MPV Commentary

5. Herod was the ruler of Judea at this time (see Matthew 2:1).

The priestly course to which Zacharias belonged was Abia, one of eight courses into which David had divided the priests for temple service (1 Chronicles 24:1-10). Only four of these courses returned after the Babylonian exile and were subdivided again into twenty-four, retaining their original names and order. Each course took responsibility for a week of temple service.

Zacharias's wife was from the line of Aaron, which was considered commendable among priests (Lightfoot).

6. The commandments refer to moral obedience, while ordinances relate to ceremonial practices (Calvin and Bengel). This distinction is also seen in other passages, such as Mark 12:33 (compare Ezekiel 11:20; Hebrews 9:1).

7. Similarly, Abraham and Sarah, Isaac and Rebekah, Elkanah and Hannah, and Manoah and his wife all experienced God's presence and blessing.

9. Zacharias was assigned to burn incense as part of his priestly duties. This involved removing ashes from the previous service, bringing hot coals from the altar of burnt offering, and sprinkling incense on the coals while making intercession for the people (Revelation 8:3). Burning incense was a prominent aspect of temple worship.

10. Zacharias prayed outside the temple court, near the altar of burnt offering, where men and women were separated but could see the altar. The time of incense was during the daily morning and evening sacrifices, symbolizing the acceptability of the sacrifice offered on the altar (Leviticus 16:12-13). This practice also reflected the daily offering of themselves to God by worshippers, as seen in Psalm 141:2 and Revelation 8:3.

11. Zacharias stood on the right side of the temple, between the altar and the candlestick, while offering incense (Webster and Wilkinson). The right side was considered favorable (Matthew 25:33), but it's unclear why he specifically stood there.