Luke 1:9
According to the custom of the priest's office, his lot was to burn incense when he went into the temple of the Lord.
Original Language Analysis
κατὰ
According
G2596
κατὰ
According
Strong's:
G2596
Word #:
1 of 14
(prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined)
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
2 of 14
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τῆς
G3588
τῆς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
4 of 14
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἱερατείας
of the priest's office
G2405
ἱερατείας
of the priest's office
Strong's:
G2405
Word #:
5 of 14
priestliness, i.e., the sacerdotal function
ἔλαχεν
his lot
G2975
ἔλαχεν
his lot
Strong's:
G2975
Word #:
6 of 14
to lot, i.e., determine (by implication, receive) especially by lot
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
7 of 14
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
θυμιᾶσαι
was to burn incense
G2370
θυμιᾶσαι
was to burn incense
Strong's:
G2370
Word #:
8 of 14
to fumigate, i.e., offer aromatic fumes
εἰς
into
G1519
εἰς
into
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
10 of 14
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
τὸν
G3588
τὸν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
11 of 14
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
2 Chronicles 29:11My sons, be not now negligent: for the LORD hath chosen you to stand before him, to serve him, and that ye should minister unto him, and burn incense.1 Chronicles 23:13The sons of Amram; Aaron and Moses: and Aaron was separated, that he should sanctify the most holy things, he and his sons for ever, to burn incense before the LORD, to minister unto him, and to bless in his name for ever.Numbers 16:40To be a memorial unto the children of Israel, that no stranger, which is not of the seed of Aaron, come near to offer incense before the LORD; that he be not as Korah, and as his company: as the LORD said to him by the hand of Moses.1 Samuel 2:28And did I choose him out of all the tribes of Israel to be my priest, to offer upon mine altar, to burn incense, to wear an ephod before me? and did I give unto the house of thy father all the offerings made by fire of the children of Israel?
Historical Context
So many priests served that most never received the honor of offering incense in the Holy Place. This sacred duty, performed alone while people prayed outside, represented the nation's intercession. That Zacharias received this honor at this moment reveals divine purpose.
Questions for Reflection
- How does God use ordinary responsibilities to position us for extraordinary encounters?
- What does the casting of lots teach about God's sovereignty over chance?
- How does faithful service in small things prepare us for greater assignments?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The lot fell to Zacharias 'according to the custom of the priest's office' to burn incense—a once-in-a-lifetime honor. The Hebrew casting of lots recognized God's sovereign control: 'The lot is cast into the lap; but the whole disposing thereof is of the LORD' (Prov 16:33). This seemingly random selection was God's appointed means of placing Zacharias in position for angelic visitation. The incense symbolized prayer ascending to God (Ps 141:2; Rev 8:3-4), preparing for the prayer-answering that would follow.