16 Many of the sons of Israel he will turn back to the Lord their God. 17 And he will go on before the Lord in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn the hearts of the fathers to their childrena and the disobedient to the wisdom of the righteous—to make ready a people prepared for the Lord.”

18 “How can I be sure of this?” Zechariah asked the angel. “I am an old man, and my wife is well along in years.” 19 “I am Gabriel,” replied the angel. “I stand in the presence of God, and I have been sent to speak to you and to bring you this good news. 20 And now you will be silent and unable to speak until the day this comes to pass, because you did not believe my words, which will be fulfilled at their proper time.” 21 Meanwhile, the people were waiting for Zechariah and wondering why he took so long in the temple. 22 When he came out and was unable to speak to them, they realized he had seen a vision in the temple. He kept making signs to them but remained unable to speak. 23 And when the days of his service were complete, he returned home. 24 After these days, his wife Elizabeth became pregnant and for five months remained in seclusion. She declared, 25 “The Lord has done this for me. In these days He has shown me favor and taken away my disgrace among the people.”