Luke 1:8

“And it came to pass, that while he executed the priest's office, etc.] To which he was called and ordained, even to offer gifts and sacrifices for men; whilst he was in the way of his duty, when oftentimes God appears to, and in favour of his people; whilst he was performing it, before God; in the temple, where was the symbol of the divine presence, before the altar of the Lord; and as having the fear of God before his eyes; considering himself as in the sight of God, and doing his work faithfully and sincerely: in the order of his course; taking his turn in the order of the course of Abia, to which he belonged; (See Gill on “<420105>Luke 1:5”).”

“Before God - In the temple, where God dwelt by the symbols of His presence. The temple was regarded by the Jews as the “house” or dwelling of God; and in the “first” temple there was, in the most holy place, a “cloud” called the Shechinah, or a visible sign of the presence of God. It was thus “before God” that Zechariah offered incense. return to 'Top of Page'”

“1:8-9 his order was on duty that week . . . he was chosen by lot: It was common in Old Testament times to cast lots (similar to throwing dice) to determine God’s will (1 Chr 26:13-16; Neh 11:1; Prov 16:33; Jon 1:7). There were twenty-four orders of priests (1 Chr 24:1-19) that took turns in the Temple, and lots were cast to determine which priest would serve in the sanctuary. There were a large number of priests, so this privilege might come only once in a priest’s lifetime. The angel appeared at the most sacred moment of Zechariah’s life. • to enter the sanctuary of the Lord and burn incense:. Luke uses the word here translated sanctuary (Greek naos) for the Temple building, not the whole…”

“he: Exo 28:1, Exo 28:41, Exo 29:1, Exo 29:9, Exo 29:44, Exo 30:30; Num 18:7; Ch1 24:2; Ch2 11:14 in: Luk 1:5; Ch1 24:19; Ch2 8:14, Ch2 31:2, Ch2 31:19; Ezr 6:18 Luke 1:9”