Why the Right Side?

The Gospel writer records that an angel appeared to Zechariah, standing on the right side of the altar of incense (Luke 1:11). At first glance, this detail may seem incidental, but upon closer examination it carries deep biblical and symbolic meaning.

Throughout Scripture, the 'right hand' is consistently associated with favor, blessing, and authority. For example, Psalms 110:1 speaks of the Messiah sitting at God's right hand, and in Matthew 25:33, the sheep are placed at the right, representing acceptance and mercy. Thus, Luke's note that the angel stood on the right side of the altar serves as an early signal to the reader that this appearance is one of grace and divine favor, not of judgment.

The detail also makes sense within the Temple layout. The altar of incense stood in the Holy Place, directly before the veil separating the Holy of Holies. From the priest's perspective facing the altar, the right side was the north, where the lampstand stood; but in Temple terminology, the altar itself was described as facing east, and its right side pointed south, toward the table of showbread. Rabbinic traditions record that favorable visions appeared on the right side of the altar, while unfavorable ones appeared on the left. Luke's description, therefore, is not a casual observation but a deliberate marker: God had accepted Zechariah's offering and was about to bless Israel with the forerunner of the Messiah.

For Luke's Jewish readers, this would have been instantly understood as a good omen. For us today, it reminds us that God's answers come not randomly but in ways that confirm His mercy and faithfulness. The angel's position underscored that Zechariah's prayers, and the prayers of Israel, had been heard.

In the end, Luke uses a simple directional detail to weave together Temple symbolism, biblical tradition, and narrative theology. The right side of the altar meant blessing, and the message brought that day was indeed the blessing of a son and the promise of salvation.