SEV Biblia, Chapter 1:21
Y el pueblo estaba esperando a Zacarías, y se maravillaban de que l se detuviese en el Templo.
Clarke's Bible Commentary - Luke 1:21
Verse 21. The people waited] The time spent in burning the incense was probably about half an hour, during which there was a profound silence, as the people stood without engaged in mental prayer. To this there is an allusion in Rev. viii. 1-5. Zacharias had spent not only the time necessary for burning the incense, but also that which the discourse between him and the angel took up.
John Gill's Bible Commentary
Ver. 21. And the people waited for Zacharias , etc.] That were without, in the court of the Israelites, praying there, while he was offering incense: these were waiting for his coming out, in order to be blessed by him, according to ( Numbers 6:23-26) and be dismissed: and marvelled that he tarried so long in the temple; beyond the usual time of burning incense; which might be occasioned either by a longer discourse of the angel with him than what is here related; or being struck with amazement at the sight and hearing of the angel, he might continue long musing on this unexpected appearance and relation; or he might spend some time not only in meditation upon it, but in mental prayer, confession, and thanksgiving. The high priest, when he went in to burn incense on the day of atonement, made a short prayer in the outward house, (in the temple,) and he did not continue long in his prayer, ty[bhl al , that he might not affright the Israelites f60 , thinking that he was dead; for many high priests that were unfit for, or made alteration in the service, died in the holy of holies f61 . It is reported of one high priest, that he continued long in his prayer, and his brethren, the priests, thought to have gone in after him; and they began to go in, and he came out; they say unto him, why didst thou continue long in thy prayer? he replied to them, is it hard in your eyes that I should pray for you, and for the house of the sanctuary, that it might not be destroyed? they answered him, be not used to do so; for we have learned, that a man should not continue long in prayer, that he may not affright Israel. This high priest, they elsewhere say f63 , was Simeon the just.
Matthew Henry Commentary
Verses 5-25 - The father and mother of John the Baptist were sinners as all are, an were justified and saved in the same way as others; but they wer eminent for piety and integrity. They had no children, and it could no be expected that Elisabeth should have any in her old age. Whil Zacharias was burning incense in the temple, the whole multitude of the people were praying without. All the prayers we offer up to God, ar acceptable and successful only by Christ's intercession in the templ of God above. We cannot expect an interest therein if we do not pray and pray with our spirits, and are not earnest in prayer. Nor can we expect that the best of our prayers should gain acceptance, and brin an answer of peace, but through the mediation of Christ, who eve lives, making intercession. The prayers Zacharias often made, receive an answer of peace. Prayers of faith are filed in heaven, and are no forgotten. Prayers made when we were young and entering into the world may be answered when we are old and going out of the world. Mercies ar doubly sweet that are given in answer to prayer. Zacharias shall have son in his old age, who shall be instrumental in the conversion of man souls to God, and preparing them to receive the gospel of Christ. He shall go before Him with courage, zeal, holiness, and a mind dead to earthly interests and pleasures. The disobedient and rebellious woul be brought back to the wisdom of their righteous forefathers, or rather, brought to attend to the wisdom of that Just One who was comin among them. Zacharias heard all that the angel said; but his unbelie spake. In striking him dumb, God dealt justly with him, because he ha objected against God's word. We may admire the patience of God toward us. God dealt kindly with him, for thus he prevented his speaking an more distrustful, unbelieving words. Thus also God confirmed his faith If by the rebukes we are under for our sin, we are brought to give the more credit to the word of God, we have no reason to complain. Eve real believers are apt to dishonour God by unbelief; and their mouth are stopped in silence and confusion, when otherwise they would have been praising God with joy and gratitude. In God's gracious dealing with us we ought to observe his gracious regards to us. He has looke on us with compassion and favour, and therefore has thus dealt with us.
Greek Textus Receptus
και 2532 CONJ ην 2258 5713 V-IXI-3S ο 3588 T-NSM λαος 2992 N-NSM προσδοκων 4328 5723 V-PAP-NSM τον 3588 T-ASM ζαχαριαν 2197 N-ASM και 2532 CONJ εθαυμαζον 2296 5707 V-IAI-3P εν 1722 PREP τω 3588 T-DSM χρονιζειν 5549 5721 V-PAN αυτον 846 P-ASM εν 1722 PREP τω 3588 T-DSM ναω 3485 N-DSM
Vincent's NT Word Studies
21. Waited (hn prosdokwn). The finite verb and participle, denoting protracted waiting. Hence, better as Rev., were waiting. Wyc., was abiding.Marvelled. According to the Talmud, the priests, especially the chief priests, were accustomed to spend only a short time in the sanctuary, otherwise it was feared that they had been slain by God for unworthiness or transgression.
Robertson's NT Word Studies
1:21 {Were waiting} (en prosdokwn). Periphrastic imperfect again. An old Greek verb for expecting. Appears in papyri and inscriptions. It denotes mental direction whether hope or fear. {They marvelled} (eqaumazon). Imperfect tense, were wondering. The Talmud says that the priest remained only a brief time in the sanctuary. {While he tarried} (en twi cronizein). See verse #8 for the same idiom.
