12 But Zacharias did not know, and he replied, I am a minister of God, a servant in the Holy Place; how could I know where they have taken him?
13 And when the guards returned and told the king what Zacharias said, he was enraged and said,
14 My guards, go back and tell that wily priest that he is in my hands; that if he does not tell the truth, does not reveal the hiding place of John, his son, then he shall die.
15 The guards went back and told the priest just what the king had said.
16 And Zacharias said, I can but give my life for truth; and if the king does shed my blood the Lord will save my soul.
17 The guards again returned and told the king what Zacharias said.
18 Now, Zacharias stood before the altar in the Holy Place engaged in prayer.
19 A guard approached and with a dagger thrust him through; he fell and died before the curtain of the sanctuary of the Lord.
20 And when the hour of salutation came, for Zacharias daily blessed the priests, he did not come.
21 And after waiting long the priests went to the Holy Place and found the body of the dead.