Luke 1:9 – “He was chosen by lot, according to the custom of the priesthood, to go into the temple of the Lord and burn incense.”

Extended Explanation

This verse highlights an important moment in Zechariah’s life. He was chosen to enter the temple and burn incense, a significant duty for a priest. The task of burning incense symbolized offering prayers to God on behalf of the people. Being chosen for this role was not just routine—it was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for many priests, since the selection was made by casting lots, which was believed to reflect God’s decision.

Zechariah’s selection was not random, even though it involved casting lots. It was part of God’s divine plan to place him in the temple at the exact moment when He would reveal His message through the angel Gabriel. This verse shows how God uses ordinary processes to accomplish His extraordinary purposes.

Historical Context

During Zechariah’s time, there were around 18,000 priests divided into 24 divisions (1 Chronicles 24:7-19). Each division served in the temple for one week, twice a year. Among their many duties, one of the most sacred was entering the Holy Place to burn incense on the altar. This occurred twice a day, and only a selected priest would be allowed to perform the task.

The selection of a priest to burn incense was done by casting lots, a practice used throughout the Old Testament to seek God’s guidance (Proverbs 16:33). Once chosen, a priest would typically not be selected again, making this a special and rare moment for Zechariah. The burning of incense symbolized the prayers of the people rising to God, and the priest’s role was to stand in God’s presence on their behalf.

Theological Implications

This verse illustrates the sovereignty of God in directing human events. Although casting lots seemed like a random process, God was ultimately in control. Zechariah’s selection at this specific moment was part of God’s plan to announce the birth of John the Baptist, who would prepare the way for Jesus.

The act of burning incense also has theological significance. It symbolizes the prayers of the people reaching God, showing that God hears and responds to the prayers of His people. This moment foreshadows how, through Jesus, believers would have direct access to God without needing a priest to mediate on their behalf (Hebrews 4:14-16).

Literary Analysis

Luke’s narrative includes rich detail to emphasize how this moment was divinely orchestrated. The mention of casting lots and the custom of the priesthood adds depth to the story, showing that God works through established systems and traditions to bring about His will. The phrase “to go into the temple of the Lord and burn incense” creates a sense of anticipation, signaling that something important is about to happen.

This verse also highlights the contrast between routine religious duty and divine intervention. What began as an ordinary day of service for Zechariah would turn into a life-changing encounter with God’s messenger.

Biblical Cross-References

• Exodus 30:7-8 – Instructions given to Aaron for the burning of incense, symbolizing its long-standing role in temple worship.
• Psalm 141:2 – “May my prayer be set before you like incense,” illustrating how incense symbolized the prayers of God’s people.
• Proverbs 16:33 – “The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the Lord,” showing that God is sovereign over the outcome of casting lots.
• Revelation 8:3-4 – Incense is again connected with the prayers of believers, showing its symbolic significance throughout Scripture.

What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian

For modern Christians, this verse is a reminder that God is always at work, even in situations that seem random or ordinary. Zechariah probably didn’t expect anything extraordinary to happen that day, but God used a normal process to bring about His plan. In the same way, God can use the ordinary events of our lives to accomplish His purposes, often in ways we don’t anticipate.

This verse also reminds us of the importance of prayer. Just as the incense symbolized prayers rising to God, our prayers are heard and valued by God today. We can approach Him with confidence, knowing that He listens and responds in His perfect timing.

How This Verse Relates to a Loving God

God’s love is shown in His attention to the details of our lives. Zechariah wasn’t chosen by chance—God deliberately placed him in the temple that day to deliver a message of hope and promise. This shows that God’s love is personal and purposeful. He orchestrates events in our lives, even when we don’t realize it, to fulfill His plans for our good.

God’s love is also evident in His invitation to approach Him through prayer. The burning of incense represented the prayers of the people, and today, we have direct access to God through prayer because of His love for us (1 John 5:14).

How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ

This verse connects to Jesus by pointing to the transition from the old covenant, where priests served as mediators between God and the people, to the new covenant, where Jesus becomes the ultimate mediator. Zechariah’s priestly role foreshadows the greater role of Jesus as our High Priest, who offers Himself as the final sacrifice and grants us direct access to God (Hebrews 7:25).

Additionally, Zechariah’s encounter in the temple leads to the announcement of John the Baptist’s birth, which is directly tied to the coming of Jesus. John’s mission was to prepare people for the Messiah by calling them to repentance (Luke 1:16-17). Without this event, the stage wouldn’t have been set for Jesus’ ministry.

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

1. How does this verse encourage you to see God’s hand in the ordinary events of your life?
2. What role does prayer play in your relationship with God, and how can you be more intentional about it?
3. Have you ever experienced a time when something that seemed random turned out to be part of God’s plan?
4. How does Zechariah’s selection to burn incense demonstrate God’s ability to guide our paths, even when we don’t see it?
5. What does this verse teach you about the transition from the old system of priests to the new covenant established by Jesus?

Luke 1:9 is a powerful reminder of God’s sovereignty, the importance of prayer, and His ability to work through everyday circumstances to accomplish His purposes. It calls us to trust in His timing and to remain faithful, knowing that He is always working behind the scenes for our good.