5. In the days when Herod was king of Judea there was a certain priest whose name was Zachariah, of the daily service (the division) of Abia; and his wife was also a descendant of Aaron, and her name was Elizabeth.
6. And they both were righteous in the sight of God, walking blamelessly in all the commandments and requirements of the Lord.
7. But they had no child, for Elizabeth was barren; and both were far advanced in years.
8. Now while on duty, serving as priest before God in the order of his division,
9. As was the custom of the priesthood, it fell to him by lot to enter [the sanctuary of] the temple of the Lord and burn incense. [Exod. 30:7.]
10. And all the throng of people were praying outside [in the court] at the hour of incense [burning].
11. And there appeared to him an angel of the Lord, standing at the right side of the altar of incense.
12. And when Zachariah saw him, he was troubled, and fear took possession of him.