Luke 1:10

"And the whole multitude of the people were praying without at the time of incense."

Commentary

This emphasizes the collective participation of the Jewish worshippers gathered at the temple. The term 'multitude' suggests this was during a major prayer time when many pilgrims would assemble, highlighting the communal nature of temple worship. The people remained outside in the temple courts while the priest entered the Holy Place alone. This spatial separation reflected the holiness restrictions of temple worship, where only priests could enter certain areas to perform sacred duties. The incense offering occurred twice daily (morning and evening) and symbolized prayers ascending to God. This synchronized moment united the priest's ritual inside with the people's prayers outside, creating a powerful corporate worship experience.