Luke 1:21-22

Luke 1:21-22. And the people Who had been praying in the court of the temple, while the incense was burning; waited for Zacharias To come out and bless them; for so the priests used to do after burning the incense; and marvelled that he tarried so long, εν τω χρονιζειν αυτον , at his delaying, or, spending time in the temple; εν τω ναω , in the house, or sanctuary. See note on Luke 1:9. All that is here said to have taken place between the angel and Zacharias, might have passed in a few minutes; since, therefore, the people took notice of his continuing so much longer than was usual in the holy place, it is probable, that after the angel had left him, he employed some time in secret devotion, to which the mixture of holy affections that would naturally arise in his mind on so great and extraordinary an occasion would powerfully incline him; and while thus occupied, he might easily forget how fast the moments passed away. When he came out, he could not speak unto them A circumstance which must have greatly astonished them; and they perceived that he had seen a vision That is, a divine vision; in the temple Or holy place. As the signs which he made, left them no room to doubt that some extraordinary and supernatural revelation had been made to him by God. For he beckoned unto them, and remained speechless He continued deaf and dumb during the remainder of his stay at Jerusalem; a circumstance wisely ordered by Providence to awaken a greater and more general expectation, as to the event of so strange an occurrence; which, as a great multitude were now present in the court of the temple, (see Luke 1:10,) would of course be widely spread, not only through Jerusalem but all Judea.