Deeper Reflection
Zechariah entered the Holy Place in a state of wellness, but came out mute and, apparently, also deaf (cf. Lk 1:62). The Greek word used here, kophos, can mean muteness or deafness. In any case, the people recognised this as a sign of a divine encounter. But what was the encounter all about? It was not recorded for us whether Zechariah told the people what happened (e.g. by writing on a tablet) or kept the matter to himself. However, we do know that this divinely imposed silence lasted until eight days after the birth of his son (Lk 1:64).We are also not told why the pregnant Elizabeth went into hiding for five months. Was it for a season of worship or preparation or some other reason? We do not know. However, what we do know is that after many years of her disappointment and hopelessness in barrenness, God acted to remove Elizabeth’s feelings of shame, inadequacy and despondency. In verse 25, we see in Elizabeth’s words her clear recognition of God’s hand of favour and deliverance in her life. The turn of events was God’s providence in the lives of Zechariah and Elizabeth, and indeed for the people of Israel and all the nations.