The Pulpit Commentary on Luke 1:21

The Pulpit Commentary · Joseph S. Exell and contributors · Public domain

And the people waited for Zacharias, and marveled that he tarried so long in the temple. The Talmud tells us that even the high priest did not terry long in the holy of holies on the Day of Atonement.

The same feeling of holy awe would induce the ministering priest of the day to perform his functions with no unnecessary delay, and to leave as soon as possible the holy place. The people praying in the court without were in the habit of waiting until the priest on duty came out of the sacred inner chamber, after which they were dismissed with the blessing.

The unusual delay in the appearance of Zacharias puzzled and disturbed the worshippers.

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