Zechariah was a Jewish priest of the lineage of Aaron who lived during the 1st century BC. As the husband of Elizabeth, he is primarily recognized in the New Testament as the father of John the Baptist. While performing his duties at the temple in Jerusalem, he received a divine announcement from the angel Gabriel regarding the birth of his son. Because of his initial doubt concerning this prophecy, he was rendered unable to speak until the child was named, at which point he regained his voice and offered a prophecy.