This passage reveals many things about our God. First, it makes clear that he has not forgotten his ancient promises to send a Saviour to his people. Our God never forgets. Second, it makes clear that no matter how dark the times, God always has a remnant to call his own. His church never dies. It may shrink and even disappear from human view, but it lives, and it prays. Third, it stresses that our God also loves surprises and majors often in the unexpected. Why else single out an old and barren couple? Fourth, it highlights that neither doubt nor biology is an obstacle to our mighty God and the furtherance of his gracious will.
5 In the days of Herod, king of Judea, there was a priest named Zechariah, of the division of Abijah. And he had a wife from the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elizabeth.