en_tn_condensed/luk/01/08.md

# Now it came about

This phrase is used to mark a shift in the story from the background information to the participants.

# Zechariah was in God's presence, carrying out the priestly duties

It is implied that Zechariah was in God's temple and that these priestly duties were part of worshiping God. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

# in the order of his division

"when it was his group's turn" or "when the time came for his group to serve"

# According to the customary way of choosing which priest would ... burn incense

This sentence gives us information about priestly duties. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-background]])

# the customary way

"the traditional method" or "their usual way"

# chosen by lot

A lot was a marked stone that was thrown or rolled on the ground in order to help them decide something. The priests believed that God guided the lot to show them which priest he wanted them to choose.

# to burn incense

The priests were to burn sweet-smelling incense as an offering to God each morning and evening on a special altar inside the temple.

# The whole crowd of people

"A large number of people" or "Many people"

# outside

The courtyard was the enclosed area surrounding the temple. AT: "outside the temple building" or "in the courtyard outside the temple" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

# at the hour

"at the set time." It is unclear if this was the morning or evening time for the incense offering.