (shift) of Abia…
expositorsLuke 1:5: "There was in the days of Herod, the king of Judaea, a certain priest named Zacharias, of the course of Abia: and his wife was of the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elisabeth."
Chapter 2THE MUTE PRIEST. Luke 1:5-25 ; Luke 1:57-80 . AFTER his personal prelude, our Evangelist goes on to give in detail the pre-Advent revelations, so connecting the thread of his narrative with the broken-off thread of the Old Testament. His language, however, suddenly changes its character and accen…
Luke’s meticulous detail in mentioning Zechariah’s priestly "course of Abijah" and Elizabeth’s lineage from Aaron isn't just historical accuracy; it emphasizes that their righteous lives weren't accidental but rooted in a sacred heritage. This highlights how God often chooses to work through those deeply connected to His covenant, even when they feel forgotten.
This passage introduces us to a devout priest named Zechariah and his wife Elizabeth, who are of priestly lineage and live righteously but are childless. Their story is set in the time of King Herod the Great, marking a period when Jewish self-rule was diminished under Roman influence. This introduces the narrative's focus on the miraculous births that herald the coming of the Messiah, beginning with John the Baptist.
This passage introduces us to a devout priest named Zechariah and his wife Elizabeth, who are of priestly lineage and live righteously but are childless. Their story is set in the time of King Herod the Great, marking a period when Jewish self-rule was diminished under Roman influence. This introduces the narrative's focus on the miraculous births that herald the coming of the Messiah, beginning with John the Baptist.
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Yet, they faced the profound sorrow of childlessness, a significant trial in their cultural context. Their righteousness wasn't about earning God's favor or a guaranteed outcome. Instead, it was about faithfulness and devotion, even in the face of disappointment and a long wait. This sets the stage for God's extraordinary intervention, showing that His timing and His gifts often surpass our expectations.
Authoritative directives or holy requirements given by God to His people. They serve as the standard of conduct for the covenant community.
dikaiōma · Greek Noun
Divine decrees or established ordinances set by God. These often refer to the specific regulatory laws governing worship and civil life within the covenant.
steira · Greek Adjective
Refers to the physical inability to conceive or bear children. In Scripture, this condition was often viewed as a heavy social and personal trial, yet it frequently serves as a prelude to a miraculous intervention by God.
c. 4 BC
Birth of Jesus
Jesus is born in Bethlehem during the reign of Herod the Great, marking the fulfillment of numerous Old Testament prophecies.
"In the days of Herod, king of Judea, there was a priest named Zechariah, of the division of Abijah. And he had a wife from the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elizabeth. And they were both righteous before God, walking blamelessly in…" — Luke’s meticulous detail in mentioning Zechariah’s priestly "course of Abijah" and Elizabeth’s lineage from Aaron isn't just historical accuracy; it emphasizes that their righteous lives weren't acci…
