According To Luke: An Analytical Commentary

Luke 1:20-23

20 And, behold (attention word; draws focus), thou shalt be dumb (mute), and not able to speak (emphasizes the judgment), until the day that these things (the promised events) shall be performed (fulfilled; come to pass), because thou believest not (unbelief is the reason for chastisement) my words (the angel’s message, which is God’s word), which shall be fulfilled (certainty despite doubt) in their season (at the appointed time).

21 And the people waited for Zacharias (waited outside during incense offering), and marvelled (were amazed; wondered) that he tarried so long in the temple (longer than usual; unusual delay caused concern).

22 And when he came out (of the temple), he could not speak unto them (a sign that something supernatural had occurred): and they perceived (understood; concluded) that he had seen a vision (divine revelation or appearance) in the temple: for he beckoned (made signs; gestures) unto them, and remained speechless (unable to speak — fulfillment of v. 20).

23 And it came to pass, that, as soon as (without delay) the days of his ministration were accomplished (finished his temple service — cf. 2 Chron. 8:14; 1 Chron. 24:19), he departed to his own house (in the hill country of Judea — see v. 39).