In the time of Herod king of Judea there was a priest named Zechariah, who belonged to the priestly division of Abijah, and whose wife Elizabeth was a descendant of Aaron.
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.
During the reign of Herod king of Judea, there lived a priest named Zechariah who belonged to the priestly division of Abijah, and he had a wife named Elizabeth, who was a descendant of Aaron.
Ἐγένετο ἐν ταῖς ἡμέραις Ἡρῴδου τοῦ βασιλέως τῆς Ἰουδαίας, ἱερεύς τις ὀνόματι Ζαχαρίας, ἐξ ἐφημερίας Ἀβιά· καὶ ἡ γυνὴ αὐτοῦ ἐκ τῶν θυγατέρων Ἀαρών, καὶ τὸ ὄνομα αὐτῆς Ἐλισάβετ.
Egeneto en tais hēmerais Hērōdou tou basileōs tēs Ioudaias, hiereus tis onomati Zacharias, ex ephēmerias Abia; kai hē gynē autou ek tōn thygatērōn Aarōn, kai to onoma autēs Elisabet.
This phrase sets the historical context for the events that follow. Herod, known as Herod the Great, was a Roman client king of Judea. His reign is historically placed between 37 BC and 4 BC. Herod is known for his extensive building projects, including the expansion of the Second Temple in Jerusalem. However, he is also remembered for his tyrannical rule and the biblical account of the Massacre of the Innocents. The mention of Herod situates the narrative in a time of political tension and Roman influence over Judea, highlighting the anticipation of a Messiah who would deliver the Jewish people.
Zechariah, whose name means "Yahweh has remembered," was a priest, indicating his role in the religious life of Israel. Priests were responsible for performing sacrifices and maintaining the temple rituals. Zechariah's priestly lineage underscores the continuity of God's covenant with Israel and sets the stage for the divine intervention that will unfold. His role as a priest also emphasizes the importance of faithfulness and obedience to God's commandments.
The division of Abijah was one of the 24 divisions of priests established by King David (1 Chronicles 24:10). Each division served in the temple for one week, twice a year. This detail not only provides historical context but also underscores the order and structure within the priesthood. It highlights the meticulous nature of God's plan and the fulfillment of His promises through established institutions.
Elizabeth, whose name means "God is my oath," was also of priestly descent, being a descendant of Aaron. Her lineage further emphasizes the pious and devout nature of the family. Elizabeth's role in the narrative is significant, as she becomes the mother of John the Baptist, the forerunner of Jesus. Her character exemplifies faith and righteousness, serving as a model for believers.
This phrase reiterates Elizabeth's priestly heritage, linking her to the first high priest of Israel, Aaron. The mention of Aaron connects the narrative to the Levitical priesthood and the covenantal promises made to Israel. It underscores the theme of God's faithfulness to His people and the continuity of His redemptive plan through generations. Elizabeth's lineage highlights the divine orchestration of events leading to the birth of John the Baptist, who would prepare the way for the Messiah.
This verse introduces the context and characters at the beginning of Luke's Gospel. It mentions Herod the Great, who was the ruler of Judea from 37-4 BC. This historical anchor helps situate the narrative in a specific time frame, which is important for understanding the socio-political environment of the events described.
Zechariah: Zechariah is introduced as a priest from the division of Abijah. The mention of his priestly division connects him to the 24 priestly divisions established by King David (1 Chronicles 24:7-19). This not only gives Zechariah a distinguished heritage but also signifies his role and duties in the Temple.
Divine Timing: The phrase “In the days of Herod” is more than a mere chronological marker; it suggests that the coming events are part of a divine plan unfolding in a particular historical context. This sets the tone for the entire Gospel, where God's timing is crucial.
Luke, known for his detailed and orderly account (Luke 1:3), begins his narrative by setting a historical and religious context. The careful mention of Herod, the priestly divisions, and the lineage establishes credibility and connects the narrative to Jewish traditions and prophecy.
God’s Plan: This verse subtly introduces the theme of God’s overarching plan for salvation history. The choice of Zechariah and Elizabeth, both from priestly lines and righteous before God, highlights that God’s plan involves real people and real history.
Luke 1:5 is a profound verse that lays the foundation for the subsequent narrative. It introduces key characters and situates them within a rich historical and religious context. Through this verse, Luke underscores the themes of divine timing, priestly heritage, righteousness, and the unfolding of God’s salvation plan.
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